Bye, bye!!!

I hope you have enjoyed this year in Geneva, I certainly have! Now 2015 comes up with new projects and adventures for me and my husband, so I will be abandoning you, but I do hope that whoever bumps into this blog will never again dare say that Geneva is boring!!!

Christmas Swimming Cup

This Sunday enjoy Geneva's Christmas Swimming Cup. For the 76th consecutive year, swimmers will dive into the cold Lake Léman waters in an open-air race! You can join this year's 1.900 swimmers at the Jardin Anglais both inside or outside the cold waters as from 9am!

L'Escalade

This weekend, from December 12 to December 14, the battle of the Escalade, which took place on the night from from December 11 to December 12, 1602, will be commemorated.

You can check the whole program for the weekend here. There will be parades, guided tours, choirs, stands with hot beverages, processions with lanterns, muskets firing, street defence manoeuvers… you name it!

Enjoy l'Escalade!

Christmas Markets

We are already in December and Xmas time is getting near!!

To get some of this Xmas spirit, you have a few Christmas markets to choose from during the holiday season:

Carouge Christmas Market
On December 12, 13 and 14, Christmas arrives to Carouge! You can walk around this beautiful neighbourhood hunting for your Christmas tree, drinking some hot wine, or buying Xmas ornaments. Do try to go using public transport… parking can be hard!

Coppet Christmas Market
From December 3 to December 7 drop by the Château de Coppet to see the stands, ice skate, eat nice food, and on Sunday from 4pm to 5.30pm, welcome Saint Nicolas outisde in the Parc du Château.

Montreaux Christmas Market
Until December 24 around Lake Geneva's quai, you can visit in Montreaux around 150 stands of decorated and beautiful illuminated chalets.

Music and light show at Bastions

Until November 23 you can enjoy each night at the Parc des Bations a music and light show with the main theme being the Sun, its role in how time is measured and in our planet's history.

There are three 15-minutes shows: 5.45pm - 7pm - 8.30pm

Have fun!

XVII CICLO DE CINE ESPAÑOL EN GINEBRA

For Spanish people or anyone learning the language, my friend Tobi has sent me the information regarding the Ciclo de Cine Español in Geneva for end 2014/2015. Basically… Spanish movies in Spanish, of course!

Check the movies and dates here.

Enjoy!

Book sale!!!

The Library in English at Pâquis neighbourhood is celebrating this week their annual Autumn Book Sale! It is a no-miss opportunity!

Thursday, November 6: 3pm-6pm (for members only!)
Friday, November 7: 10am-6pm
Saturday, November 8: 10am-5pm
Sunday, November 9: 12am-4pm

Extra tip, in case you didn't know: The Library in English offers a Children's Story Hour all Wednesdays for children between 3 and 7 years of age from 3pm to 4pm!

Guy Fawkes bonfire night!

Guy Fawkes night is celebrated especially in Great Britain. On November 5, 1605, Guy Fawkes was arrested while guarding explosives below the House of Lords. He was member of the Gunpowder Plot and from that day on Great Britain celebrates that King James I survived that night.

Jim's British Market celebrates this event with a party, bonfire and fireworks! There will be food and drinks and it will take place tomorrow Saturday, November 1, as from 6pm, at Saint Genis-Pouilly (France).

Shogun

Best Japanese in Geneva: Shogun restaurant at XXXI Décembre 16 in Eaux-Vives. Super nice waiters, delicious food, and… well, standard Geneva prices! A definate must!

Musée d'etnographie

After four years of works, the Musée d'etnographie is finally opening its doors with three days of festivities on the weekend of October 31. Entrance will be free. Their aim is to reveal 'the vitality of cultures that are constantly changing shape'. Living in a city like Geneva, with people from every point of the world, you cannot miss this!

Pasión de Buena Vista

Geneva will turn into Cuba for just one night on Wednesday, October 29, at the Théâtre du Léman. Songs, rythms, dances… don't miss this amazing show and get your tickets now!

The Flealess Market

Once more this year, The Flealess Market will open its doors tomorrow October 16 in Geneva from 5.30pm to midnight at the Pavillon Sicli. Inside you will find stands of artists from all walks of life and you can buy clothes, art, jewelry or furniture, among other things. On top you will have food, music and drinks. Do stop by!

Make-a-wish evening

On Tuesday, October 28, at Java Club in the Kempinski, the band Out of Law is playing to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, who works to make the wishes of children aged 3 to 18 with life-threatening medical conditions come true. Donations at the entrance are welcome.

But on top, there will be a pivate cocktail held from 8pm to 10pm before the concert where the band will play for their special guests.

Tickets cost Sfr 100.- and can be bought e-mailing fiona@makeawish.ch or calling the number
T. 022.310.40.12.

UEFA - Open Day!

