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Jet d’Eau in Geneva
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The Jet d’Eau, an ordinary water fountain, is today the very symbol of Geneva. Any tourist, who visits this city, doesn’t fail to visit this giant water fountain. Located near Lake Geneva in the downtown area of the city, this fountain has become Geneva’s Eiffel tower!
Many would find it hard to believe that this beautiful structure was originally used to serve the menial purpose of a security valve at the Coulouvrenière hydraulic factory. Later it was transferred to Rade, where it was open to visitors. However even then it wasn’t turned into a fountain till as late as 1951.
Today it stands regally, with around 500 litres of water bursting forth from it and 9,000-watt projectors lighting it up in the evening. The fountain reaches upto heights as large as 140 metres and is a brilliant sight. In the evening the lights make it even more spectacular!
The structure is so large and perfectly situated that it is visible from almost all parts of the city, even when flying about 10 km above it! It has even become a part of the city’s logo. Thus, Jet d’Eau is one attraction you have to see whenever you visit Geneva.
Visit the European headquarters of UN at Geneva
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Your trip to Geneva would be surely incomplete if you happen to miss out a visit to the European Headquarters of the United Nations. The Palais and its buildings constitute the second-largest building complex in Europe after Versailles.
The sprawling complex is accessible only via guided tour, offering unique insight into the inner workings of the world’s most important international body. You are sure to get impressed by witnessing its 2,000 seat Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber decorated with gold murals depicting the human struggle for peace.
The building popularly known as The Palace of Nations was built between 1929 and 1936 to serve as the headquarters of the League of Nations. Since 1946 it holds the pride of being the official home to the United Nations Office at Geneva after the Secretary General of the UN signed a Headquarters Agreement with the Swiss authorities, although Switzerland did not become a member of the UN until 2002.
The Palais stands at the Ariana Park, which has an interesting history attached to it. The park was donated to the Geneva Government in 1890 by Gustave de Revilliod de la Rive. In return, Gustave wanted three promises from the Government which the Government maintains to date:
- The park always remains accessible to the public.
- Gustave was buried in the park.
- The peacocks are allowed to roam freely on its grounds.
Beneath the Palais des Nations’s foundation stone is a time capsule containing a document listing the names of the League of Nations member states, a copy of the Covenant of the League, and specimen coins of all the countries represented at the league’s Tenth Assembly. A medal showing the Palais des Nations with the Jura Mountains in the background was struck in silvered bronze.The building overlooks Lake Geneva and has a clear view of the French Alps.
The building is open between 10:00 – 12:00, 14:00 – 16:00 Daily. 09:00 – 16:00 (July and August). Passport is required for admission.
The Rousseau island in Geneva
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The city of Geneva is dotted with various exotic tourist attractions each offering a unique face of nature. Among all these attractions, the Rousseau Island stands out due to its serenity offering a perfect romantic location. The island stands at the meeting point of the River Rhone and Lake Geneva. This small island was named after Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a Genevan philosopher and there is a statue of him on the island. The island is located near the right bank of Geneva’s shore and is connected to the des Bergues bridge and overlooks the Mont-Blanc bridge. It offers a 18th century style pavilion and an opportunity to dine at the little restaurant amidst the beauty of nature. The island is a heaven for those who are interested in sunning or relaxing.
Apart from the fascinating views of the city and lake which can be seen from the island, Rousseau Island also has a bird sanctuary, beautiful plants, trees and gardens.
However, looking at this beautiful island, one can never relate to this fact that it had a troubled past. But this is a truth. Surrounded by walls at the end of the 16th century, it served as a bastion to protect the city. In 1628 it became a shipyard and was known as the Island of the Boats. With the construction of the Bergues Bridge in 1832, which linked to the island by a footbridge, it was renamed after Genevan philosopher, Jean- Jacques Rousseau. It has since been transformed into a public garden, with a statue of this great man sculpted by the Genevan Pierre Pradier.
Parks And Gardens In Geneva
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Popularly known as the ‘City of Parks’, Geneva is a green city with one quarter of its area being covered with public parks which were earlier private properties later taken over by the Government. The location near the calm waters of the lake and the beauty of surrounding mountains add to the appeal of these parks. Here are some of the most popular parks of Geneva:
Parc La Grange
Quai Gustave Ador
This is Geneva’s largest park in area stretching to 12000 square meters along the lake. The park takes pride in owing the largest rose garden in the city and a horticultural center. Added attraction is the Verdure Theatre on site which hosts free concerts every Wednesday and Friday during the summer months.
English Garden
Quai Gustave-Ador
The park stands on the left bank near the Jet d’Eau. The garden is popular because of its flower clock, and many other famous statues like ‘Monument National,’ and a sculpted bronze fountain by Alexis Andre.
Eaux Vives Park
Quai Gustave Ador
This is a sloping hillside park which also happens to be the location of the headquarters of the Geneva Sports Association. It also has a restaurant at its top.
