Geneva, our city

"There are five parts of the world: Europe, Asia, America, Africa … and Geneva !".

Talleyrand, the Congress of Vienna.

Geneva is situated at the foot of the Jura mountains and on the banks of the Leman which is the largest lake in Central Europe.

The smallest of the European capitals

The town is a true international capital with its humanitarian commitment, its cultural activities, its congresses and exhibitions.

The proximity a prestigious Alpine region and its privileged location along the main axes of the West, make Geneva one of the largest European centres.

Geneva, the melting-pot of history

Archeological findings attest to the habitation of Geneva about 12'000 years BC. In the Middle Ages, the town was a city of the Empire, ruled by a bishop-prince. Progressively Geneva became part of the territory of the princes of Savoy, which finally extended from the Mediterranean to the borders of Bern and of Burgundy, and as far as the Valais.

An abrupt turning point in Geneva's history came. In 1536, the Reformation and the Republic were proclaimed and Calvin was called to Geneva to build a "Protestant Rome".

In the 18th century, the town became a banking centre, an industrial city developing precious arts of watchmaking, enamel work and chintz, and a capital of the sciences and printing. Voltaire contributed to the reputation of this city which received him.

At the same time, Rousseau's efforts in favour of tolerance and the cult of nature were a moving force.

In 1815, Geneva became a Swiss canton. The neo-classic transformation of the small city, which at the beginning of the 19th century had a population of only 25'000.

December is also a special month for Geneva with the "Escalade" celebrations during which a 17th century costumed parade winds its way through the Old Town. This is to commemorate the battle which took place on the 11th of December 1602 between the Savoyards and the inhabitants of Geneva.

Geneva, a centre of the arts and culture

In response to Geneva as an international city, over time, culture was considerably developed so that today Geneva is one of the best equipped cities in the country in this respect.

A major cultural influence

Geneva has some thirty museums, including the Museum of Art and History as well as the Ethnological Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Voltaire Institute and Museum, the Barbier-Muller Museum (collection of art from Africa and Oceania), the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, among others. They house some prestigious collections, which bear witness to the creativity and cultural influence of Geneva.

Geneva, recreation and fun on the banks of the lake.

The parks and promenades, as well as the flower-lined quays are a haven for walks and strolls. The Old Town with its antique shops, art galleries and typical bistros, as well as the more popular Saint-Gervais and "Pâquis areas, are worth visiting. Finally, every Wednesday and Saturday, a colourful fleamarket is held at the Plaine de Plainpalais.

Geneva, the crossroad of men and ideas

As a meeting place for more than 2'000 years, Geneva today has about 400'000 inhabitants. Its international role is assured by the one third of its population that comes from 157 different nations. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Geneva was a place of refuge for Protestants persecuted in their own countries. In 1919, the headquarters of the League of Nations were installed in Geneva.

Today, Geneva houses some 200 international governmental and nongovernmental organizations, including the Office of the United Nations, to which 150 diplomatic missions are accredited. Considered as the "City of Peace", it is the headquarters of a number of humanitarian institutions such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

Since Calvin founded his academy in 1559, Geneva has been a renowned university and scientific centre, which has welcomed eminent scientists and researchers. The epistemologist and psychologist Jean Piaget made of Geneva the "capital of human knowledge". Our city also houses the European Centre of Nuclear Research (CERN), which straddles the French-Swiss border.

Geneva's reputation as a congress centre goes well beyond its status as an international city. With more than 200 meeting halls, including some which can receive up to 10'000 people, Geneva every year hosts hundreds of conferences and exhibitions.

Geneva, the point of departure

Thanks to its exceptional location in the centre of Europe, Geneva offers numerous possibilities for excursions.

In less than one hour discover a different world

In less than an hour, you can admire Geneva from the top of the Salève, visit Divonne, that famous thermal centre at the foot of the Jura, or Annecy, whose Old Town is worth the detour. You can also take a trip along the lake to the Olympic capital, Lausanne to visit the Chillon Castle, one of Switzerland's most beautiful sites, made famous by Lord Byron. You can go to Gruyères, that magnificent mediaeval town, which has lent its name to the famous cheese, without forgetting Berne, the capital of the country.

Weather permitting, it is also possible to "climb" to Chamonix to admire the Mont-Blanc from the Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace.

With a day excursion, you can visit the village of Zermatt, dominated by the Matterhorn, which is an excellent way of getting to see the heart of Alpine Switzerland.

Geneva, its fairs and festivities

Geneva offers a large variety of shows. Its agenda of festivals and cultural events alternates theatre, dance, classical , contemporary music and jazz.

The fairs and trade shows represent further attractions throughout the year with the Automobile Show, the Inventions and New Techniques Fair, the International Book and Press Fair and the High Watchmaking Fair, etc.

At the beginning of August, Geneva echoes with the sounds of its famous musical fireworks during the traditional "Fêtes de Genève", which attract thousands of spectators from all over the world.

And in Geneva…………….