Geneva, international meeting place, the smallest of the world's metropolises, peace capital of the world, situated between the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and Mount Salève, is a world for everyone, quiet apart from the rest of Switzerland.

Known for being headquarters for many international organizations, Geneva also features the world's tallest fountain, the Jet d'Eau, Cathedrals, numerous museums and libraries, the University, the Opera and the Orchestra of the Suisse Romande. They all have contributed to the city's development. Check out the Horology Museum that highlights the importance of clock and watch making to the Genevan economy or the Natural History Museum, both of which are free. Head to one of Geneva's spectacular rose gardens - Park La Grange, Promenade Gustave-Ador or the Park des Franchises - and contemplate and breathe in the incredible aroma.

The river Rhône bisects Geneva with the main train station in the North and the old part of the town in the South. The Île Rousseau is a good starting point for a scenic walk around the city. Pass by Rousseau's birthplace on the Grand-Rue in the medieval city on your way to the Place de Bourg-de-Four, Geneva's oldest square, once a Roman forum. Take the Rue de la Fontaine to the shores of the lake and marvel at the Jet d'Eau's 140m plume. The St. Pierre Cathedral, composed of Gothic and Romanesque influences, is the cathedral where John Calvin preached in the Reformation. Climb the tower and take in the spectacular panorama of the entire city and lake. Relax in one of the many beautiful parks or gardens that skirt the lake shore.

Getting to Geneva
Geneva is located between the Alps and the Jura mountains, at the extreme south-west of Switzerland and almost completely encircled by France. It is the central cross-roads of Western Europe.

By plane...
Geneva holds a privileged geographical position and it is only one hour far from Paris or Milan by plane and less than two hours from London, Rome or Madrid. A train service every quarter of an hour whisks passengers to the city center in just ten minutes; the taxi journey takes about twenty minutes.

By rail...
Geneva is only 30 minutes from Lausanne or Annecy by taking the train and a little more than an hour from Bern, Lyon or Chamonix. Direct and frequent services to all the large Swiss cities and major European destinations guarantee a pleasant journey.

By car...
A well developed motorway network links Geneva with other large Swiss cities and neighboring France, ensuring shortest possible journey times.

Geneva: Map of Geneva

Geneva is situated 272 km (111 miles) from Zurich, 240 km (miles) from Basel and 152 km (miles) from Bern. Travel time from Zurich is 3.5 hours by car and 3 hours by train.