When I first started to prepare for my Swiss escape, I got a little bit confused! ... Shall I go to Geneva? Or better Zurich? What about both? ... Don't think to much, both cities are a bit boring: Geneva is a very administrative and institutional city, where all the UN Headquarters and main agencies are located, while Zurich is the commercial and financial heart of Switzerland. Both doesn't have much to offer, but you will need to pick one as starting point from where you can go on day trips to discover the real beauty of the country. If you want to explore both sides of the Switzerland, you will definitely need more than four days. But giving my limited time, I opted for the French part, and started my Swiss discovery from Geneva.
Day 1: Geneva Lake and Flower Clock
Even though I think Geneva is a little bit boring, there is still much to visit specially if you are so into art and culture. The city has plenty of artistic and historic museums, but I will limit my post here to the main landmarks. Swiss Watch and chocolate shops will blow up your mind! But don't expect much if your aim is to buy some clothes. You better spare your money, as there is a real lack of trendy and fashionable stores, and it seemed that the 'mode' has stopped in the 50s. As for the accomodation, Geneva is really a super expensive city. Since we were a group of friends in this trip, we rent a hotel appartment on the right bank of the lake, which came also with a free transporation pass for the duration of our stay.
Geneva is very unique comparing to other European metropolitans. It's cleaner, calmer, people are relaxed, and the fact of just spending some hours walking is extremely pleasant and fulfilling. Explore this Indian style Monument Brunswick, a beautiful piece of architecture situated in the middle of the Jardin des Alpes. It's not really Indian (but this is the impression I had). It's an exact replica of the Schaligeri family tomb in Verona, Italy that was built at the will of the Duke of Brunswick who gave an immense fortune to Geneva in exchange for a beautiful funeral and a monument to his name!
Another unique aspect of Geneva is the proximity of the mountains and the Mont Blanc, considered that, practically, but not politically, it is the capital of Switzerland (the actual capital is Bern). Where else can you find a city with such a quaintness, where you can contemplate a lake and the stunning Alps Mountains at the same time.
Once you arrive at the Lake, you will see the best-known landmark in the city: the Jet D'Eau. This water fountain in the middle of the Lake and its flushing water has been listed as the cultural heritage of Geneva since 1951.The water is jetted to an altitude of 140 meters, making it one of the largest and most beautiful fountains in the world.
Now enjoy the promenade along the lac Leman, with imposing Mont Blanc in the background and the fantastic view of the Right Bank Cathedral on the top of the hill. Sailing boats, floating ducks and swans, people swimming on a sunny Spring day, others jogging along the lake: there's no doubt that Geneva deserves its reputation as the most peaceful city in the world.
Day 1: Geneva Lake and Flower Clock
Even though I think Geneva is a little bit boring, there is still much to visit specially if you are so into art and culture. The city has plenty of artistic and historic museums, but I will limit my post here to the main landmarks. Swiss Watch and chocolate shops will blow up your mind! But don't expect much if your aim is to buy some clothes. You better spare your money, as there is a real lack of trendy and fashionable stores, and it seemed that the 'mode' has stopped in the 50s. As for the accomodation, Geneva is really a super expensive city. Since we were a group of friends in this trip, we rent a hotel appartment on the right bank of the lake, which came also with a free transporation pass for the duration of our stay.
Geneva is very unique comparing to other European metropolitans. It's cleaner, calmer, people are relaxed, and the fact of just spending some hours walking is extremely pleasant and fulfilling. Explore this Indian style Monument Brunswick, a beautiful piece of architecture situated in the middle of the Jardin des Alpes. It's not really Indian (but this is the impression I had). It's an exact replica of the Schaligeri family tomb in Verona, Italy that was built at the will of the Duke of Brunswick who gave an immense fortune to Geneva in exchange for a beautiful funeral and a monument to his name!
Another unique aspect of Geneva is the proximity of the mountains and the Mont Blanc, considered that, practically, but not politically, it is the capital of Switzerland (the actual capital is Bern). Where else can you find a city with such a quaintness, where you can contemplate a lake and the stunning Alps Mountains at the same time.
Once you arrive at the Lake, you will see the best-known landmark in the city: the Jet D'Eau. This water fountain in the middle of the Lake and its flushing water has been listed as the cultural heritage of Geneva since 1951.The water is jetted to an altitude of 140 meters, making it one of the largest and most beautiful fountains in the world.
Now enjoy the promenade along the lac Leman, with imposing Mont Blanc in the background and the fantastic view of the Right Bank Cathedral on the top of the hill. Sailing boats, floating ducks and swans, people swimming on a sunny Spring day, others jogging along the lake: there's no doubt that Geneva deserves its reputation as the most peaceful city in the world.
