Car Hire Geneva - Mini guide to Geneva

Known for its distinctly diplomatic atmosphere, Geneva is a lovely city, enjoying a pretty location on the edge of Lake Geneva. Although not overly lively, and with a reputation for being expensive, it still draws many tourists and has plenty of interesting attractions.

The city is located around the southeast end of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman), and the old town sits atop a hill, presiding over the Rhone River. It’s a collection of cobbled lanes clustered around the imposing Cathedral St Pierre, with its Romanesque and Baroque styles. The nearby Place du Bourg-de-Four is the oldest square in Geneva and was once a Roman forum, but has evolved into a marketplace.

Geneva boasts a number of good museums, including the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, critically acclaimed Museum of Art and History, Horology (clocks) Museum, and Voltaire Museum. The Petit Palais is also worth visiting.

Many lovely parks and bathing areas are found along the shoreline, and a stroll along the waterfront gives good views of the ‘Jet d’ Eau’ (giant single jet fountain in the middle of the bay). Boat trips are also a popular way to admire the Alps across the water.

Boffins might want to seek out the CERN, European Organization for Nuclear Research, and birthplace of the Internet. Geneva’s international airport receives flights from all over the world and has excellent facilities, though transport into the centre can be expensive. A popular way to arrive is by rail from France; trains are efficient, comfortable and usually more convenient for traveling within Europe.