Bastions Park
Place Neuve
This place was the site of the first university in Geneva and is a popular hangout for students who love to go for a game at the set of life size chess boards at the north end of the park. The park is also known for the Reformation Wall built along the old rampart wall of the Old Town.
Batie Woods
Jonction
The park abounds in wildlife and has several hiking trails which are popular with joggers and hikers alike. A small zoo and several terrace restaurants are also located in the park.
Places to visit in Geneva
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Geneva one of the most beautiful places on earth attracts a large number of tourists. As is obvious there are several places that must be visited in this city. This article aims to present a brief summary of the most important among them.
The most famous of these places is the spectacular lake of Geneva. Not only does it provide a pleasant sight for the eyes but it also offers a wide number of activities to keep the tourists entertained. Various landmarks are present on this lakefront which serves to enhance its attraction. Along the left and right banks of the lake are present the Promenades. These are filled with a wide range of cafes, parks, street markets and other diversions from lake cruises to amusement rides to water skiing. Protruding from the ground up to an astonishing height of 140 metres is the Jet d’eau. It symbolizes Geneva’s heritage as a leader in the field of hydraulic power. Likewise there are other structures on the eastern and western bank too. You can also find many good hotels for accommodation in this area.
The next major area that is a must visit is the old town of Geneva with its sloping cobblestone streets and alleyways. The pavements are filled with cafes, boutiques and historical landmarks at every turn. Its ancient feel is increased by the ever present old buildings. The Hotel De Ville located along Rue de l’Hotel-de-Ville was built in the 15th century and continues to fulfill its role as a seat of government in Geneva. It is also the site of many political milestones including the first convening of the Geneva Convention in 1864 and the founding of the League of Nations in 1920. The oldest public square, Bourg-de-Four is also present here. Filled with a wide range of bistros, terraces, bars and other popular meeting spots, it continues to attract tourists as well as locals. The south side has the Treille Promenade which features the towns last remaining rampart wall. Atop this wall you can see the entire city. The Old Arsenal, a former battery now features a mosaic by Alexandre Cingria depicting Caesar’s arrival in the city 58 BC.
A number of other places like the Reformation wall located in Bastions Park, Place Neuve featuring the Conservatory of Music, the Grand Opera Theater, the Rath Museum and also the Victory Concert Hall and the Schtrumpfs building which gave rise to the name of the famous cartoon character ‘smurfs’. There are several other places too.
Nightlife in Geneva, experience the silence
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Nightlife in Geneva catches around the tradition and culture as existing in a cross-section of Geneva society. At most of the night life activist there you can see Gentlemen as in curled moustaches and smart suits sitting along with young diplomats and young boys. The Geneva Tourist Office and weekly provides Genève Le Guide nightlife listings and information various cultural events and activities. Some prominent centers of Night life activities in Geneva are as following.
• FloorTWO Bar: Situated on the second floor of the Grand Hotel Kempinski, it has been rightly described as and is been said as FloorTwo Bar as it let one to enjoy the best views in Geneva. There is than just the vista though and the bar is all über-hip curves and on-trend is a designed touché for the range of cocktails is best to quench thirst.
• Grand Théâtre de Genève: As imitated and designed in style of Second Empire and inspired by Paris Opera House this 1,500 sear opera house become active during opera and choral seasons.
• Macumba: It is a sort of nightclub thing situated about 10 minutes away from the outskirts of Geneva. There one select from about different nightspots like in electronica, R’n’B and disco. More there is located an Irish pub, a wine bar and four restaurants.
• La Clémence: It is an Old Town institution, a tiny bar with unparallel reputation attached to it. Its outdoor terrace provides an extended reach for people watching in Geneva. However, it turns into a low key affair at during winter seasons.
• L’Usine: This is a substitute art center in Geneva where a number of cultural activities take place in Night. At L’Usine you can enjoy anything from experimental dance and arthouse cinema to ska-punk singers and unsigned bands.
• SEG Geneva Arena: It is one of the massive avenues in Genevea and is visited by the celebrities like Sting, Guns’N’Roses, Supertramp and Shakira. It is ideally constructed for full fledged rock concerts and programs. In case you wish to attend a high profile concert then you should plan it prior and plan it properly so you could visit adequately and in systematic way.
• Weetamix: This is a famous dance club in Geneva. It is a regular spot for DJs and producers from beyond Switzerland, and sometime even is recognized being as gay-friendly.
• Au Chat Noir: This is a respectable live music spot and outlet in Geneva catering as precisely to soul singers, jazz musicians and much more other than catching crowds on week. It is a bar and cellar venue too that even catches an appreciative crowd too.
• Arthur’s Rive Gauche: It is an immensely popular nightspot in Geneva having a terrace that attracts the massive crowds towards it as during summertime. More it is popular within certain social circles as is well suited for purposes like hobnobbing with glitterati than slouching over a table with a beer. There is also a restaurant there that is too available even for lunches.