The Puritanism of
GENEVA
(Genève in French) is inextricably linked with the city's struggle for independence. Long ruled by the dukes of Savoy, who regarded the local bishopric as their private property, sixteenth-century Genevans saw the Reformation in neighbouring Switzerland as a useful aid in their struggle to rid themselves of Savoyard influence. By the time the city's independence was won in 1602, its religious zeal had painted it as the "Protestant Rome". What continues to be known today as the Republic and Canton of Geneva remained outside the Swiss Confederation until 1815 (the Catholic cantons opposed its entry), and acquired a reputation for joylessness which it still struggles to shake off. Today, it's a working city that remains sharply focused on its prominent role in international diplomacy and big business. Time and effort are needed to penetrate the facade of money and power.
Arrival And Information :
The main
train station
, Gare de Cornavin, lies at the head of Rue du Mont-Blanc in the city centre. Expresses from Paris and Lyon arrive in a separate French section (passport control), but local French trains from Annecy/Chamonix terminate at Gare des Eaux-Vives on the east side of town (tram #12 or #16 into the centre). From the
airport
, 5km northwest, trains and bus #10 run regularly into the city. The international
bus station
is on Place Dorcière in the centre. The
tourist office
is in the main post office at 18 Rue du Mont-Blanc (Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; tel 022/909 70 00, www.geneva-tourism.ch ); pick up the weekly
listings
magazine Genève Agenda , and the excellent Info-Jeunes brochure, geared towards budget travellers. There's also an information office on the Pont de la Machine (Mon noon-6pm, Tues-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm; tel 022/311 99 70, www.ville-ge.ch ), and a CAR info-bus parked at the Mont-Blanc exit of the train station (mid-June to early Sept daily 9am-11pm; tel 022/731 46 47). There are dozens of city
tours
, including self-guided strolls by Walkman (deposit Sfr50), guided walks (Sfr12; mostly June-Oct), and scenic boat trips (lake cruises from Sfr11; downriver journey Sfr22). Local
trams
and
buses
cost Sfr2.20 (1hr) or Sfr5 (24hr). More Geneva information...
LAKE OF GENEVA / GENEVA Overlooking the beautiful Parc des Eaux-Vives and Lake Geneva, this hotel is set in a large restored 19th century house, less than two kilometers from the center of Geneva.
NEAR THE AIRPORT / GENEVA The Moevenpick Hotel and Casino Geneva is located in a large modern complex 500 meters from the airport and PalExpo Exhibition Center and 8 kms rs from the center of Geneva.
Call toll free..
US and Canada: 1-800-780-5733
Europe: 00-800-11-20-11-40
Use discount code: 89865
