Switzerland
Genève
Geneva, known locally as Genève in French and Genf in German, stands as Switzerland’s second-largest city and the most populous French-speaking hub in the country. Renowned as a global epicenter of diplomacy, it has hosted the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross since 1863, embodying humanitarian ideals. While the United Nations maintains a significant presence at the Palais des Nations, Geneva’s influence extends beyond, with numerous UN agencies and international organizations calling it home. Despite its modest population of around 200,000 within the city proper, the metropolitan area swells to over a million residents, blending political gravitas with vibrant cosmopolitan living.
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Things to do
Wondering what to do in Genève? Start beside Lake Geneva, where the 140-metre Jet d’Eau rises above the harbour and the lakeside promenades offer memorable views towards the Alps. Walk through the Jardin Anglais to see the flower-decorated L’Horloge Fleurie, then continue across the city’s parks, from the lakefront lawns of Parc La Grange and Parc des Eaux-Vives to Parc des Bastions, home to the Reformation Wall, giant chessboards and a calm green setting beside the old town. For what to do in Genève city centre, explore the cobbled lanes of the Old Town around Place du Bourg-de-Four. Visit St Peter’s Cathedral, climb its tower for a panorama, and look below ground at its archaeological site. Maison Tavel, the International Museum of the Reformation and the city’s hidden passageways add layers of history, while cafés and independent shops make the district easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace. Genève is famous for watchmaking, so the Patek Philippe Museum is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in precision, design and the city’s horological heritage. Its reputation as an international city can be explored through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, the Palais des Nations and the surrounding diplomatic quarter. Science enthusiasts can make the trip to CERN to learn about particle physics, the Large Hadron Collider and the origins of the World Wide Web. A weekend in Genève suits visitors who want culture, scenery and neighbourhood life without lengthy journeys. Combine the Old Town and lakeside sights with the museums of the Quartier des Bains, where MAMCO, the Centre d’Art Contemporain and galleries share the area with lively cafés and bistros. For a change of atmosphere, Carouge brings Mediterranean-influenced architecture, small squares, restaurants and local boutiques just beyond the central districts. Outdoors, take a swim or relax at Genève Plage in warm weather, follow paths through Bois de la Bâtie, or head across the border to the Salève for hiking and broad views over the city, lake and mountains. Genève’s calendar also brings extra character through music, arts, wine and traditional events, while seasonal lake activities and boat trips provide another way to appreciate the setting. Together, these experiences show what Genève is famous for: a lake-and-mountain landscape, Reformation history, watchmaking, diplomacy, science and an unusually rich blend of urban and outdoor attractions.
Things to do
Wondering what to do in Genève? Start beside Lake Geneva, where the 140-metre Jet d’Eau rises above the harbour and the lakeside promenades offer memorable views towards the Alps. Walk through the Jardin Anglais to see the flower-decorated L’Horloge Fleurie, then continue across the city’s parks, from the lakefront lawns of Parc La Grange and Parc des Eaux-Vives to Parc des Bastions, home to the Reformation Wall, giant chessboards and a calm green setting beside the old town. For what to do in Genève city centre, explore the cobbled lanes of the Old Town around Place du Bourg-de-Four. Visit St Peter’s Cathedral, climb its tower for a panorama, and look below ground at its archaeological site. Maison Tavel, the International Museum of the Reformation and the city’s hidden passageways add layers of history, while cafés and independent shops make the district easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace. Genève is famous for watchmaking, so the Patek Philippe Museum is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in precision, design and the city’s horological heritage. Its reputation as an international city can be explored through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, the Palais des Nations and the surrounding diplomatic quarter. Science enthusiasts can make the trip to CERN to learn about particle physics, the Large Hadron Collider and the origins of the World Wide Web. A weekend in Genève suits visitors who want culture, scenery and neighbourhood life without lengthy journeys. Combine the Old Town and lakeside sights with the museums of the Quartier des Bains, where MAMCO, the Centre d’Art Contemporain and galleries share the area with lively cafés and bistros. For a change of atmosphere, Carouge brings Mediterranean-influenced architecture, small squares, restaurants and local boutiques just beyond the central districts. Outdoors, take a swim or relax at Genève Plage in warm weather, follow paths through Bois de la Bâtie, or head across the border to the Salève for hiking and broad views over the city, lake and mountains. Genève’s calendar also brings extra character through music, arts, wine and traditional events, while seasonal lake activities and boat trips provide another way to appreciate the setting. Together, these experiences show what Genève is famous for: a lake-and-mountain landscape, Reformation history, watchmaking, diplomacy, science and an unusually rich blend of urban and outdoor attractions.
