WHO Interns

Your Swiss Adventure

Welcome to the WHO Internship Programme! This is an exciting and valuable opportunity for you. In preparation for your arrival in Geneva, we wanted to share some of the adventures that await in and around Geneva. We hope you will have a wonderful time here and dont hesitate to contact us for remaining questions. Sincerely, The WHO Intern Board

Table of Contents
Sightseeing Geneva ................................................................1 Exploring the City ....................................................................2 Activities in Geneva..................................................................3 Eating Out Geneva...................................................................4 A Night Out...............................................................................5 The Night Out Gets Crazy ........................................................6 In Your Backyard .....................................................................7 Travelling Around Switzerland .................................................8 Day Trips ..................................................................................9 Weekend Trips .........................................................................10

Sightseeing in Geneva
Geneva is a town of arts and culture, and is home to numerous museums, libraries and international organizations. Here are a few suggestions to get you started on your tour once you arrive:

JET D'EAU and FLOWER CLOCK

The Jet d'Eau is one of the crowning symbols of Geneva, a fountain of water pumped 140 meters into the air. The spectacular plume was once an occasional pressure release for hydro-power generation on the Rhne River, but people liked it so much that in 1891 the city created a permanent pumped fountain. Dominating the eastern bank, the giant Flower Clock in the English Garden is a tribute to Genevas watch industry, harmonizing Swiss ingenuity with the floral bounties of nature. The dial is composed of some 6,500 flowers and is updated with new arrangements several times per year. Geneva Tourism

PALAIS DES NATIONS/ UNITED NATIONS

Location: Avenue de la Paix (number 8 bus, stop at Appia) Hours: 10:00 12:00, 14:00 16:00 Daily. 09:00 16:00 (July and August) Admission: 8.50CHF. Passport required. No trip to Geneva is complete without a visit to the European Headquarters of the United Nations. The sprawling complex is accessible only via guided tour, offering unique insight into the inner workings of the worlds most important international body. Highlights include the 2,000 seat Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber decorated with gold murals depicting the human struggle for peace. www.un.org

& Convention Bureau Rue du Mont-Blanc 18 P.O. Box 1602 CH - 1211 Geneva 1 Tel. +41 (0)22 909 70

Their website is great place to start: www.genevatourism.ch

MUSEUM OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS

Location: 17, ave de la Paix (number 8 bus, stop at Appia). Hours: Open everyday from 10.00 to 17.00, except Tuesdays. The Museum of the ICRC is considered one of the best in Europe, providing detailed photographic and other physical evidence of the ICRC's service to humanity during countless wars and natural disasters. The displays are striking and affecting, yet somehow manage to avoid taking sides. www.micr.org

THE OLD TOWN

Geneva s ancient Old Town is a maze of sloping cobblestone streets and alleyways filled with cafes, boutiques and historical landmarks at every turn. A former Roman marketplace, the Bourg-de-Four is the oldest public square in Geneva and remains a hub of activity surrounded by bistros, terraces, bars and other popular meeting spots. The 15th century Hotel De Ville located along Rue de lHotel-de-Ville still serves as the seat of government in Geneva and is the site of many political milestones including the first convening of the Geneva Convention in 1864 and the founding of the League of Nations in 1920. Across the street, the Old Arsenal is a former battery, now home to a 1949 mosaic by Alexandre Cingria depicting Caesars arrival in the city 58 BC. Finally, The Treille Promenade on the south side of the Old Town was once an artillery post and today offers beautiful views of the city from atop the towns last remaining rampart wall.

CATHEDRALE ST-PIERRE
Location: Place St-Pierre (in the Old Town). Hours: 09:30-18:30 Mon-Sat, 12:30-18:30 Sundays (June Sept); 10:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00 Mon-Fri, 10:00-17:30 Saturdays, 12:00-17:30 Sundays (Oct May) Admission: Adults: 3CHF, Children under 12: 1.5CHF Built in a number of architectural styles over the course of 72 years, this cathedral once served as the guiding centre of Protestantism. The site bas been occupied since the 4th Century, and perhaps earlier. Visitors can see this for themselves when touring the archaeological site underneath.