FINALLY, on Saturday October 4, UEFA opens its doors at Nyon for an open day event to celebrate their 60 years of existence!!! From 9am to 4pm you will have the opportunity to visit the trophies room, UEFA's command center, enjoy activities at the Colovray sports center and win many prizes! And big names in football will be there! What else could you wish for!?

Desalpe Festival

This weekend you can enjoy in various Swiss villages the Desalpe Festival. Join the villagers welcoming the sheperds coming down from the mountains with the cows, adorned with beautiful flowers around their horns, and enjoy the typical dishes and markets set for the occasion.

Closer to Geneva you can go to Saint-Cergue, to Schwarzsee (both in Vaud) or further away, to Charmey (Fribourg).

Everything will take place on Sauturday 27, 2014 and I will be enjoying it with my friend Nagore! Thanks for reminding me of this!!!

Party time at Gare Cornavin!

This weekend, September 20 and 21, 2014, you should drop by Gare Cornavin as there will be tons of this going on! Magiciens, balloon sculptures, concerts, make-up artists for kids and offers in the stores, among other things... don't miss it!

Victoria Hall

At least once whilst in Geneva, check the concerts going on at Victoria Hall and go there to enjoy some classical music! The building is beautiful and they have an amazing program throughout the year! Thanks to my hubby who took me there last Friday!!!

La nuit des bains

On September 18 and for the third and last time this year, we all can enjoy the Nuit des Bains, a night where art galleries and cultural institutions around the Bains area open their doors from 6pm to encourage modern art.

Don't miss it!

Caveman

From today until September 5 you can watch at Salle Centrale de la Madelaine this play at 8.30pm for Sfr 35.-. Today it is in French and tomorrow and Friday in English. The theme… a timeless one! The differences between men and women!

If you want to laugh, don't miss the show!

Air14 - Air show at Payerne

This Sunday my husband woke me up at 7.30am (yep, you read that correctly!) to arrive early to the air show that's going on in Payerne, around one hour from Geneva. Can't say I was thrilled at those early hours of the morning, but I must admit the show was amazing!

Though I still think it's no big deal if you arrive a bit later than I did, I do recommend you to drop by this Saturday or Sunday (whichever day does not rain!) and enjoy the show!

Try to buy your tickets online, it is much more convenient (Sfr 33.-) and take into account that the parking is Sfr 10.- cash. Thank G we had a blanket in the car to sit down and watch the show! Everyone was super prepared with chairs and stuff, so do bring something, there are no stands from where you can watch it, so the choices are to stand up or sit on the floor!

Check the program here and… enjoy!!!

Rigoletto at the Grand Théâtre

If you've never stepped into the Grand Théatre in Geneva, this is your chance! From September 3 until September 14 you can see one of Verdi's materpeieces! Prices go from Sfr 58.- to Sfr 236.- and can be bought here. Don't miss this opportunity!

Circus Knie

The circus will be at Plainpalais Plaine from August 29 to September 18 doing its 96 show since 1919. Tickets go from Sfr 10.- to Sfr 75.- and can be bought at Ticket Corner. If you don't plan to go, just go for a walk around the circus during its stay. You will get the chance to see some cool animals inside their cages! It's a super fun event especially for kids so, parents, don't hesitate!

And we are back!

After more than a month of holidays, friends & family visits and Fêtes-de-Genève profiting, we are back to keep giving you some bits and tips to enjoy Geneva to its fullest!!!

So stay tuned cause… we are back!

Brasserie du Bourg-de-Four

Two weekends ago my friends Rose and Richard came for a weekend visit! On Sunday, before they had to leave for the airport, we had a stroll around the old town and a late lunch at the Brasserie du Bourg-de-Four. 

It's a great place to take guests as it is right in the middle of la vieille ville and they serve different kinds of the typical Swiss dish called rosti! Delicious!

Fort de l'Écluse

From June 15 until September 14 you can visit at Léaz, France, the Fort l'Ecluse. It is only a 30min drive from Geneva, and it is the natural entrance to France from Switzerland. It was founded by a Duke of Savoy and nowadays you can climb its 1.165 handmade steps to be amazed by a stunning view. During the summer you can also enjoy art shows and concerts.

Visit the website… and visit the Fort!

Montreaux Jazz Festival

Until July 19, the Montreaux Jazz Festival is ON!!! Since 1967, different styles of artists come together in Switzerland to offer free concerts and jam sessions each night around the lake. There are of course paid venues where you can listen from up-close to some of the greatest stars of the world!

Check the programme and decide when to go! It's a no miss opportunity!

Lausanne

Forty minutes by car from Geneva, or only thirty minutes by train, you can reach beautiful Lausanne. Just walk around the city enjoying the beautiful old-style buildings, do some shopping, stroll around Ouchy, which is Lausanne's lakefront, and grab a nice cocktail in one of its trendy bars.

Eat me is a nice place for lunch, where you can get a taste of food from all over the globe! We recommend you to book in advance. Normally two dishes per person is enough and it can cost around Sfr 35.- p.p.