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Lausanne
Switzerland
Nestled at the northern edge of Lake Geneva, Lausanne radiates a quiet charm as the vibrant capital of Switzerland’s Vaud canton. With a population of around 140,000 residents (as of 2020), this city is a lively hub of public transportation, seamlessly connecting travelers to the breathtaking alpine region of Valais. Known worldwide for its proximity to some of the most renowned ski slopes, Lausanne offers a gateway not only to scenic mountain adventures but also to a city rich in culture and history, where the gentle lapping of lake waters complements the lively pulse of urban life.
Lyon
France
Nestled at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon pulses with a vibrant blend of history, culture, and culinary excellence. As France’s third-largest city, with over half a million residents, it boasts a dynamic metropolitan area second only to Paris. This city’s roots run deep, tracing back to Roman times when it served as a provincial capital, leaving behind a treasure trove of Roman ruins. Lyon’s architecture is a captivating tapestry—ranging from medieval structures in Old Lyon to sleek modern designs—shaped by its Renaissance prominence in silk production. Known globally as France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon’s streets are lined with an extraordinary density of restaurants, making it a haven for food lovers. Beyond its culinary fame, the city hosts UNESCO World Heritage sites like the historic districts of Old Lyon, Fourvière Hill, the Presqu'île, and the slopes of Croix-Rousse, each telling stories of a city that has continually evolved while honoring its past.
Besançon
France
Nestled in the heart of eastern France, Besançon stands as a vibrant hub within the Franche-Comté region. This city weaves a rich tapestry of history, culture, and local charm, inviting visitors to explore its timeless streets and discover the stories that shape its unique identity.
Grenoble
France
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Grenoble is a sophisticated city that seamlessly blends natural grandeur with intellectual vibrancy. Home to approximately 158,000 residents as of 2017—and over half a million in its metropolitan embrace—it exudes an aura of scholarly excellence and cutting-edge innovation. Surrounded by the majestic Vercors, Chartreuse, and Belledonne mountain ranges, and bisected by the tranquil rivers Drac and Isère, this city is a hub of scientific discovery and academic prestige. Its campuses are renowned for world-class universities, while research centers such as Minatec for nanotechnologies, the CEA, and the European Synchrotron attract leading minds from across the globe. The western suburbs flourish as centers of high-tech industry, hosting giants like STMicroelectronics and Motorola, fostering a cosmopolitan community of international scientists and students. Grenoble’s allure lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its role as a beacon of innovation and intellectual pursuit.
Bern
Switzerland
Nestled on a peninsula carved by the winding curves of the Aare River, Bern emerges as a city of timeless charm and architectural harmony. Its UNESCO-listed old town, a marvel of coherent design, beckons visitors with 6.4 kilometers of arcaded walkways, where fountains dance and clock towers punctuate the skyline with rhythmic elegance. As Switzerland’s de facto capital, Bern exudes a quiet grandeur, blending medieval splendor with the vibrant pulse of modern life. In 2018, its population numbered around 134,000 within the city proper, with a broader urban embrace reaching approximately 420,000. This historic city, founded around 1191 by the Zähringer family and gaining free imperial city status in 1218, has grown into a bastion of Swiss history and sovereignty. Surrounded by the Aare, Bern’s streets whisper stories of centuries past, while its lively neighborhoods reflect a city that balances tradition with progress.