Overview
Lake Geneva © Kosala Bandara
Far more than just a gateway to Switzerland's luxury ski
resorts, Geneva is also undoubtedly Switzerland's most cosmopolitan
city, with its reputation for religious and political tolerance
dating back more than five hundred years. The city sits astride the
River Rhône, where it streams into Lake Geneva, and is set
against a dramatic backdrop of mountains. At the lake's south shore
the Jet d'Eau shoots water 460ft (140m) into the sky from the end
of a pier - the city's landmark attraction and Europe's most
powerful fountain.
Stately homes line the banks of the lake, overlooking an armada
of luxury yachts. Jewels and designer labels spill out of exclusive
boutiques and into chauffeur-driven limousines that glide down
palatial avenues. As well as a host of museums and fine galleries,
Geneva has a lively cultural calendar. Most notable is the
celebration of l'Escalade in December, which involves costumed and
torch-lit processions through the town, and the consumption of vast
amounts of chocolate and marzipan.