REFORMATION WALL
Located in beautiful Bastions Park, this monument commemorates the major events and figures of the Protestant Reformation. Larger than life statues of Guillaume Farel, Jean Calvin, Thodore de Bze and John Knox dominate the central part of the 100 meter wall, eternally guarding over their City of Refuge.

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Swiss Adventure Guide

Exploring the City

WALKS AROUND GENEVA
The tourist office offers an audio-guided tour of the city for 15-CHF. The do-it-yourself option is Geneva on Foot (www.ville-ge.ch/plan-pietons), a series of eight maps produced by the Planning Office of the City of Geneva that provides walking routes with detailed information about the many colorful neighborhoods that make up the city (including key landmarks and estimated travel times).

PARKS
Main attractive parks include Parc des Bastions: A beautiful and very quiet park with permanent activities such as several giant chess games. Take tram 12 or Buses 5, 3 or 29 (stop Place Neuve). Parc des eaux-vives/Parc de la Grange Huge park with a marvelous view on the lake. You can get there by boat from the Quai du Mont Blanc, or take buses 6, 2, G and E. Jardin Anglais: You can sit down on a bench and just have a look at the marvelous view on the lake, boats and the Jet deau. Take tram 12/16 to Molard, Rive, or Bel-air and then you walk toward the lake. For more information, http://www.geneva.info/parks/

ON THE LAKE
You can discover the lake of Geneva with cruise between 40 minutes to 2h45. For further information about the departure place, price and opening hours, go to: www.swissboat.com. The do-it-yourself version: Small boats called mouettes go across the lake and they are considered a part of the public transport system (so bus tickets and monthly passes give you access to them)

BAINS DES PAQUIS

Right by the lake, there is a small restaurant/bar that serves breakfast, sandwiches and delicious chocolate cake. There is also a swimming area with an outdoor cafeteria/restaurant, but you have to pay to go in (2CHF). In winter, you can go for a sauna. www.bains-des-paquis.ch

SWIMMING
Vernet: several open air swimming pools, several small parks where you can suntan, and a small cafeteria. CHF 5. Get there with bus 11 (stop: Vernet or Queue dArve) Varemb: Indoor and open air swimming pools and free transat. 5CHF. Take buses 8, 18, or 11 (stop: Motta) Geneva Plage: Geneva Plage on the eastern bank is a water park with a view. An Olympic sized pool, a waterslide, water ski launch, wading pool and a beach are just a few of the goodies that visitors enjoy during the spring and summer months. Of course the most popular area is the open lawn in the center of the park where sunbathers check each other out from behind the safety of their sunglasses. Admission is 7CHF for adults and 3.50CHF for children.

CONSERVATOIRE ET JARDIN BOTANIQUE

Very nice place to visit, especially during the summer. During the winter you can also visit the Wildlife Park and greenhouses with very diverse and exotic plants. It is located near Place des Nations. Take bus 11 or 28. There are tree gateways: av de la Paix, Chemin de lImpratrice and Place Albert Thomas. (1 ch de lImpratrice Chambsy/ Geneve) Further information available at http://www.cjb.unige.ch/

MUSEE D'ART MODERNE ET CONTEMPORAIN

Location: 10, rue des Vieux-Grenadiers (number 1 bus to Ecole des Mdecins). Late modern, post-modern, and contemporary works by internationally known artists, as well as a special collection of Swiss conceptual work. www.mamco.ch If you still have time, here are some websites that list more ideas for things to do around Geneva http://www.ville-ge.ch/culture/ http://www.geneva.info/sights/ http://www.geneva.info/activities/ www.whatsonwhen.com

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Swiss Adventure Guide

Activities in Geneva
FESTIVALS
Concerts dt (parc de La Grange) summer free open-air concerts from classic over reggae to jazz, nice park Festival de la btie (end of August, beginning of September - two weeks): traditional festival of modern music, theatre and dance Festival tout cran www.cinema-tout-ecran.ch (29 October 7 November 2004): festival of film and TV, i.e. in Alhambra (old cinema for special events) Paleo Festival Nyon: big music festival (in general the third week of July) www.paleo.ch Montreux Jazz Festival www.montreuxjazz.com/index_fr.aspx

