Practical information : Move & Laze around Geneva
Budget & Tips
Lake Geneva gives another dimension to Geneva. It is this river that makes Geneva unique, stretching out in an exceptional setting enhanced by the Jura on one bank and the Mont Blanc massif on the other. Geneva is also a hymn to nature and sport. On sunny days, it is a real pleasure to swim in the clear waters of the lake - even in winter. You will be spoilt for choice between the beaches along its shores, from morning to night. The Eaux Vives beach, extended by Genève Plage, the Pâquis bath, and all the beaches along the shores near the city in Versoix, Coppet and as far as Nyon, offer an escape and a vacation before its time. Moreover, few Genevans leave in the summer because Geneva offers a plethora of free cultural and musical events. From morning to night, concerts are organized, such as the Aubes concert at sunrise in the summer at the Pâquis baths, an exceptional musical event.
Almost all water sports are practiced: swimming, sailing, paddle windsurfing, diving, not forgetting of course the famous crossing of the lake which takes place every year and is exceptional for its participants.
The parks are beautiful and many activities are organized: yoga classes, concerts, outdoor cinema... In summer, you can even borrow a book, a game and a deckchair for a break. The Botanical Garden organizes free thematic tours of the park, check the dates: www.ville-ge.ch/cjb
Inline skating and cycling have their place around the harbor and the Geneva countryside offers bucolic paths for bike rides: www.geneve.ch/fr/thèmes/mobilité-transport/vélos
What's very local
Attending a field hockey game is very local. Spectacle and game are the order of the day. Find out when the local team, the Geneva-Servette Hockey Club, is playing at www.gshc.ch.
A swim followed by an aperitif by the lake or in the grass of a park. You will meet many Genevans around the lake, the more sporty ones for jogging and families in the lawns enjoying the place. It is allowed to sit in the lawns of parks and squares, which is not the case in all Swiss cantons. There are more and more paddle boarders.
In the summer, the banks of the Rhone towards the Jonction are crowded with locals who share a barbecue and take advantage of the current of the Rhone for a little descent. Beware, the current of the Rhone is very strong, swimming in the river is reserved exclusively for experienced swimmers. We swim sober, of course. If you have taken a small aperitif to forget the summer heat, stay on the banks and forget swimming. In the center of the Rhone, the currents are really powerful. Every summer, we deplore accidents.
Far from the ultra classicclichés of a cold Geneva, reserved for bankers and tourists from the Gulf States, making the engine of their Lamborghini scream on the quays to be seen, go to the Bains des Pâquis, right bank. You will then discover another face of Geneva, unique in its kind, and a must-see, because it is typical. It's a melting pot, where everyone mixes, expats, world citizens, artists, all origins and all generations. The managers of the association compete with creativity to organize all sorts of cultural and sporting events: at the beginning of December, it is the famous Christmas race where one swims in water at about 5 degrees; in the summer, the famous crossing of the lake takes place, exceptional and open to all, which connects the beach of Eaux-vives to the Paquis. Concerts are organized there (the exceptional Aubes concert at sunrise during the summer and many others), exhibitions, festivals, chess, backgammon, ping-pong, volleyball tournaments, etc. The famous lake cleaning at the end of the summer, open-air cinema sessions and many other events are also organized here. You can come for a drink, a fondue, a hammam, sunbathing, breakfast, lunch or dinner, swimming in the summer and even in the winter, listen to a concert, do yoga, improve your swimming skills by taking lessons (for adults and children at unbeatable prices), learn to dive. You can spend the whole day there and meet new people! The panorama on the lake is sublime
Your documents please
To navigate on the lake, boat rentals without a license are available. If you decide to escape to neighboring France by taking the cable car to the Salève mountain, don't forget your papers in case of a customs check. From up there, you have a breathtaking view of the Geneva harbor, the Jura mountains and the French Alps (from Geneva center, take the TPG bus 8 direction Veyrier douane).
To be booked
Depending on the activities you wish to practice (rafting on the Rhône, Segway on the bay...), the organizers require a reservation. Ask directly about the procedures.
Main events
An event not to be missed for the quality of the racing and the beauty of the boats is undoubtedly the Bol d'Or in June (www.boldormirabaud.ch). It is considered the largest regatta in a closed basin. Crews come from all over the world.
In August, more than 300,000 people come to admire the fireworks show that illuminates the harbor. The big fireworks are a must.
In summer, many free concerts are held in the squares and parks.
Tourist traps
You will not find touts in Geneva and if you do, it is indeed suspicious. All tickets can be purchased online or at the appropriate sites such as Geneva Tourism, 18 rue du Mont Blanc.