Geneva: Your Ultimate Summer Guide to Swiss Lakeside Living

Geneva offers so much more than a mere passage to the Alps; come summer, it transforms into a city with a wonderfully relaxed, almost beach-like atmosphere, imbued with undeniable Swiss style. The city provides a plethora of appealing spots for a refreshing swim, including the innovative artificial beach at Eaux-Vives on Lake Geneva, which boasts a unique doughnut-shaped overwater deck and a central pool, offering a delightful lakeside experience. Other popular choices include the floating “beach platform” at the Quai de Cologny and the expansive Genève-Plage, where a wide range of watersports, from elegant yachting to exhilarating paddleboarding, are available alongside simple swimming.
A visit to Geneva is a true delight for wine connoisseurs, with the intricate network of streets in the Vieille Ville (old town) teeming with an impressive selection of wine bars. These establishments span from the sleekly modern Soul Wines, offering a contemporary approach to wine, to the more traditional Vino Olio Caffe, providing an authentic local ambiance. Most roads in the old town lead to the iconic Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, where the imposing vaulted exterior serves as a grand introduction to the truly spectacular lake views that await from its towering spires. After a day of exploration, Geneva offers a wealth of other engaging activities; uncover vintage treasures at the Plainpalais flea market, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, delve into the city’s rich watchmaking history at the prestigious Patek Philippe museum, or immerse yourself in live music at Genève-Plage, with three enchanting nights of alfresco performances during the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande festival, from August 21st to 23rd.
Geneva is also a wonderfully indulgent city, a paradise for food lovers. It’s replete with tempting fromageries, offering an exquisite selection of local and international cheeses, and bustling farmers’ markets. The best of these markets can be found at the Plainpalais on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and at Eaux-Vives on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing fresh, local produce. For the ultimate culinary treat, secure a table at Le Gruyérien for an authentic fondue experience, a rich and comforting dish. To burn off this delightful indulgence, a hike across the verdant slopes of Mont Salève is highly recommended – conveniently accessible via a mere five-minute cable-car ride from the city center, offering stunning panoramic views and invigorating exercise.