A selection in partnership with
Geneva
A quiet city on the banks of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) with the Alps and Mont Blanc as a backdrop, Geneva is the second biggest city in Switzerland. It offers a rare quality of life and is the envy of the world because of its central position in Europe. The city is the seat of numerous international organisations including the Red Cross and UNO, visits to which give an excellent introduction to the way the world works. Geneva also enjoys rare and world-renowned fame for its watch-making heritage, together with a wealth of culture and tourist attractions for the family.
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Geneva.
Novotel Genève Centre
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Geneva.
Novotel Genève Centre
2.5
The second hand of the flower clock in the English garden measures 2 metres and 50 centimetres: the longest in the world!
50
There are around 50 clocks scattered throughout public areas in Geneva.
500
The water fountain on the Rade spurts 500 litres of water every second to a height of 140 metres and at a speed of 200 kph.
Museums and exhibitions
Le Palais des Nations
The Palais des Nations has been the seat of the United Nations Organisation (UNO) since 1946. Built in the middle of a park, it boasts a perfect view of Mont Blanc. It’s the second largest UNO seat after New York and is one of the places where decisions affecting world peace are taken. It’s a privilege for all members of the family to be able to visit such an institution, and it’s a real pleasure to admire the numerous works of art on display, illustrating the cultural diversity of the organisation’s member countries.
Avenue de la Paix 14, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 229174896
Open every day in July and August from 10am to 5pm; from 10am to noon and from 2pm to 4pm from April to June and from September to October; and from 10am to noon and from 2pm to 4pm Monday to Friday from November to March
Reformation Monument
Located in the Parc des Bastions, this wall monument (Mur de la Réformation) is steeped in history and makes a nice change from museums. In a little less than 100 metres you can discover 450 years of Protestant history from scenes carved into the stone wall – all in the fresh air! The 5 metre high statues of the four main characters of the movement are an unforgettable sight.
Place Neuve, Geneva
Open every day
Museum of Swiss Cutlery
The art of knife-making is part of Switzerland’s cultural heritage, and this museum houses some exceptional pieces. From a multi-bladed knife with over 200 functions to some decorated with microscopic carvings – plus temporary exhibitions – it offers a unique and educational trip through the cutler’s art. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays a knife-maker is on hand to answer any questions you may have about his trade.
Rue de la Confédération 15, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 223109133
Open from 1.15pm to 6.30pm on Mondays; from 9.15am to 6.30pm Tuesday to Friday; and from 9.15am to 6.30pm on Saturdays
The Palais des Nations has been the seat of the United Nations Organisation (UNO) since 1946. Built in the middle of a park, it boasts a perfect view of Mont Blanc. It’s the second largest UNO seat after New York and is one of the places where decisions affecting world peace are taken. It’s a privilege for all members of the family to be able to visit such an institution, and it’s a real pleasure to admire the numerous works of art on display, illustrating the cultural diversity of the organisation’s member countries.
Avenue de la Paix 14, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 229174896
Open every day in July and August from 10am to 5pm; from 10am to noon and from 2pm to 4pm from April to June and from September to October; and from 10am to noon and from 2pm to 4pm Monday to Friday from November to March
Reformation Monument
Located in the Parc des Bastions, this wall monument (Mur de la Réformation) is steeped in history and makes a nice change from museums. In a little less than 100 metres you can discover 450 years of Protestant history from scenes carved into the stone wall – all in the fresh air! The 5 metre high statues of the four main characters of the movement are an unforgettable sight.
Place Neuve, Geneva
Open every day
Museum of Swiss Cutlery
The art of knife-making is part of Switzerland’s cultural heritage, and this museum houses some exceptional pieces. From a multi-bladed knife with over 200 functions to some decorated with microscopic carvings – plus temporary exhibitions – it offers a unique and educational trip through the cutler’s art. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays a knife-maker is on hand to answer any questions you may have about his trade.
Rue de la Confédération 15, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 223109133
Open from 1.15pm to 6.30pm on Mondays; from 9.15am to 6.30pm Tuesday to Friday; and from 9.15am to 6.30pm on Saturdays
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens
Parc des Eaux-Vives
The old town of Eaux-Vives has become part of Geneva. Its park is large and boasts an impressive collection of flowers (particularly rhododendrons) as well as a pond fed by a spring coming out of a cave. For families, a little train leaving every 45 minutes is the ideal way to visit this part of the right bank of Lake Geneva.
Jardin des Anglais, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 223105300
Open every day from March to October from 10.15am to nightfall
Parc Lagrange
The best rose garden in Geneva and a beautiful park all round. Summer theatres, natural stone steps, an orangery and a magnificent villa – all create the perfect setting for the stunning rose display. The two lions at the entrance will impress the whole family, but children will be most interested in the playground and paddling pool. After a little exercise we recommend a snack at the Crémerie Buvette at the orangery!
Avenue de Frontenex, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 224185000
Botanic Garden
Made up of over 18 hectares of land, the Botanic Garden offers tranquil walks and relaxation – visitors come here for its temperate and tropical greenhouses, its Garden of Scent and Touch and its iris collection. Children will enjoy the playground and will love seeing the park animals, including deer, pink flamingos and peacocks.
Avenue de la Paix, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 22 4185000
Open from 8am to 7.30pm April to September; and from 9.30am to 5pm October to March
The old town of Eaux-Vives has become part of Geneva. Its park is large and boasts an impressive collection of flowers (particularly rhododendrons) as well as a pond fed by a spring coming out of a cave. For families, a little train leaving every 45 minutes is the ideal way to visit this part of the right bank of Lake Geneva.