MOVIE THEATRES
Grtli (16, rue Gnral-dufour): www.grutli.ch students price of CHF 10, good selection of old films and a continious stream of film festivals such as the blackmovie festival (www.blackmovie.ch ) in February and the Festival des films de lAmrique du sud in November, and the Tout cran in October/November. Cinlux (8, bd de Saint-George): very small, shows films that arent shown anywhere else Les Scala (23, rue des Eaux-Vives): www.les-scala.ch good independent movie theatre in nice area with little stores and cafs Spoutnik (in usine): students pay CHF 10, cool atmosphere; films are sometimes somewhat experimental www.usine.ch Kinetik (in artamis): price is around CHF 2, programme to be found at www.ladecadanse.ch Bio 72 (pl du March, Carouge): kind of second run movies Cinlac: In July / August - this is an open air cinema in front of the Geneva lake www.orangecinema.ch/en/ geneva.htm

BICYCLE
Geneva can be a great city for travel by bicycle. With the exception of the old city, and the assent to WHO, the city is fairly flat. Some streets can be dangerous, but typically there is a safe and quick route to take you to your destination. If you do plan on biking in Geneva, get yourself a helmet. If you want to know the best routes to take when navigating through the city, pick up a copy of the beautifully designed VELO-LOVE Plan de ville, available in all bike shops across Geneva. Alternately, you can obtain a copy by writing to [email protected], or by calling 022 418 4200. All cyclists in Geneva are required to have liability insurance, and are also required to affix a sticker to their bicycle which proves this coverage. This insurance is available at the post office and at Migros grocery stores for about 6 CHF. The coverage is valid until May of the following year. IF YOU CYCLE IN GENEVA, BUY A HELMET If you need convincing, visit WHO's feature on road safety as a public health issue at www.who.int/features/2004/road_safety/en/.

If you're not ready to commit to being a full-fledged cyclist, consider taking advantage of the Geneve Roule bicycle loan and rental programme operated by the Geneva Red Cross (http://www.geneveroule.ch/site/tiki-index.php? page=accueil). To borrow a bicycle, you must produce valid identification, give a 50 CHF deposit, agree to return the bicycle by 21.30, and agree to lock up the bicycle using the padlock provided whenever it is not in use. Bicycles can be borrowed from 17, Place de Montbrillant (behind Gare Cornavin) year-round, and additionally, from Bains des Pquis and Plaine de Plainpalais during the summer. For more information, visit the web site or contact Geneve Roule at [email protected], or 022 740 1343. Additionally, the Tour de France usually comes close to Geneva. Make the effort to get a spot along a narrow alpine road so you can see the boys whiz by (www.letour.fr).

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Swiss Adventure Guide

Eating out Geneva

Geneva has a huge number of restaurants for a city of its size, and the presence of an international community means that there's more variety here than in most Swiss cities. On the downside, Geneva is possibly the most expensive city in an expensive country, which means that going out for a bite to eat can be more than a bit difficult on a student/intern budget. You might also want to check out listings in Resto-ranG (www.resto-rang.ch/index.cfm) or RestauGuide (geneve.restauguide.com). For vegetarian cuisine, visit RegVeg Geneva www.regveg.org/location/ view.mhtml?location_id=174). For more information, check out http://switzerland.isyours.com/e/guide/geneva/ restaurants.inexpensive.html. Note that many restaurants are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

