Travel guide Geneva

It is difficult to talk about Switzerland without its famous banks, and not without reason. Geneva ranks first in terms of private wealth management, its specialty since the beginning of the ^20th century, and manages 27% of offshore wealth. It is the sixth largest financial center in the world and has more than 140 banking establishments.

In Geneva, Jean Calvin, a French man of letters, pastor and theologian, worked with Guillaume Farel, a pioneer of the Protestant Reformation. In 1536, he became involved in the fields of culture, economy and politics. The Wall of the Reformers pays tribute to this central figure in the city's history and to other preachers.

Artisan chocolate makers and specialized establishments: all compete in creativity. Richness of flavors, aromas of chocolates from the four corners of the world highlighted with original shapes, pots, pearls, hot chocolates, pralines, truffles ... Chocolate is honored: guided tours, chocolate bars ... Enjoy them!

This festival, celebrated annually on December 12, commemorates Geneva's victory over the troops of Duke Charles-Emmanuel ^I of Savoy. On the night of December 11 to 12, 1602, Savoyard troops attempted to storm the city walls, but failed. The event is commemorated with parades, masquerade costume, songs and races!

Geneva is undoubtedly the cradle and world capital of luxury watchmaking. Several monuments attest to this, including the Horloge fleurie, the carillon of the Passage Malbuisson, as well as museums such as the Patek Philippe Museum, the boutiques of the Rue du Rhône and the unmissable Salon international de la haute horlogerie.

As the European headquarters of the UN, Geneva is home to 42 international organizations such as the ICRC, UNHCR, WHO, CERN, etc., and approximately 750 NGOs. One hundred and seventy-eight States have permanent representations. Geneva is a major center of diplomacy. Humanitarian operations are conducted here, multilateral agreements are signed..

From the Geneva shores of Lake Geneva, you can admire the famous 140 m high water jet. Before it became one of the strong symbols of the city, it was used as a safety valve during the overpressure of the water produced by the Coulouvrenière hydraulic plant on the Rhone, when the craftsmen stopped working in the evening.

This pork sausage flavored with fennel or cumin is an integral part of the Geneva culinary tradition. In 2009, the Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAGE) even awarded it a protected geographical indication (PGI). This sausage made of pork shoulder and rind must be produced in the canton of Geneva.

They are not birds flying around the lake, but small canary-yellow boats crossing Lake Geneva from various districts. Just like the streetcars that run through the city, the elegantly shaped seagulls are an integral part of Geneva's life, managed by the Geneva Public Transport.

Philosopher and writer, author of the Confessions,Emile or Education, the Social Contract and Julie or the New Heloise, the city pays tribute to him on Rousseau Island. Even if his travels took him to Switzerland, France and Italy, it was in Geneva that he spent the first sixteen years of his life.

A true city of parks, the city of Geneva has about 50 parks spread over more than 310 hectares, with 428,000 plants, including 40,000 roses and 40,000 trees. In addition to their undeniable social, aesthetic and climatic roles, some parks will allow you to discover the great variety of fauna and flora.

With its 1,400 hectares of vineyards, Geneva is the third largest wine-producing canton in Switzerland. This tradition, which the Romans initiated on Geneva soil, was threatened at the end of the ^19th century by competition from French wines. The twenty or so grape varieties are worth tasting. Visit the cellars and try the chasselas, muscat and pinot noir.