An Insider’s Guide to Geneva shopping & activities by our colleagues Get the most out of the city

With these top tips from our colleagues at Mandarin Oriental, Geneva insider’s guide A word from the team

rowse these pages and discover a selection of ideas carefully chosen by our dedicated concierge team to help you experience the best of Geneva and the surrounding area. In love Bwith the region, each member of the team is delighted to share their knowledge and tips about the area and its many treasures. Get under the skin of French-speaking Switzerland and neighbouring France through the expert eyes of passionate locals, and prepare to be amazed.

However much free time you have to explore, whatever your interests, read on to discover everything from the city’s best spots for a picnic with a view to the best photo opportunities, the cutest children’s boutique or the region’s most memorable activities for families. Discover the charm, history and glorious sights in our region. We wish you a wonderful visit.

Welcome to our Geneva, our beautiful, fascinating city.

The team at Mandarin Oriental, Geneva

3 insider’s guide Contents

Shops 5

Memorable Moments 13

Activities 21

Our perfect day 27

4 shops

Shops

5 shops Summary

Best fashion boutiques 7 Best men’s shoes 9 Best for children 10 Best souvenirs 11 Best for art-lovers 12

6 shops Best Fashion Boutiques

L’adresse, L’envie Table & Wear de Fraises

This unique place combines a fashion Looking for pretty maternity wear? boutique with a contemporary bistro. This shop sells trendy clothes for The vast loft space is a former artist's pregnant women and new mothers, workshop, with a rooftop terrace that’s as well as baby carriers, washable ideal for eating outside in summer. diapers and toys for children. Staff The bistro offers fresh, light Asian are attentive and helpful and it’s a and Mediterranean food, while the pleasant, friendly place to shop. boutique sells brands including Acne, APC and Diane von Furstenberg 2 km · T + 41 22 321 24 61 alongside local designers. enviedefraises.ch

2,5 km · T + 41 22 736 32 32 ladress.ch Le grand magasin

15TER Set up by two friends in the arty Bains district, this boutique This boutique presents a carefully showcases young local and curated selection of French international designers you won’t urban wear labels including find elsewhere in Geneva, including Ash, Crea Concept, Des Petits Momoni, Chie Mihara, Ellen Hauts, Angels and others. A Verbeek and Officine Creative. great place to pick up the latest Clothing, accessories and shoes ‘must haves’ of the season. are beautifully displayed. 2,2 km · T + 41 22 735 70 87 1,1 km · T + 41 22 321 10 21 15ter.ch legrandmagasin.ch

7 shops Best Fashion Boutiques

Mamzelle Popeline

This place is a real treasure trove, mixing vintage clothing with contemporary designer accessories, jewellery and homeware. With a focus on ethical clothing and high quality craftsmanship, it only offers unique, high quality pieces made with care.

900 m · T + 41 78 793 13 15 mamzellepopeline.blogspot.com

8 shops Best Men’s Shoes

Arturo Belli

Founded by an Italian in 1909, this shoe shop offers high quality, made-to-measure footwear for men, handmade in Geneva. Customers can pick from the stylish designs and then choose the type of leather, the colour and the decorative features they prefer. Their name is even inscribed under the tongue of each shoe when they are made.

600 m · T + 41 22 310 65 18 arturobelli.com

9 shops Best for Children

Figue Bazar

Children will be in their element in this kids’ boutique which offers not only clothing, games and toys, but fancy dress costumes, beautiful furniture and knickknacks for a child’s bedroom, plus everything you need to prepare a fantastic birthday party.

2,2 km · T + 41 22 735 86 00 figue.ch

Summer Rain

This stylish children’s concept store features high quality clothing, toys, books, educational resources and accessories for kids. Designer brands include Stella McCartney Kids, Nununu, How to kiss a frog, Poudre organic, Blossom and Wubby. There’s even a kids’ playroom downstairs.

1,8 km · T + 41 22 400 02 22 summer-rain.ch

10 shops Best Souvenirs

Swiss Corner

Here you’ll find a large selection of typical Swiss-made souvenirs including Swiss flag t-shirts, bells, knives, watches, music boxes, cuckoo clocks and wooden cows.

800 m · T + 41 22 731 06 84

ALPtitude

Beautiful fondue pots, toy Saint-Bernard dogs for kids, Victorinox knives, watches, Swiss-branded stationery, pretty snow globes and fun items from the cow-inspired Mumu range are among the goods on display. A good place to pick up a nice souvenir of your trip to Switzerland.