Jardin des Anglais, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 223105300
Open every day from March to October from 10.15am to nightfall
Parc Lagrange
The best rose garden in Geneva and a beautiful park all round. Summer theatres, natural stone steps, an orangery and a magnificent villa – all create the perfect setting for the stunning rose display. The two lions at the entrance will impress the whole family, but children will be most interested in the playground and paddling pool. After a little exercise we recommend a snack at the Crémerie Buvette at the orangery!
Avenue de Frontenex, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 224185000
Botanic Garden
Made up of over 18 hectares of land, the Botanic Garden offers tranquil walks and relaxation – visitors come here for its temperate and tropical greenhouses, its Garden of Scent and Touch and its iris collection. Children will enjoy the playground and will love seeing the park animals, including deer, pink flamingos and peacocks.
Avenue de la Paix, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 22 4185000
Open from 8am to 7.30pm April to September; and from 9.30am to 5pm October to March
Kids’voyage’s special treats
The Rade Fountain
Installed in 1951, the elaborate mechanics of this fountain have inspired many cities round the world to use similar systems. One of Geneva’s most memorable symbols, the fountain on the Rade fits in beautifully with its surroundings. A floating bridge allows you to get close to its base and marvel at the water surging up at a fantastic speed and forming a hollow jet more than 100 metres high.
Jet d’Eau, La Rade, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 22 4207575
Opening times depend on the weather
International Museum of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent
The men and women of the Red Cross have been helping humanity in an ever-changing world for over 140 years. This museum pays tribute to the work of Henry Dunant, who founded the Red Cross in 1863. Through films, slide shows and computer displays, visitors can interact with the museum and gain a better understanding of the moral values of this world-renowned organisation.
Avenue de la Paix 17, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 22 7489525
The clocks
Of all the clocks in Geneva, the star is the flower clock at the Jardin des Anglais! As much an icon of the city as the Rade fountain, judging by the number of photos taken of it by tourists every day, this flowery mound was completely redesigned in 2002 and now has eight dials.
Quai du Mont-blanc, Geneva
Open every day
Installed in 1951, the elaborate mechanics of this fountain have inspired many cities round the world to use similar systems. One of Geneva’s most memorable symbols, the fountain on the Rade fits in beautifully with its surroundings. A floating bridge allows you to get close to its base and marvel at the water surging up at a fantastic speed and forming a hollow jet more than 100 metres high.
Jet d’Eau, La Rade, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 22 4207575
Opening times depend on the weather
International Museum of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent
The men and women of the Red Cross have been helping humanity in an ever-changing world for over 140 years. This museum pays tribute to the work of Henry Dunant, who founded the Red Cross in 1863. Through films, slide shows and computer displays, visitors can interact with the museum and gain a better understanding of the moral values of this world-renowned organisation.
Avenue de la Paix 17, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 22 7489525
The clocks
Of all the clocks in Geneva, the star is the flower clock at the Jardin des Anglais! As much an icon of the city as the Rade fountain, judging by the number of photos taken of it by tourists every day, this flowery mound was completely redesigned in 2002 and now has eight dials.
Quai du Mont-blanc, Geneva
Open every day
Some good places for a family meal
Café du Soleil
From local specialities to fresh salads, the Café du Soleil will have something for the whole family on its menu. A pleasant relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff.
Place du Petit Saconnex 6, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 22 7333417
Open from 7am to midnight Monday to Friday; from 10am to midnight Saturdays; and from 10am to 11pm Sundays
The Gaucho
Children will love seeing the meat cut from long spits onto their plates at this Brazilian grill restaurant, which also offers a cold buffet. Families especially welcome.
1 Chemin Malombré, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 22 3461150
Open every day from 11am to 4pm and from 7pm to midnight (2am Fridays and Saturdays) except Saturday lunchtimes
Au Pied de Cochon
As its name – the ‘Pig’s Trotter’ – indicates, pork is the speciality of this restaurant, traditionally served with a delicious ‘choucroute’ (sauerkraut). This restaurant also offers many other dishes and meats, all in a cheerful atmosphere.
Place du Bourg de Four 4, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 22 3104797
Open from 6am to 11pm Monday to Friday; and from 9am to 11pm Saturdays and Sundays
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels wish you an excellent stay in Geneva.
From local specialities to fresh salads, the Café du Soleil will have something for the whole family on its menu. A pleasant relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff.
Place du Petit Saconnex 6, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 22 7333417
Open from 7am to midnight Monday to Friday; from 10am to midnight Saturdays; and from 10am to 11pm Sundays
The Gaucho
Children will love seeing the meat cut from long spits onto their plates at this Brazilian grill restaurant, which also offers a cold buffet. Families especially welcome.
1 Chemin Malombré, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 22 3461150
Open every day from 11am to 4pm and from 7pm to midnight (2am Fridays and Saturdays) except Saturday lunchtimes
Au Pied de Cochon
As its name – the ‘Pig’s Trotter’ – indicates, pork is the speciality of this restaurant, traditionally served with a delicious ‘choucroute’ (sauerkraut). This restaurant also offers many other dishes and meats, all in a cheerful atmosphere.
Place du Bourg de Four 4, Geneva – Tel: (+41) 22 3104797
Open from 6am to 11pm Monday to Friday; and from 9am to 11pm Saturdays and Sundays
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels wish you an excellent stay in Geneva.