You will also find this beautiful statue of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi), one of the most contraversial but also fascinating Empress of all times. Her life was full of excitements and beauty, but also drama and tragedies. She was well-known for always wearing black, writing mournful poetries and always traveling around the world, till the day she was assassinated on this specific spot on Lake Geneva. Her killer was actually targeting the Duke of Orleans, but as he failed, he decided to target any passing royality instead.
What is more famous about Switzerland other than watches and chocolate? ... As soon as you finish your walk along the lake, cross to the other side where you will find the English garden, and one of the most emblemic landmark in Geneva: L'horloge fleurie (The flower clock). Created in 1955 to celebrate the country's highly-professional watchmakers, it is said that the flower clock has never stopped since then, even never delayed of one second. As its name reveals, the clock is made of thousands of colorful flowers that change color with every season. Now that you saw the clock, wait for tomorrow to know why Swiss chocolate is not comparable to any other.
Day 2: Cheese and Chocolate Delights
Now forget about Geneva, because today is when the real fun will begin. You can go on a excursions to swiss country side that you will just stand in awe and get struck by the beauty of the landscape, the mountains and the cows underneath, and on the top of that: to plunge in an abondance of chocolate and cheese. If you plan well for this day, you will be able to visit the Gruyere village home of the famous swiss cheese in the same name. The Broc village, with its Nestle factory. The small swiss town Bulle, situated in the middle of the Mountains. And finally the beautiful city of Lausanne. I usually book my train tickets online before my departure, but with Switzerland, dom't worry about that. Once you land just head to the train station and they will help you with everything. Just take the train to Gruyere as early as you can, and enjoy these beautiful sceneries along the way.
You will have to change train in the middle of the trip, but everything will be announced on board so don't worry. The next train is very easy to recognise, as it has the name Gruyere written all over the train wagons. And here you are after two hours from your departure from Geneva at the factory of the most delicious cheese in the world. You will be greeted with a small package with sample of the cheese, and an auto-guide. First you will get to know how the cows are breeded inside this giant farm. To my surprise, I discovered that even the smell of flowers surrounding the cows affect the quality of their milk, hence the cheese. Amazing! Then you will get inside to watch the whole process of the Gruyere production, that will make your mouth water. So don't leave before heading to their restaurant to taste one of the most delicious Fondue. It comes in many varieties, including a pinch of white wine that adds a sour taste to the creamy melting cheese. Just sit outdoor and enjoy your meal with crispy croutons and the magnificient view over greeny hills and mountains.
After this copious lunch which will leave you full for the whole day, time for some treats? But before you reach Fabrique Broc village where the Nestle factory is located, you will change your train from Gruyere in the lovely village of Bulle, and will have an hour or so to discover this magic town stading in the heart of the Friburg Pre-Alps. Downtown Bulle, just outside of the train station, is made up of many traditional shops, and an old chateau that was converted into a prison. A sculpture of a bull sits in a traffic circle by the train station, showing the emblematic animal for which Bulle is named.
The journey from Bulle to Broc Fabrique, where the Nestle/Cailler Chocolate Factory is located is approximately half an hour, in a vintage train wagon that will make you feel in a movie from the 30s. The Broc Fabrique station as well, is fascinating with its antique style. And now get ready to plunge in a world of entertainment and extreme sensuality for the next one and a half hour.The visit starts with historical part about the invention of chocolate and its different variations and the merging of Cailler/Nestle factories. Not surprising that Switzerland is home to the best quality chocolate in the World. Many of you ignore, just like me, that Milk chocolate, Hazelnut chocolate and praline are pure Swiss inventions, by the Maison Cailler at its different partners.In the past, 16th century, only Spain had the monopoly of chocolate which they managed to get from Mexico. Till then, it was only served as a drink. When it started to spread over Europe, the church at some point banned chocolate consumption and considered that it arouses sexual desires, and has aphrodisiac properties, hence a named it the "Devil's food". Only the aristocracy could get chocolate through the black market.
After this historical, but very interesting part of the visit. You will get into the practical part and witness live, the production process: from roasting of cocoa beans, crushing and mixing with the milk, to tempering, molding and packaging of the solid magical bar that we eat nowadays.
And finally, the long waited part. You will enter into a room full of different varieties of chocolate produced by the factory, and where you can taste as much as you want and can. You will not want to leave !
After this historical, but very interesting part of the visit. You will get into the practical part and witness live, the production process: from roasting of cocoa beans, crushing and mixing with the milk, to tempering, molding and packaging of the solid magical bar that we eat nowadays.
And finally, the long waited part. You will enter into a room full of different varieties of chocolate produced by the factory, and where you can taste as much as you want and can. You will not want to leave !
After this delightful exprience between cheese and chocolate, take the train from Broc Fabrique back to Bulle station, and from there you can purshase your train ticket to Geneva via Lausanne, where you can have a short stop to get arround the city. Take two or three hours to stroll in the city's old town, beautiful square and visit the Gothic style Cathedral of Lausanne which was built in the 12th century.