800 m · T + 41 22 732 16 26 alptitude.ge-ch

11 shops Best for Art-Lovers

M.A.D Gallery Percho

Anyone who thinks Geneva is boring Head to Carouge to visit the will change their mind here. The workshop of artist Percho, who M.A.D Gallery displays ‘mechanical created the famous cow who keeps art devices’ from around the world. guard at the entrance of our hotel. Moving artworks, mechanical People with a fun, childlike soul sculptures, wacky watches and other will love the malicious characters crazy creations will bring a smile to and imaginary animals that your face, with some pieces for sale. feature in her drawings, paintings, tableware, curiosities and limited 2,3 km · T + 41 22 508 10 38 edition handmade cards. madgallery.net 4 km · T + 41 79 759 48 26 percho.ch Quartier des Bains

This area is to Geneva what Chelsea is to New York or Löwenbräu to Zurich. Located in a former semi- industrial zone near Plainpalais, this hip art district is home to ten art galleries and seven cultural institutions and venues, including MAMCO, the museum of modern art. Four times a year they all open their doors late into the evening for Museums Night, a lively and popular event for anyone interested in art.

2 km · quartierdesbains.ch

12 memorable moments

Memorable Moments

13 memorable moments Summary

Best romantic spots for a kiss 15 Best photo opportunities 18 Best places to picnic with a view 19

14 memorable moments Best Romantic Spots for a Kiss

L’ile Rousseau · 700 m Parc des Eaux Vives · 4 km

In the middle of the river Rhône in One of Geneva’s largest, oldest central Geneva is this small island and most beautiful parks, named after the famous philosopher this landscaped green space and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau, overlooks Lake Geneva from the who spent part of his life in this city. Rive Gauche (left bank). The Get there via the Pont des Bergues, park offers wide walking paths, a the bridge that connects the island stylish restaurant, a tennis club, to both riverbanks, and snatch a and copious rhododendrons and kiss under the statue of Rousseau. azaleas shaded by trees. The perfect place for a romantic stroll.

Share the love: take an inspiring selfie of you and your loved one somewhere in Geneva, post it to Instagram tagging #MandarinOrientalGeneva and show the post to the barman and we will reward you with two complimentary glasses of Champagne at MO Bar.

15 memorable moments Best Romantic Spots for a Kiss

Lake Geneva Jet d’eau · 2,3 km

Leave the busy city and take a Geneva’s famous water fountain is boat out into the middle of the the most iconic place in the city to lake to enjoy a peaceful moment take your loved one. Get up and with your partner and a different close to the fountain by taking the perspective on Geneva. boardwalk that leads from the Rive Gauche at Quai Gustave Ador and snap a selfie with your loved one.

16 memorable moments

17 memorable moments Best Photo Opportunities

The towers of St-Pierre Cathedral 1 km

For a fantastic 360-degree view over Geneva and the lake, climb up the long spiral staircase of one of the Mont Salève · 11 km cathedral’s two towers. The south tower is best in good weather, as Just outside the city, Mont Salève is it’s topped with an open-air balcony known as Geneva’s local mountain offering a vast panorama over the and is a popular day trip for anyone lake; but when it’s raining climb the looking for a relaxing escape into north tower instead to peer out the nature. Take the cable car up windows of the room at the top. to the top and photograph far- reaching views of Lake Geneva, the Jura mountains and even Place Pierre Gautier in Cologny Mont Blanc on a clear day. 5 km Cable car: April 9.30am-6pm, Cologny is the most expensive May-Sep 9.30am-7pm (Thu-Sat and exclusive residential area in until 11pm), Oct-Nov 9.30am- Geneva, and it also has one of the 6pm, Dec-Mar 9.30am-5pm, best views of the lake from the closed mid Nov-mid Dec. balcony at the bottom of this square. Soak up the view from a bench, or sit and have lunch on the terrace of the Auberge du Lion d’Or.

18 memorable moments Best Places to Picnic with a View

Lakeside: Port Gitana · 6 km At 1,000m altitude: Mont Salève · 19 km A ten-minute drive from Geneva is Bellevue beach at Get out of town and hike the Port Gitana, a lakeside green trails on this nearby mountain space that’s ideal for a picnic. before stopping for a picnic at There’s a supervised children’s the top, overlooking the city far swimming area in the lake. below. You’ll likely see paragliders launching themselves into the air.

All these activties can be arranged by our Concierge upon request.

