Geneva surprised me, I wasn’t quite expecting that there’d be as much to see as I initially thought. With a little bit of research done before I left home I had a rough idea of what I wanted to do. Join me on my walk and discover what to see and do with a few hours in Geneva.
My walk begins in the Jardin Anglais which sits along the shore of the lake. Here you’ll find the famous flower clock which was created in 1955 and is made up of several thousand flowers. Unfortunately for me when I visited the clock was being replanted so I couldn’t see it in all its glorious colour.
Also situated in the park is the National Monument. Built in 1869 it symbolises the entry of Geneva into the Swiss Confederation on September 12th, 1814. The monument was erected to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this alliance.
Walking away from the lake and winding my way through the main shopping area, I head towards the old town and Place du Bourg de Four.
Just off the square is St Pierre Cathedral. The cathedral sits at the highest point in the old town and was initially built in the 12th century with additions and changes being made in the 16th century. Its vaults house the largest archaeological site north of the Alps.
You can enter the cathedral for free although there are entry charges for some areas including climbing the 157 steps of the north tower, if you’re so inclined.
My next stop is the Hotel de Ville – Geneva Town Hall. This 16th century neoclassical building has for over 500 years been at the heart of local and even international political life. In 1864 the buildings Alabama Room saw the signing of the very first Geneva Convention. It was also where, in 1872 the International Arbitration Court ended a long standing conflict between the USA and Great Britain.
The building is not open to the public, however, you can enter the large courtyard and walk up the huge paved ramp. The ramp was built between 1555 and 1578 and is enclosed within a square tower which would have allowed access to the upper floors on horseback.
Opposite the Hotel de Ville is the L’ Ancien Arsenal – The Old Arsenal. It’s a small open air museum with some cannons and wall mosaics created by artist Alexandre Cingria.
Very close by is my next stop, Maison Tavel.
Maison Tavel is the oldest private dwelling in the city and is a unique example of medieval civil architecture. In 1334 it was destroyed by fire and rebuilt by the Tavel family of the Geneva nobility. The house has been owned by various influential families over the centuries and is now in the hands of the City of Geneva who have restored the building and transformed it into the Museum of Urban History and Daily Life. It’s free to enter if you wish to take a look.
I’m heading away from the narrow streets of the old town and down to the Parc des Bastions and the Reformation Wall. This monument built into the old city walls of Geneva portrays the major figures of the Protestant Reformation. They are depicted as giant statues and bas -reliefs.
A little wander back through the old town and a quick refreshment stop takes me back to the lake and a fantastic view of the Jet d’eau. This water fountain in the middle of the lake is the tallest in the world at around 140 metres. More of a tourist attraction these days but its original purpose was as a safety valve for the local hydraulic water network. It operates at various times throughout the day.
A pleasant stroll along the north shore of the lake will bring you to the Bains de Paquis, which are the public baths that sit along the pier. Walking the pier is free and affords some wonderful views of Mont Blanc and the Jet d’eau.
This is where my walk ends but if you have time do spend a few minutes taking in the beautiful views of the lake, Mont Blanc and the Alps. There’s some spectacular scenery.
Thanks for reading and finding out what to see and do with a few hours in Geneva.
