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Favorite Things to do in Geneva

Geneva may not be cute (like, say, Lucerne) but it is cosmopolitan and has a lot to offer. Here are a few of my favorite things to do while in Geneva:

Walking along the (Rhone) river and lake (Geneva) waterfronts. They are very people friendly--frequented by both locals and tourists. The Jardin Anglais has the famous Flower Clock (Horloge Fleurie). The Jet d'eau (the big fountain) is an impressive sight. At night, the water reflects the city's lights.

For shopping (or like me, window shopping) walking along the Rue de Rive (Rue du Marche and beyond)). There are at least three up-scale department stores. One, the Globus, has a food court with a bakery, creperie, and wine bars. I was able to eat well without spending a lot. There are also other restaurants, cafes, chocolate shops, shops representing a wide range of national and international companies and wares--even toys. Except on Sundays, most everything is closed up.

Visiting the Old Town (Vieille Ville) especially The Cathedral St. Pierre. As with many churches in Switzerland, it was built as a Catholic church that became Protestant with the Reformation. Most of its art treasures were removed, but it remains an inspiring place to visit. For those who are not fond of walking up and down steep streets, a shuttle bus carries people in more or less of a circle between the top near St Pierre down to across the street of the Parc des Bastions on to the Rue de Rive (shopping).

Visiting the Parc des Bastion. This is famous for its stirring Reformation Wall (Mur de la Reformation). Again, this park is very people friendly--having lunch, playing chess or checkers, relaxing, etc. It was ironic to see students of a school gym class run past the stern-looking statues of John Calvin and the others.

Also helpful: hotels give guests a card which is good for free use of the city's transit services (trams, buses, even boats), including the Old Town shuttle.

Also mentioning, the Orchestre de la Suisse-Romande is one of the world's great orchestras and shares residency between Geneva and Lausanne. If people have the opportunity to get tickets and hear it, they should.

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