BUDGET
There are a number of budget spots located near the train station, in the nearby Pquis district, or near rue Ecole des Mdecins off of Plain de Plainpalais. Here are just some suggestions: Espresso Club: 25, rue des Pquis, just off Place de Navigation, 022 738 8488. Weekdays for breakfast, lunch and dinner until 2.00. A tiny bar and three tables means this little local spot is usually packed with a very international crowd of people who know where to get the best pizza, salads, and pasta dishes in town, with a number of vegetarian selections. Espresso Club keeps the ovens going late for people putting in long days, and it's a nice spot for a coffee and newspaper afternoon as well. 14-20 CHF for most items. Caf Art's: 17, rue des Pquis, 022 738 0797. Weekdays from 17.00 until 2.00, weekends from 11.00 until 2.00. Limited menu of salads and pasta dishes, but all around or under 15 CHF. A good place for a drink after work, too, if you can find a seat amongst all the staffers from the High Commission for Human Rights. Service is non-stop all day. Boky: 21, rue des Alpes (also 19, rue Neuve du Molard), 078 628 1699. 18.00 until midnight every day. Small Chinese restaurant around the corner from the train station. Not necessarily a culinary triumph, but 20 CHF will get you pretty far with your standard noodles, soups and stir-frys. 14-20 CHF. Piment Vert: 4, place Grenus (in the small plaza behind the Manor department store), 022 731 9303. Indian and Sri-Lankian fast food in a charmingly appointed space. There is also a terrace during warm weather. 14-20 CHF. Chez Ma Cousine: 6, place du Bourg-de-Four, 022 310 9696; 2, ch du Petit-Saconnex, 022 733 7985; or 5, rue Lissignol, 022 731 9898. A simple menu: chicken, chicken, or chicken. The roasted chicken is what they're famous for. A staple among interns and budget-watchers. Half a chicken, a salad, and a plate of fries for 14 CHF. www.chezmacousine.ch Manora: inside the Manor department store, near Gare Cornavin. Another resto staple when living on a budget. Relatively cheap, serving a wide variety of pretty good food.

MID-RANGE
If you suddenly find yourself swimming in grant funding or bursaries, you might consider a meal at one of the following places to celebrate: Caf de Paris: 26, rue du Mont-Blanc. Vegetarians beware: this Genevois favourite serves one dish only -- steak, chips and salad. But apparently they do it very well. Le Comptoir: 9, rue de Richemond. Easy-listener-chic asian-fusion resto and bar, sporting white leather sofas and the occasional local DJ. Not cheap, but it has a reputation for unusually interesting food and a friendly crowd. L'Europa: 16, rue du Valais. A little hard to find, but worth it if you're in the mood for fresh, hand-made pasta dishes and generous portions. Known to be a favourite lunch spot for the UN crowd. Caf du Soleil: Place du Petit-Saconnex, 022 733 3417. This ancient Petit-Saconnex roadhouse claims to be the oldest restaurant in Geneva, and serve what is probably the best fondue in Switzerland. http://www.cafedusoleil.ch/

SPLURGE
Expecting a visitor who wants to treat you to a [very] nice dinner? Perhaps suggest one of the following to them: Le Triporteur: 33, rue de Carouge, 022 321 2181. This little place fills a nice niche at the low end of the high end. It is one of those places with the potential to impress a date without doing extensive damage to the bank account. If it's something being charged to your friend's expense account, it won't prompt an internal audit. Cozy and romantic, attentive service without being pushy or snobish. Expect to spend around 50 CHF per person if you're drinking the house wine. Caf Centre: Place du Molard. Seafood is the specialty, although the meat and veggie dishes certainly keep up, too. Caf Centre is known for its heaping three-tiered platters of assorted shellfish... everything from oysters and mussels to sea snails and periwinkles. Outdoor seating in the summer is a joy, and the inside is cozy all winter. Caf des Negociants: 29, rue de la Filature, Carouge. A hip restaurant, with hip food and an equally hip wine cellar where you can wander around and choose from the hip selection of wine on the racks. (It's probably clear by now what the desserts are like.) Expect to make a reservation at least a week in advance.