A must of course in Lausanne is a visit to the Olympic Museum, which was re-opened this year. The entrance costs Sfr 18.- and it is really worth it!

A short drive from Lausanne you can find the village of Chexbres, and there, what for me is the best lake-view ever! Relax enjoying a cocktail, glass of wine and an affordable amuse-bouche, while making an unforgettable memory for the future at le Deck of Le baron tavernier!

Did you like our suggestions? Send us yours so that we also learn of new places to go to!!!

Ciné Transat

One of the best things of summer in Geneva is finally approaching… One more year, from July 10 until  August 17, Ciné Transat brings for free to everyone who gathers at sunset at the Parc de la Perle du Lac, films in its original version with French subtitles.

Bring some towels, a picnic, or pay Sfr 5.- to rent a transat and sit comfortably while watching classics like Total recall, Mamma Mia or Groundhog day.

You can't miss it!

Click here to check their program and let me know afterwards what you think!

Bongénie

On the top floor of the Bongénie department store at Rue du Marché 34 you will find a cute calm cafeteria convenient to grab a sandwich or a salad in the middle of your shopping spree!

Bongénie itself has beautiful things… but really expensive!!! Increase your card limit if you plan to shop here!

Bottle Brothers

A new cocktail place at Eaux-Vives! Right in front of L'Atelier you will find this little cocktail bar that offers delicious drinks and mini cool burgers! A must!

Bottle Brothers
Rue Henri-Blanvalet 12
T. 022.772.30.32

Wakeboard

Summer has arrived to Geneva!!! And what better plan for the weekend than to rent a boat in Switzerland or neighbourhood France and do a bit of wakeboarding!!!?

In Geneva you have the Wake Sport Center in Cologny to go to, and if you already have a boat permit, as if it is not Swiss you cannot use it here, rent a boat in Evian or Annecy for around Sfr 50.- per person.

BEST PLAN EVER!!!

Fête de la Musique

From today until Sunday you will be able to enjoy around Geneva more than 500 free performances during the annual Fête de la Musique weekend. Listen different styles of music in different venues, from parks to concert halls, while having a drink and a relaxed bite.

The perfect weekend to stay in Geneva!

Marché sans puces

Tomorrow takes places the biannual Marché sans puces in Geneva, from 5.30pm to midnight. Enjoy an evening out of shopping while grabbing a drink and listening to good music. The Hamburger Foundation van will be there, in case hunger strikes!

A tip for the summer:
Don't miss the bikinis at the Pink Ananas stand!!!

So where does this amazing marché take place?
Pavillon Sicli
Route des Acacias 45

Enjoy!

Gourmet Brothers

You must really try this delicious restaurant located in Vésenaz, decorated with great taste and where each dish is served with an amazing presentation. Everyone, from cooks to waiters, are extra polite, kind and always trying to run that extra mile to achieve the client's satisfaction.

They also offer a tea room, a little shop and a catering service.

A must in Geneva!

Weekend Getaways: Vienna

As you might have noticed, I have been a bit quiet these last few days, and this was because I was spending some beautiful days in Vienna with my fantastic husband!!!

I had been wanting to go for ages, since I was a little girl and watched the movie Sissi, the young empress! Tickets can be a bit expensive from Geneva, so it's a good thing to keep checking Sky Scanner once in a while or try to get away for a long weekend.

Wherever you look in Vienna's city center, you will be amazed by its beautiful buildings and parks, stroll through the Ringstrasse, buy tickets for the Spanish Riding School, a concert of classical music, or the Opera House. Visit the Belvedere museum to see Klimt's The Kiss and go inside St. Stephen's Cathedral... So many options available!

You can get an aerial view from this 19th century ferris wheel and afterwards walk around the little amusement park next to which it stands.

Visit Schönbrunn Palace, the Gloriette that you can see below, the Palm House, parks, zoo if you come with kids and maze. 

Visit the Treasury at the Imperial Palace of Hofburg, from where, for more than seven centuries, the Habsburgs ruled over their empire.

Go to the Imperial Crypt and visit Empress Sissi tomb, who as you know was murdered in Geneva.

Restaurants

There are tons of restaurants you should try, but we specially liked the following options:

Café Couture
You can have a coffee-to-go in this cute coffee store that you will find in the Ferstel Passage.

The Sacher Cafés
Also a hotel, in this little coffee shop you can enjoy the traditional Sacher cake, together with a delicious ice coffee and salads.

Outdoor stalls
Try any of Vienna's outdoor food stalls if the weather accompanies, and some of their various types of sausages.

Stores

Zuckerl Werkstatt 

Next to the Spanish Riding School there are some beautiful stores. Among them, we found this candy store decorated with an amazing taste.

Hotel

The Guesthouse

Everything in the city center is crazy expensive and The Guesthouse… is too! But with a great location and beautiful decoration!

Thanks to the best-husband-ever who took me to Vienna as my b-day present!!!