19 memorable moments Best Places to Picnic with a View

At 3,000m altitude: Trient Glacier · 100 km

For the most spectacular picnic spots of all, take a helicopter flight over Mont Blanc including a landing on the Trient Glacier to eat your lunch in high altitude!

All these activities can be arranged by our Concierge team upon request.

Samuel Léveillé, Chief Concierge In Geneva since 2008

20 activities

Activities

21 activities Summary

Best for water-babies 23 Best for families 24 Best for thrill-seekers 26

22 activities Best for Water-Babies

Boating · 1,9 km Swimming

Les Corsaires is a boat rental Bains des Paquis · 1,2 km company offering all sorts of Genève-Plage · 3,5 km crafts for hire, from simple Join the locals at the Bains des pedalos to e-boat and sailboats. Paquis for a swim in the lake – Board immediately and enjoy even in winter! It also offers a some time on the lake. rustic Turkish bath, sauna and steam room, plus a café serving bateau-location.ch a simple, but delicious cheese fondue. On the other side of the lake, Genève-Plage has several Paddling · 3,5 km lakeside swimming pools, sports Have a go at stand-up activities and a supervised paddleboarding (SUP) at Tropical beach in an idyllic setting. Corner, a SUP and windsurfing centre at Genève-Plage on the bains-des-paquis.ch left bank of the lake which offers geneve-plage.ch lessons and rental equipment for all abilities. Their laidback Fishing terrace is a great place to linger after your session. We can organise a private fishing trip on Lake Geneva for you and trop.ch your family. Head out by boat with an experienced skipper and fishing guide who will take you to the best spots and show you how to catch char, fera, perch, pike and trout.

23 activities Best for Families

Natural History Museum · 2,2 km Maison Cailler · 120 km

Situated in central Geneva, Switzerland’s Cailler is one of Switzerland’s best largest natural history museum is a known chocolate brands and this great place for kids of all ages. Its main factory in Broc makes for a great day exhibition focuses on regional fauna and trip outside Geneva. You’ll learn about includes over 200 stuffed animals from the origins and history of chocolate around Switzerland. A star attraction here and cocoa, discover how chocolate is Janus, a (live) two-headed turtle who is made and, of course, taste plenty has lived at the museum for many years. of the end product. The factory also Other floors centre on exotic animals hosts chocolate-making workshops from all over the world, while the top that kids – and big kids – will love. two floors are dedicated to geosciences, astronomy and the evolution of the cailler.ch human race, including an exhibit of moon stones given to the museum by NASA. Swiss Vapeur Parc · 70 km geneva.info/museum/natural- Kids will love this miniature railway history-museum park in Le Bouveret, at the other end of Lake Geneva. In leafy parkland Parc des Bastions ice rink visitors will discover steam trains and electric locomotives at quarter size, 850 m along with miniature train tracks, Every winter this pretty park in signals, tunnels, bridges and stations. central Geneva sets up an ice rink Created by train enthusiasts in the on the terrace of the restaurant. Kids late 1980s, it’s a popular family day and parents can test their skating excursion in the Lake Geneva region. skills on the ice and then take a break for coffee or hot chocolate. swissvapeur.ch On Sundays, the restaurant hosts a large buffet brunch of sweet and savoury treats. Skates can be hired on site and the rink is free to use.

24 activities Best for Families

Signal de Bougy · 45 km

In parkland on the slopes above the lake between Geneva and Lausanne is this outdoor playground offering family activities. The complex includes an animal park and petting zoo, minigolf, a tree-top rope park, beach-volleyball courts, ping-pong tables, trampolines and play areas. There are also restaurants, indoor activities and a line-up of circus events, concerts and magic shows all year round. signaldebougy.ch

All these activities can be arranged by our Concierge team upon request.

25 activities Best for Thrill-Seekers

Dog-sledding · 134 km Ice diving · 100 km

Visitors to Les Mosses can sign up Take a romantic dog-sled ride for an activity that’s guaranteed to in the beautiful landscape of give you goose-bumps – ice diving Glacier 3,000 or in the French in Lac Lioson. Three access holes Alps. You’ll love the experience in the icy surface allow divers of being pulled along through the to slip into the cold water below snow by a team of huskies, who and explore the depths of the enjoy it just as much as you! lake. This activity is only open to experienced divers who must bring glacier3000.ch their diving certificate with them.