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Swiss Adventure Guide

A Night Out
There are a number of good spots in the city where you can meet up with friends at the end of a busy week. The people from Geneva love to meet in Carouge, the city's "Greenwich Village". One of its quaint streets, rue Vautier, is particularly renowned for an impressive number or bars. Inside, and outside during the summer, people gather casually, drink in hand, listening to the sounds of jazz. When it comes to going out, there are a number of options to explore, whether in Carouge or closer to the city centre. Here are a few suggestions to get you started: Alhambar: 10, rue de la Rtisserie (enter around back, off Parc Plisserie), 022 312 1313. A favourite amongst interns within the UN system, Alhambar offers funky, arty and friendly space above the Alhambra Theatre, avoiding the pretensions or astronomical drink prices of some other Geneva nightspots. Arrive before 22.00 if you want to have a chance of finding a nice, phat leather couch to call home base for the evening. Small tapas menu early in the evening, and a nice brunch on weekends until 14.00. Check out their web site at www.alhambar.com for a listing of musical acts and invited DJs. Caf Art's: 17, rue des Pquis, 022 738 0797. Weekdays from 17.00 until 2.00, weekends from 11.00 until 2.00. A good place to gather for an end-of-the week drink and maybe even a bite to eat... that is, if you can find a seat amongst all the staffers from the High Commission for Human Rights. La Clmence: Place Bourg-de-Four. Open 11.00 to midnight, every day. A cosy bar on the central square of Geneva's old town, La Clmence more than quintuples in size from April to October when it carves out a large swath of the Place and calls it its own. It is packed when the weather is good, which is more than understandable. (Check out their photo gallery on-line at www.laclemence.ch to see what we mean.) A lovely spot to watch Geneva walk by, a table is worth the wait. In the winter, they have the best vin chaud in town. Caf de la Gare: 2, rue de Montbrillant (directly outside the TGV arrival area of Gare Cornavin). Open until 23.00 daily. Of the two restaurants attached to the Htel Montbrillant, this is the pick. Beautifully decorated yet surprisingly laid-back, Caf de la Gare captures the feel of some of the better sidewalk cafs in Paris. Pickwicks: 80, rue de Lausanne, 022 731 6796. Wednesday to Saturday until 2.00, Sunday to Tuesday until midnight. One of the half-dozen British pubs in town, Pickwicks is typically full of football-watching ex-pats eating fish and chips while putting back a pint. (A living caricature, you say? Yes, perhaps, but enjoyable all the same.) A little bit of London in Geneva, show up more than once and Pickwicks' friendly staff will probably treat you like a long-lost friend (note: with the sheer volume of turnover in Geneva's international community, it's easy to become a "regular" somewhere). If you take the number 13 tram to the office, peer out the window near the stop "Butini" and read on the Pickwicks' chalkboard what matches will be broadcast and what bands will be playing that evening. Saturday nights feature low-key dancing in the basement with a mix of cheesy disco and 90s pop. Sometimes that's exactly what makes for a good time out. Les Brasseurs: 20, Place de Cornavin, 022 731 0206. Tuesday to Saturday until 2.00, Sunday and Monday until midnight. Les Brass can be a bit "over the top". While having the distinction of being one of the few brew pubs in town, lose any preconceived notions of this being a quaint and cosy meeting spot. (The ability to order beer in a giant, three to five litre plastic tube should say it all.) If you're trying to round up a big group of interns, though, Les Brass makes a good meeting spot... if for no other reason than the fact that it's big and easy to find. And perhaps it's true what they say: the people make the place

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Swiss Adventure Guide

The Night Gets Crazy...

