Travel to Switzerland

Rafting

You may be surprised to learn that you can go rafting in the heart of Geneva. The 8km-long river Arve is punctuated by six waterfalls and rapids, making for an easy but exciting course. Boats accommodate four to six people and an instructor will accompany and guide you on your descent. The club also organises rafting in the Alps and the Pre-Alps.

Institut et Musee Voltaire

 

In the former residence of Voltaire, a museum has stood since 1954. Principally a center of research on the philosopher and the 18th century, it houses old editions, manuscripts, paintings, drawings and sculptures. Articles belonging to Voltaire himself are on display giving you a fascinating taste of the day-to-day life of the author. The library can be used by appointment in the mornings. The mansion is in the grounds of the Parc Delices which Voltaire himself described as "Les jardins d'Epicure". Admission is free.

Musee d'Art Moderne et Contemporain

The newest Genevan museum is housed in a most unusual setting - an old factory. The museum is divided into 70 different areas and exhibits artwork originating from both private and public collections. Work from established and rising artists is presented. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum holds a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Le Salève

Is the Salève mountain Swiss or French? It dominates the city of Geneva from all sides and locals spend much time on it, but it is in fact in France . You can take a cablecar up the mountain or, if you prefer, climb up or go by car, and once you have reached the summit enjoy the amazing view of Geneva and its surroundings.

Mur des Reformateurs

This massive and austere  tall and  wide wall runs along one side of the Parc des Bastions, within the University grounds. Its construction began in 1909 - the 400th anniversary of Calvin's birth. The wall is dedicated to the whole Reformation Movement and its four leading figures. The texts and figures sculpted in this wall relate 150 years of the history of Protestanism.

Musee d'Art Moderne et Contemporain

The newly born Genevan museum (opened in 1994) is housed in a most unusual setting - an old factory. The museum covers about 4000sq. metres divided into 70 different areas and exhibits artwork originating from both private and public collections. Work from established and rising artists is presented. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum holds a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, and they are all worhty of your time.

Maison Tavel

The Maison Tavel is the oldest standing private house in Geneva. It was burnt down in 1334 and rebuilt shortly afterwards, it is also listed as a historical monument. Visit the cellar and its archaeological ruins, then go up to the ground floor to discover Geneva from the Middle Ages to the Restoration. On the first floor paintings, engravings and photographs depict the evolution of the city, and in the main hall woodwork, locksmithing and ironwork by Genevan craftsmen of the 17th and 18th centuries are exhibited.

Le Jardin Alpin

This uncommun park is located in the Meryn's suburbs, about 5km from the center of Geneva. Here, you will find a rock garden, a pond with water plants and a caged area with chickens, ducks and goats. A rose garden planted in the form of a rose is located in the middle of the park. The villa is the real highlight here though: exhibitions of contemporary art show all forms of artistic expression including sculpture, engraving, pottery, weaving and painting. Since 1984, more than 100 artists have shown their work here. And for our pleasure the admission will cost you nothing! unless you are a shopping souvenir addict, enjoy!

Promenade des Bastions

The Genevese are particularly fond of the Promenade des Bastions, previously it was a botanical garden. Amble through the gates and you will come across the giant chess boards where you may either watch or challenge a colourful crowd of regulars. The park is famous for its Reformation Monument  which commemorates the role of Swiss and European Protestant reformers and reminds the visitor that the city remains under the influence of Calvin's doctrines. The park, however, is consider off limits at nights for your own wealth.

Jet d'Eauis

The Jet d'Eauis a large fountain in Geneva and one of the largest fountains in the world. A famous landmark of the city, the fountain is visible throughout the city and from the air, even when flying over Geneva at an altitude of 10 km. 500 liters of water are jetted per second to an altitude of 140 meters by 2 groups of pumps, with a speed of 200km per hour, so basically, when the fountain is operational, 7.000 liters of water are in the air!