This is a guest post from my friend, Monica Zugan in Geneva. And what perfect timing. Today is Swiss National Day!
Geneva is one of the most expensive cities in the world. The most expensive Mac Donalds is indeed in Geneva! Spring/Summer is the best time to visit and here are some great things to do:
Lake Geneva
The lake is great in spring and summer. You can rent bicycles for free (max 4 hrs) in several locations in the city (e.g Terrassiere, a container near Mont Blanc bridge, near the train station) and then ride along the lake.
The Jet D’Eau Fountain on Lake Geneva
Jardin Botanique and Carrousel des Fables
Jardin Botanique
The most beautiful Merry-Go-Round that I have ever seen, Le Carrousel des Fables, is found in the Jardin Botanique (Botanical Gardens) – with an amazing view of the lake and mountains (including Mont Blanc).The creatures that carry the children round and round on the Carrousel des Fables are fashioned after the fables in the timeless poems of Jean de La Fontaine. Copyrart, a non-profit organization – funded largely by the canton of Geneva and providing training for the unemployed – built the carousel. The merry-go-round is the result of the collaboration between artists and artisans. Together, they gave this cheerful animals made of metal and wood shape and form.
Free Admission to the Botanical Garden (yes, some things are free)- the carousel ride is 4 ch or 3 rides for 10 ch.
Carrousel des Fables
Genève Plage
Also, Genève Plage is a great spot not to be missed. It’s the beach of Geneva. There is a big pool, a huge slide, a pool for children, all on the lake. In this space of 42,000 m2 created in 1933 in the Eaux-Vives area, you will find an Olympic size pool, heated and sheltered from the wind, a vast wading pool, a large diving platform, a giant toboggan 9 meters high, basketball and volleyball courts, petanque, playgrounds, a giant chessboard, a private landing stage for water-skiing, a windsurfing base, a restaurant and snack bar with terrace and a boutique. This oasis, set at the entrance of the Rade, with the Jura mountains in the background, its flower beds and lawns, is one of Geneva’s prime summer centres for leisure and relaxation.Entrance fee is 7ch for adults, 3.50ch for kids, free under 6 yrs.
On the lake of Genève Plage
Water activities at Genève Plage
Baby Plage
Nearby there is the Baby Plage. It’s a Tarzan-inspired tree park with tyres to swing from right on the lake. Kids love it.
Baby Plage
Fêtes de Genève
The Fêtes de Genève is happening right now -the pre-fêtes de Genève started on 19 July and the whole thing runs to 12 August. This is the highlight of the summer and draws over 2 million visitors annually. The party boogies on along the shores of Lake Geneva with carnival rides, concerts, food stalls, variety shows and parades. The evenings are capped off with a fireworks show sponsored by a different firework company each night. The finale of the festival is the sensational Techno Parade where each float is a rave on wheels complete with costumed dancers and pumping beats that always get the crowd going.
Fêtes de Genève
Fireworks of the Fêtes de Genève