lesmosses.ch Summer tobogganing · 134 km

The Alpine Coaster at Glacier 3,000 Ballooning · 4 km is the world’s highest summer toboggan run and offers a thrilling Enjoy spectacular views by taking downhill descent. You’ll take just a hot-air balloon flight over Lake two minutes to speed down the Geneva and the Alps. Whether track at up to 40km/hr, but don’t you’re just above the trees or worry, there are brakes to regulate at 2,500m, you’ll experience your speed. Enjoy rushing around a thrilling sense of freedom thanks to Ballons du Léman. bends, over jumps and under bridges as you enjoy the spectacular ballons-du-leman.ch alpine landscape around you. glacier3000.ch Flying

Take to the skies in a YAK9 or YAK11 World War Two plane for a sensational airborne experience over the French Alps and Mont Blanc.

alpineaviatorcompany.com

26 our perfect day

Our Perfect Day

27 our perfect day Summary

Half a day 29 One day 31 Two days 32

However much time you have, follow our tips to make the most of it...

Your dedicated Concierge Team

28 our perfect day Half a Day

Old Town · 600 m

Short on time? Delve into the heart of Geneva with a stroll around the Vieille Ville (Old Town), a maze of small streets and picturesque squares filled with cosy cafes, restaurants, galleries, museums and beautiful centuries-old buildings.

Maison Tavel · 900 m

In the centre of the Old Town is the oldest private house in Geneva, which dates from the 12th century and was home to the Tavel family. It’s now a fascinating museum exhibiting artefacts and information related to the city’s medieval history and urban development.

Top tip: Head up to the top floor to see the spectacular Relief Magnin, a huge 3D model of how Geneva appeared before its fortifications were demolished in 1850.

Raphaëlle Grandgirard, Concierge In Geneva since 2014 29 our perfect day Half a Day

Hôtel de Ville courtyard · 900 m

Dating from 1455, Geneva’s Town Hall has witnessed numerous important events in history, such as the signing of the first Geneva Convention in 1864, a year after the International Red Cross was founded in the city. It’s still where the canton of Geneva’s lawmakers meet to debate the issues of the day.

Top tip: Take a minute to sit on St-Pierre Cathedral · 1 km the stone bench at the front of the building – this is the spot Take the 157 stairs to the top of from where judges issued death the cathedral’s north tower for a sentences up until 1829! fabulous view over the city and lake. This lofty spire is home to Lunch Clémence, a six-ton bell which was hoisted up here in 1407. Among the many places to eat in the Old Town, we recommend Top tip: Visit the archaeological Les Armures or Café de l’Hôtel site under the cathedral where de Ville, both of which serve a you can see the remains of several good traditional Swiss fondue churches that previously stood and other delicious specialties. on this site right back to the 4th century. Other excavations include a Roman crypt and an Allobrogian tomb, discoveries which proved Geneva’s long existence.

Pierre Valladares, Assistant Concierge In Geneva since 2015 30 our perfect day One Day

United Nations · 4,5 km Patek Philippe Museum · 1,5 km

Spend a morning at the Palais After lunch, walk over to the des Nations, which houses the Plainpalais district to visit the European headquarters of the UN. extraordinary collection of watches Take a guided tour of the building and timepieces in this museum, (weekdays only) to find out more opened from 2 to 6pm. As well as about the organisation’s history showcasing the finest creations and activities, and visit important of the prestigious Patek Philippe rooms including the Assembly brand, it also takes visitors Hall and the Council Chamber. through five centuries of Swiss and European watchmaking history. Top tip: Don’t miss the Broken Chair, a 12m high wooden sculpture Top tip: Visit on a Saturday afternoon by Swiss artist Daniel Berset and to join a public guided tour, carpenter Louis Geneve that stands the best way of discovering the opposite the Palais des Nations. It highlights of this vast collection. symbolises opposition to landmines and serves as a reminder of this issue to visiting politicians.

