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Geneva Maps & Attractions Guide
Geneva maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Geneva
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Geneva
Attractions - Things to do
1. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman)
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What is it? The largest lake in central Europe and shared
by both Switzerland and France, the romantic waters of Lake Geneva
(Lac Léman to its French-speaking inhabitants) have for decades
drawn visitors to its shores. Attracted by the alpine panorama,
quaint wooden chalet villages, vineyard-covered slopes and
sailboats skimming across the blue waters, many famous writers,
musical composers, actors and poets came to settle on the shores
and the area has become something of an inspiration to the arts.
Situated in the westernmost district of Vaud, the region contains a
diversity of attractions and activities, from wine-growing villages
and mountain ski resorts, picturesque castles, and magnificent
cathedrals, to low-key lakeside resorts, boat cruises, and cosy
fireside pots of fondue. Sophisticated shopping and cultural life
can be found in the cities of Geneva and Lausanne, with sweeping
views across the sparkling lake to the Alps and the distinctive
pinnacle of Mont Blanc. Among the vineyards and affluent villas
clinging to the slopes lie the lakeside towns of Vevey and
Montreux, the pearls of the Swiss Riviera. Scenic winding roads
stretch along the shores, and train trips offers outstanding views,
while below steamers crisscross the waters of Lake Geneva, offering
a variety of ways to experience the splendour of its
location.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
2. Lausanne
www.lausanne-tourisme.ch |
What is it? Picturesquely located on the shores of Lake
Geneva, the youthful and energetic city of Lausanne is built above
the lake on a sequence of tiers connected by a small metro. The
upper or Old Town contains the grand Gothic cathedral, Notre-Dame;
its turreted towers a well-known symbol of the city. The lower town
on the lakeshore was once the small fishing village of Ouchy and is
now the prime waterfront area with outdoor dining and cafés,
promenades and sporting activities. The gardens around the Quay
d'Ouchy are home to the city's foremost attraction, the Olympic
Museum, containing a wealth of sporting memories and a collection
of unique objects pertaining to the Olympic Games from its
beginning until the present. Lausanne relishes its importance as
the Olympic World Capital and headquarters of the International
Olympic Committee.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
3. Château de Chillon
Avenue de Chillon 21
www.chillon.ch |
What is it? One of the best-maintained medieval castles
in Europe, the 13th century Château de Chillon is the most visited
historical building in Switzerland. With its stunning lakeside
location near the chic town of Montreux, jutting out into the water
and framed by mountains, it is one of the more frequently
photographed castles in Europe. An important fortress in the Middle
Ages, it was strategically positioned to control the narrow passage
between mountains and lake protecting the major north-south route.
It was also the favourite summer residence of the Counts of Savoy.
Later it served as a state prison. Visitors can tour the dungeons
where the castle's most famous prisoner was chained for four years,
the priest François Bonivard, a supporter of the Reformation. The
fortress became famous when Lord Byron wrote about Bonivard's fate
in an inspired poem entitled Prisoner of
Chillon. Besides the dungeons, visitors can wander round
the towers and courtyards, discover narrow secret passages, and see
the grand knight's halls, frescoed chapel, luxurious bedchambers
and rooms containing medieval weapons, furniture and
paintings.
Hours of Operation: Open daily from 9am to 6pm (April to September),
9.30am to 5pm (March and October), 10am to 4pm (January to February
and November to December)
Phone:(0)21 966 8910 |
Geneva Holidays guide
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Transport -Public transport consists of very
dependable trams, buses and trolley buses that service the city
quickly and efficiently, but if there is no hurry it is cheaper and
more practical to walk or cycle; from May to October city bicycles
can be borrowed from Genev' Roule outside the main train station
free of charge.
More information at the |
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