Hop! Geneva’s buzz is just 3 hours and 11 minutes from Paris
Discover Geneva in just a few steps! Freshly arrived at Cornavin railway station, right in the heart of the city, take a short walk down to the lake, only moments away. In front of you, your first sweeping view of the Jet d’Eau; behind you, a line of exceptional hotels.
Whether you have come to relax and take care of yourself, or you are more inclined towards nightlife, discovery, gastronomy or sport, Geneva has something for you. Explore the city far and wide and you will soon realise that behind its apparent calm lies a city constantly in motion, ready to surprise you at every turn.
What is there to do in Geneva?
Take the plunge into the clear waters of Lake Geneva! At the Bains des Pâquis, Genève-Plage, and even on small, well-kept beaches close to the city such as La Savonnière—much loved by locals and cross-border commuters alike—you can enjoy spontaneous dips throughout the day. In winter, settle in at the Bains des Pâquis for a sauna followed by an invigorating plunge into the lake. Afterwards, treat yourself to a local fondue at the same spot!
Explore Geneva’s many neighbourhoods. From one street to the next, the atmosphere changes completely. Start your urban stroll at the Schtroumpf Buildings and look up to admire their extravagant architecture, unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere. Then head to the avant-garde Quartier des Bains for a cultural stop: trendy bars, galleries everywhere—this is where Geneva’s artistic side comes to life. Finally, end your escape in Vieux Carouge: pick up a gift from one of the artisans on Rue Ancienne and wander through its charming little streets before heading out for the evening.
Rue du Rhône and the Rues Basses: time for window shopping. Take home a beautiful watch—or simply some chocolate bars, because nothing beats the pleasure of eating without checking the time!
For culture lovers, go international. After the Quartier des Bains, continue your cultural journey with a visit to the Palais des Nations (and its exceptional park) or the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum.
Discover Geneva’s must-see sights. St Pierre’s Cathedral, the Reformation Wall, CERN and the city’s many museums are all unmissable. For the ultimate holiday selfie, head straight to the Jet d’Eau!
📆 When to visit Geneva
🗓 Events you won't want to miss
March – Car enthusiast? Head to the Geneva Motor Show.
July / August – Fêtes de Genève. Fun for all ages, ending with a spectacular 55-minute fireworks display over the harbour.
December – Fête de l’Escalade. Join the locals in costume for this historic celebration.
⛅ Geneva’s climate
To avoid grey skies around the lake, any month is a good choice except November, when mist and gloom are more likely to settle in. A perfect stopover on the way to ski resorts in winter or the mountains in summer, the city at the far end of the lake makes an ideal weekend getaway—or longer—from France via the TGV Lyria, of course at high speed!
💡 Did you know?
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born in Geneva in 1712.
- Numerous celebrities and top athletes live in Geneva, where they appreciate the peace and quiet and the fact that their private lives are respected. Maybe you'll bump into one of them!
- In 563, a tsunami engulfed Geneva following a rock slide in Tauredunum.
Geneva in figures
190 nationalities and 41% foreigners. | 310 hectares of green spaces, i.e. 20% of the city. | 7 Michelin-starred restaurants. |
Travel to Switzerland in only 3 hours by train
With TGV Lyria, your rail partner