Day 3: The United Nations District, the Old Town and Outstanding Religious Sites
After yesterday's long trip, you might need to slow down a little bit today, and discover the rest of Geneva, like the Old city, some of the most beautiful churches and the UN premises.
Switzerland has no official religion. But it's so interesting to see that it became a hub of different and very beautiful Christian churches: Roman Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox. So don't miss the Russian Church, which holds services in Russian, Bulgarian and Serbian. The modern spherical Ste Trinite Church and its very modern and intriguing design. It was the last Roman Catholic church built in the Geneva area in the mid 90s. The Cathedral of St. Peter, best known as the church where John Calvin gave his inspiring sermons in the 16th century. It was a Catholic cathedral, transformed into a protestant church. The Basilique de Notre-Dame, one of the few Catholic churches in Geneva.The Reformation Wall in Parc des Bastions, which officially commemorates the Calvanist Reformation in the 16th Century and its major Protestant Swiss figures like John Calvin, and other figures from USA, Netherlands and the UK.
Day 3: The United Nations District, the Old Town and Outstanding Religious Sites
After yesterday's long trip, you might need to slow down a little bit today, and discover the rest of Geneva, like the Old city, some of the most beautiful churches and the UN premises.
Switzerland has no official religion. But it's so interesting to see that it became a hub of different and very beautiful Christian churches: Roman Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox. So don't miss the Russian Church, which holds services in Russian, Bulgarian and Serbian. The modern spherical Ste Trinite Church and its very modern and intriguing design. It was the last Roman Catholic church built in the Geneva area in the mid 90s. The Cathedral of St. Peter, best known as the church where John Calvin gave his inspiring sermons in the 16th century. It was a Catholic cathedral, transformed into a protestant church. The Basilique de Notre-Dame, one of the few Catholic churches in Geneva.The Reformation Wall in Parc des Bastions, which officially commemorates the Calvanist Reformation in the 16th Century and its major Protestant Swiss figures like John Calvin, and other figures from USA, Netherlands and the UK.
So the best way to start that day is have a breakfast at Manor, the only department store on the right bank, with its famous food department. The store has a stunning terrace, open-air and overlooking the Mont Blanc. As you sip your morning coffee and eat a healthy sandwich or a freshly baked viennoiserie, contemplate one of the best top views of the city.
Still on the right bank, go first thing to the UN district to visit the Palais des Nations and its famous huge broken chair. The wooden chair was designed by Handicap International to raise the awarness about the devastating effects of landmines and cluster bombs and is listed in the cultural heritage of Geneva. In the same area you will find many other UN Agencies like the UNICEF, UNCTAD, UNHCR and many others.As you walk more closer to the lake, visit the Sainte Trinite Church then the Basilique of Notre Dame. The rest of the churches are located on the left side of Lake Geneva, so cross the lake and head to the Old Town. Here you can identify a stunning medieval piece of architecture, the Tour of Molard, right at the entrance of the Old Town. It was part of the city's defensive walls in the 14th century. Now the square is crowded with many open air cafes and restaurants and just on the edge of the main shopping area.To reach the Old Town you will have to go up on many stairs and beautiful narrow streets. As you keep walking you will find many cozy and typical restaurant where you can stop for lunch.
The Cathedral of Saint Peter is located in the heart of the Old Town, followed by the Place du Bourg-de-Four, one of the most important squares in Geneva. Just next to the square is the Parc des Bastions surrounding the University of Geneva, and where you will find the Reformation Wall at the entrance of the Parc. And end the day by visiting the beautifully constructed Russian Church with its golden shiny domes.
Still on the right bank, go first thing to the UN district to visit the Palais des Nations and its famous huge broken chair. The wooden chair was designed by Handicap International to raise the awarness about the devastating effects of landmines and cluster bombs and is listed in the cultural heritage of Geneva. In the same area you will find many other UN Agencies like the UNICEF, UNCTAD, UNHCR and many others.As you walk more closer to the lake, visit the Sainte Trinite Church then the Basilique of Notre Dame. The rest of the churches are located on the left side of Lake Geneva, so cross the lake and head to the Old Town. Here you can identify a stunning medieval piece of architecture, the Tour of Molard, right at the entrance of the Old Town. It was part of the city's defensive walls in the 14th century. Now the square is crowded with many open air cafes and restaurants and just on the edge of the main shopping area.To reach the Old Town you will have to go up on many stairs and beautiful narrow streets. As you keep walking you will find many cozy and typical restaurant where you can stop for lunch.
The Cathedral of Saint Peter is located in the heart of the Old Town, followed by the Place du Bourg-de-Four, one of the most important squares in Geneva. Just next to the square is the Parc des Bastions surrounding the University of Geneva, and where you will find the Reformation Wall at the entrance of the Parc. And end the day by visiting the beautifully constructed Russian Church with its golden shiny domes.