HOURS IN GENEVA

Here’s what you should have on your list for a short trip to this Swiss city

WORDS AKANKSHA MAKER

Arriving at Geneva railway station as my last stop in my one week trip in Switzerland, I enter with no expectations. Being a rst time visitor to Geneva, I open Google Maps and walk towards my hotel, and my premier stop for my two day sojourn in this city. It’s amazing how the entire culture, language and feel of a city can transform within hours on the Swiss railway; I departed from Zermatt which is Swiss-speaking town to the French-speaking Geneva. e capital of Genève canton, Geneva is in the far southwestern corner of Switzerland that juts into France. And if you’re wondering what followed, I handpick some of my experiences that should be on your bucket-list, in case you’re planning a trip to this beautiful city any time soon.

Stay At The Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues Geneva

While there are many top-class hotels in the city, I recommend a stay at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva to get a taste of the city from the heart of it. Situated only minutes from the station, the hotel is bathed in classic luxury with an elegant design that exudes sophistication. A landmark on Lake Geneva since 1834, the hotel is packed with reasons that makes it a preferred choice for your time in Geneva. Stay at the Pierre-Yves Rochon–designed Mont Blanc suite that’s dressed in tones of raspberry and beige. e suite overlooks Geneva’s celebrated Jet d’Eau (water fountain) and o ers a front row seat to the city’s action. Dine at the hotel’s Michelin-starred

Italian restaurant Il Lago for a taste of Chef Massimiliano Sena’s exclusive dishes. e restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star every year since 2014 this re ects in its fare. Opt for its tasting menu that includes dishes like roasted scampi, wild sea bass carpaccio and Swiss lamb chops. In the evening, take a dip in its indoor temperature controlled pool before pampering yourself at its stunning Spa Mont Blanc. fourseasons.com

The suite overlooks Geneva’s celebrated Jet d’Eau (water fountain) its high quality ingredients including premium Swiss milk, zero palm oil, zero soy lecithin that create its classic bean-to-bar chocolate. Understand what goes behind the making of these delicious cocoa bits as you delve into the workings of this factory, living your Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fantasy in real life. e end is the sweetest part, literally, as you get to taste some of their fresh chocolates. Visits are by appointment only for groups of minimum ten people. Guided tours can be organised throughout the week, except Friday a ernoons, at 10am or 2pm. favarger.com

Shop At Bucherer

Another iconic industry that’s traditionally Swiss is that of watchmaking. e hub of fashion and shopping, Geneva’s streets are lined with uber premium and highstreet brands that invite you for some retail therapy. If pampering yourself with a ne Swiss timepiece is on your mind, head to the Bucherer store in Geneva. Swiss watch and jewellery experts since 1888, Bucherer’s longstanding history re ects in its Geneva boutique that features a range of Swiss branded watches and jewellery. If shopping for watches is an art, Bucherer has got it right with its atelier that comforts and spoils you with its luxurious decor, amiable sta and an expansive collections. Apart from the sought a er Swiss brands like Rolex, Breguet, Cartier and more, Carl F. Bucherer watches can also be purchased here. bucherer.com

Learn The Basics Of Watchmaking

At Initium in Geneva, you get to become a watchmaker for a day. Sign up a session where trained watchmakers guide you through the basics of watchmaking. Discover the secrets of a mechanical watch and learn about the history of the art of time. During my session, I got to assemble my very own timepiece, an almost therapeutic way of focusing and improving your mindfulness. If you wish to purchase your own creation, you can further customise your own watch by selecting the dial and the leather strap. Initium’s sessions are ideal for corporates who want to engage in a qualitative team building activity. At the end, you are awarded with a certi cate that certi es you as a watchmaker; quite the memento to take back home from Switzerland! initium.swiss

Enjoy A Two Michelinstar Meal

ere are few moments in life you absolutely cherish and a meal at a two Michelin-star restaurant is among them. When in Geneva, make a reservation at Domaine de Châteauvieux, where produce is king. Helmed by Chef Philippe Chevrier, a meal at this restaurant is a sought a er experience and a rendezvous with avour and premium ingredients. e restaurant changes its menu as per the season and almost every dish prides itself with local produce that’s not just fresh but also of top-notch quality. An ambience that’s set in a 16th century chateau with well-worn stone and quaint furnishings further elevates your meal here. I recommend you to pick the “surprise menu” which is composed according to the season’s arrivals, your dietary restrictions and the mood of the chef. Roasted let of deer rib, Jerusalem artichoke purée with hazelnuts, spiced wa es an dapple with sa ron; back of cod from Brittany cooked translucent, spicy cashew nut condiment, melting parsnips, gribiche sauce; and grilled Norwegian scallops with sesame seeds, coral in vitelotte potato gnocchi, carrot coulis were some of the highlights of its September menu (when I visited). chateauvieux.ch BTI

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