Mathieu Breton, Assistant Chief Concierge In Geneva since 2012 31 our perfect day Two Days

Explore the region Eat at: Palais Oriental or Montreux Jazz Café More time on your hands? On palaisoriental.ch your second day in Geneva, montreuxjazzcafe.com head further afield to discover some of the amazing places 1hr away: Vevey · 90 km in our beautiful region. Close to Montreux, the popular town of 1hr away: Montreux · 90 km Vevey enjoys a beautiful setting on the shore of Lake Geneva. A modern emblem The pearl of the Swiss Riviera, of the city is the large fork sculpture in Montreux is best known for its the lake outside the Alimentarium, a international jazz festival, but it offers food museum by Swiss multinational much more than that. The lakeside Nestlé, which is headquartered in the promenade is considered one of the town. The company now has a second most beautiful in Switzerland. Stroll museum in the very factory where along it towards Château de Chillon, Henri Nestlé set up shop in 1867. which spurts into the lake and looks like alimentarium.org something out of a fairytale. No wonder Montreux has inspired artists and Top tip: Vevey was home to writers including Delacroix, Courbet, movie star Charlie Chaplin and his Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Lord former mansion above the town is Byron. Queen singer Freddie Mercury now a fascinating museum about also loved it here and is remembered his extraordinary life and works. with a statue on the lakeshore. chaplinsworld.com Top tip: The drive from Geneva sweeps past the beautiful Lavaux vineyards, Eat at: Ze Fork zefork.ch some of the oldest in Switzerland and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop in the pretty medieval village of Lutry to walk along the promenade and check out the Whisky Time boutique with its Raphaëlle Grandgirard, vast selection of single-malts. Concierge In Geneva since 2014

32 our perfect day

Two Days our perfect day

1.5 hours away: Gruyères 30 minutes away: Yvoire · 30 km 120 km An easy day trip from Geneva is This medieval town in the Fribourg this wonderfully preserved medieval pre-Alps is a must-see in the region. town on the French shore of Lake With its charming architecture Geneva. With its ramparts, gates and cobbled streets, it seems and 11th century church, this unaffected by the passage of fortified market village is considered time. Make sure you visit the 13th one of the pretties places in France. century Gruyères castle, a hilltop Visit in summer to see the streets fortress which looks out over the filled with flowers and discover the stunning landscape below. 1,500 plants in the Jardin des Cinq Sens, sensory gardens inspired chateau-gruyeres.ch/en by those in medieval times. Top tip: Two quintessential Swiss jardin5sens.net products are made in this area and you can visit the factories where both Top tip: It’s easy to drive to Yvoire, are made. At the Maison du Gruyère but a more peaceful and leisurely you’ll see how the famous Gruyère way to arrive is by boat. Take the cheese is made, while at Maison train to Nyon and cross the lake to Cailler in nearby Broc you can learn Yvoire with the Compagnie Générale about the history and production of de Navigation. Cailler chocolate. There are tasting cgn.ch opportunities at both. lamaisondugruyere.ch Eat at: Restaurant du Port or Les Jardins du Léman cailler.ch hotelrestaurantduport-yvoire.com Eat at: Le Chalet lesjardinsduleman.com chaletgruyeres.ch

Samuel Léveillé, Chief Concierge In Geneva since 2008 33 our perfect day

our perfect day Two days

Yvoire

34 our perfect day

Annecy

35 35 our perfect day Two Days

1 hour away: Chamonix · 80 km 45 minutes away: Annecy · 50 km

In the shadow of Mont Blanc, Next to the blue-green lake of the the highest mountain in Western same name, surrounded by mountains Europe, Chamonix’s spectacular and characterised by canals running scenery and alpine atmosphere through preserved medieval streets, attract people from all over the it’s no wonder the French town world. Get up close to the famous Annecy is known as the ‘Venice of mountain by taking the Aiguille du the Alps’. Visit in summer to take Midi cable car from the valley up a cruise on the lake or swim in the to 3,842m altitude for stunning refreshing water followed by lunch views. Another must-do is the on a restaurant terrace. Make sure Montenvers funicular railway to the you visit Annecy castle and the Palais impressive Mer de Glace glacier. de l’Ile, a 12th century landmark that has been a courthouse, a mint Top tip: Daredevils will enjoy stepping and a prison in its long history. into the void on the Aiguille du Midi – the cable car top station offers the Top tip: Annecy is close to several ski chance to walk into a glass cage villages known for their charm and which hangs out over a 1,000m authentic alpine atmosphere. Drive to precipice below! In summer you Semnoz and enjoy the stunning view can also enjoy the Alpine Coaster, over Lake Annecy. a toboggan run that will have you smiling all the way down. Eat at: Contresens, Le Bilboquet or Le Petit Paradis in Talloires Eat at: La Maison Carrier, contresens-annecy.com L’Impossible or Atmosphere restaurant-lebilboquet.com hameaualbert.fr petitparadisdici.fr restaurant-impossible.com restaurant-atmosphere.com

Samuel Léveillé, Chief Concierge In Geneva since 2008 36 37