THERE are few places in the world that can rival Switzerland's natural beauty - envision postcard-worthy images of snow-capped mountains, rolling green fields speckled with tiny cottages and glistening lakes. As a traveller, you get the best of both worlds - scenic countryside and a super-efficient transportation (trains, buses and boats) system to explore it with.
Within this picturesque landscape is Geneva, adding to the country its own charm and elegance. Located at the extreme south-west of Switzerland, between the Alps and the Jura mountains and bordering France, Geneva is the nation's second-largest city after Zurich. It is also home to more than 250 international organisations, including the headquarters of the International Red Cross. Unsurprisingly, about 43 per cent of the cosmopolitan city is made up of foreigners.
Lake Geneva (Lac Leman in French) is one of the city's best sights where, on a clear day, you can see the snow-capped Mont Blanc on the horizon. The lake - just a five-minute walk from Gare de Cornavin, the main train station - is instantly recognisable by the Jet d'Eau, a fountain that spouts 500 litres of water 450 feet into the air every second. Known affectionately to the Genevese as the jeddo, the Jet d'Eau was originally a simple security valve at the Coulouvreniere hydraulic factory. In 1981, it became a major tourist attraction and has since become an icon of Geneva. At night, the fountain is illuminated by projectors, adding to its magnificence as it soars skywards.
Place Neuve of Geneva which reflects the city's rich culture.
Old Town
Walk or bike along the lake, feeling the light, refreshing mists of water spraying against the skin. Alternatively, just laze around and watch the world go by. When you're hungry, try the ubiquitous cheese fondue at any of the boutique cafes overlooking the lakefront.
No visit to Geneva is complete without exploring its medieval Old Town (Vieille Ville), with its rustic houses and homely cafes and restaurants. The Jardin Anglais, or English Garden, towards the left bank of Lake Geneva is a good place to start. It's famous for its 15-foot flower clock, made up of more than 6,500 flowers, reflecting the Swiss association with watch-making.
Geneva's medieval Old Town (Vieille Ville)
Geneva's rich culture is most evident on Place Neuve, which houses the Grand Theatre, Conservatory of Music, Musee Rath art gallery, and a statue of General Guillaume Henri Dufour, a national hero and co-founder of the Red Cross. Nearby, the Reformation Monument lines the city ramparts. Set up in 1917, it features the four Genevese reformers - John Calvin, John Knox, Theodore de Beze and Guillaume Farel, together with Luther, Cromwell, Zwingli and the Pilgrim Fathers.
Youthful buzz
Take an hour's train ride north and you will hit Lausanne, a pretty town built on three steep hills on the banks of Lake Geneva. Home to the International Olympic Committee and other sports federations and, more recently, skateboarders, Lausanne has a youthful buzz about it with stylish shops, trendy restaurants and night clubs.
The town's port, Ouchy, is a hot spot, dotted with cafes and shops overlooking the quays. Ouchy for years survived as a fishing port but these days, it has become one of the more chic Swiss lakeside resorts.
15-foot flower clock at Jardin Anglais.
Lausanne's cathedral, located in the heart of the town, is arguably Switzerland's most impressive Gothic building. Lausanne is also the last town with the tradition of a night-watchman who calls the hour from the tower every night. Above the cathedral, the squat 14th-century chateau marks the highest point of the Old Town.
It's also the perfect point to ponder the charms of Geneva - a perfect example of how modernisation and history can co-exist in perfect harmony.
This article was first published in The Business Times Weekend on August 2, 2008.
