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Switzerland : Geneva - January 2009

Country Code: Dial for Switzerland

January is the perfect time of year to see Geneva at its winter wonderland best: crisp, fresh air, an icy lake and snow-covered mountains. Then there’s the cultural calendar this month. The visually stunning Festival Arts et Lumierès is on until 4 January, while the renowned Festival Suisse Diagonales Jazz 09 arrives here in January. Lou McMullen books her tickets

Getting around

Geneva Cointrin International Airport

Bus: If staying on the left bank, the No 10 will get you to Cornavin Station in 10 minutes and across the river in about 15 minutes
Train: The train from the airport to the city centre takes six minutes. A one-hour Tout Genève pass costs €1,90/CHF 3, which you can also use on buses.
Taxi: Taxis cost €19-25/CHF 30-40 and take about 15 minutes to the centre.
Tourist information: 18 Rue du Mont-Blanc (, www.genevetourism.ch).

COINTRIN

The district near the airport is gaining a reputation for bargain accommodation and has one of the best one-stop shopping centres in the city.

Shop til you drop – A short walk away is Balexert (27 Avenue Louis Casai), a giant shopping complex that also offers restaurants, bars and a cinema. It takes a while to get around it, so factor in plenty of time and make sure you have suitcase space!

Sleep soundly – At prices that won’t break the bank, both the Etap and the remarkably reasonable four-star NH Geneva Airport Hotel offer comfortable stays. They are also just a 10-minute bus ride from the centre.

LAKESIDE

At this time of year, both banks of the lake are perfect for a brisk winter walk

Dance the night away – Unleash your inner Paris Hilton and hit Platinum Glam Club (18 Quai de Seujet). Dress to impress and bring a full wallet if you want to fit in with the glossy crowd here.

Must drink – Nothing beats a rich hot chocolate at one of the waterside cafés such as Le Casanova (3 Quai du Mont Blanc). A cocoa rush as you look out over the Jet d’Eau fountain – what more could one ask for?

Sleep soundly – For old-fashioned luxury and excellent service, look no further than the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues

Culture vultures – Take a brisk stroll along the lakeside and spot the Festival Arts et Lumières, which sees the trees strung with lights.

LES PAQUIS

Between the train station and the lake lies a bustling quarter of contrasts: red-light districts and deluxe hotels, tourist traps and local establishments, and, above all, multicultural diversity.

Dance the night away – The touring jazz celebration Festival Suisse Diagonales Jazz 09 comes to Geneva from 17 to 24 January. Catch the festivities at improvised music club Sud des Alpes (10 Rue des Alpes), a great place to let your hair down.

Must eat – If you fancy authentic Spanish food, try paella at the lively El Ruedo (12 Rue de Fribourg, tel. ). L’Entrecôte Couronnée (5 Rue des Pâquis, tel. ) is simply one of the best restaurants in the city for steak. Try the medallions of beef with mushrooms and herbs or, if you fancy something less red-blooded, the salmon flambéed with absinthe. The lunchtime plat du jour is reasonably priced and popular, so arrive early.

Sleep soundly – A relative newcomer, the four-star Hotel Eastwest is already going down a treat. Elegant and refined, rooms are all dark woods and clean lines, making for a really relaxing stay.

OLD TOWN

Sample high-class dining among the cobbled back streets of Geneva’s Vieille Ville.

Must eat – Café Papon (1 Rue Henri- Fazy, ) is a Genevan institution, offering a varied menu full of local produce and dishes like roast duck breast in green pepper sauce and tarte tatin. For cheese specialities, it’s hard to beat Restaurant Les Armures (Hotel Les Armures, 1 Rue du Puits- Saint-Pierre, ) with its delicious fondues and raclettes (grilled cheese and potatoes).

Must drink – Start with an apèro at La Clémence (20 Place du Bourg-de- Four). It’s a tiny bar with a large terrace that is still heaving during winter thanks to its heaters and a well-deserved reputation as the place to meet people in town.



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Previous issues for Geneva
 
   
Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy,
please confirm event/venue details in advance.



 

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