Some of the best bars and clubs in town are located around Plaine de Plainpalais, which is perhaps not surprising given the proximity to the Universit de Genve. Rmor: 1, Place de Cirque, 022 328 1270 Considered by some to be the best Parisien-style grande caf in Geneva. Artwork by university students and the proprietor often hangs on the wall. Rmor offers a couple of salads during the day and a range of ice-cream treats. l'Ethno: 1, rue Bovy-Lysberg, 022 310 2521 A comfy nightspot across the street from the northern tip of the Plain, l'Ethno is equally popular with students as it is with the folks working in the private banks in the surrounding neighbourhood. Moloko Bar: Place des Volontiers (upstairs from the main entrance of l'Usine). Tired of spending so much time with "international civil service" types, or bankers and diplomats for that matter? The smoky interior of l'Usine offers a change of pace, with interesting people-watching and cheap drinks as well. L'Usine also has two large dance/concert halls - one downstairs with an entrance by the river, and another upstairs, featuring everything from punk, to rasta, to dance and electronica. Le Ferblanterie: 8, rue de l'Ecole-de-Mdecine Very much a student haunt, "the Tinsmith" is grungy in the right ways. You can't judge a book by its cover, and you wouldn't judge a person by their friends... but you can judge a bar by its music. What do you find sitting on the rack above the CD player? Paulo Cont, Tom Waits, Fugayi, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, and Charles Mingus... just to give you a sampling. L'Etabli: 5, rue de l'Ecole-de-Mdecine L'Etabli is a great place to go when the Ferblanterie is packed... or is it the other way around? This super-friendly little caf/bar/wine bar is a great place to meet a grad student who wants to help you with your French, or someone with whom you can argue politics or whatever.

DANCING / CLUBS
Too much time at your desk leaving you feeling like you need to get out there and move a bit? Here are a couple of suggestions: La SIP: rue des Vieux-Grenadiers close to Unimail. The SIP pulls a large crowd of international UN types as well as locals. It's large, high-end and mainstream... and buying a drink will set you back a lot. (Be careful! The SIP is a case study in how a critical mass of international civil servant disposable income can distort a local economy!) Bar on first floor, disco on second, and open until 5.00. (dress nicely and go early to be sure!) Weetamix: 37, chemin Jacques Philbert. Although not the easiest place to get to, Weetamix is able to attract a good, local crowd by consistently booking some of the best talent in electronic music from France, Britain and the US. Check out their website at www.weetamix.com Bout du monde: 6 rte du bout-du-monde 10CHF cover, open late, good mix of music (r&b/latin/etc night themes), many students, http://www.boutdumonde.ch/ Site dArtamis: 21 boulevard Saint-Georges

MORE LINKS FOR EVENTS AND CONCERTS

www.ladecadanse.ch www.hexadance.ch www.tillate.ch www.nuit.ch www.letsgoout.ch www.clubbers.ch

LUsine: 4 place des Volontaires http://www.usine.ch/ - concerts downstairs, upstairs to the right is an electronic club, upstairs to the left is a bar and cinema Le Baroque: Place de la Fusterie, off rue du March by the church Bar upstairs and club downstairs, probably the poshest club in Geneva beware of very expensive drinks!

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Swiss Adventure Guide

In Your Backyard
HIKING LE SALEVE
Looking over the city like a big brother, Mount Saleve sits in Genevas backyard just 5km from the city center. A monthly bus pass also buys free access to the telepherique which goes up the Salve. (For students 25 years old and under, this would otherwise cost 12 CHF, return.) There are beautiful views of the Jura and the MontBlanc from the top, as well as nice walking trails. The Friends of the Saleve association takes groups up for free every Sunday - http://www.dj-web.ch/rando-geneve/salev4.dj-web.ch, or you can go on your own pretty easily. A cable car makes the trip up and down even easier. There are also at least two launch stations for paragliders, so bring your chute if you're so inclined. Note: for those people without a bus pass and who want to try save 12 CHF by making the hike, this is not recommended unless you are an experienced hiker, with good maps and proper equipment. It is easy to get on the wrong trail and end up in a dangerous situation, especially if it starts to rain.

LAUSANNE
Famous for its beautiful lakeside promenades, Lausanne is located just 55 km from Geneva. Lausannes beautiful port includes its own Old Town dating back to the 14th century as well as the ultra-modern Olympic Museum, home to the International Olympic Committee. Lausanne has also become a hot spot for clubbers from around the region.

WINE TASTING
Although not known for its wine, Genevas winegrowing region is easily the most picturesque in the world and the largest in Switzerland producing 13.5 million liters annually. Most vineyards offer tasting, though some by appointment only. See www.wine.ch/index.htm for a complete list of wineries and events. La Route de Vignoble or the Road of the Vineyard (www.routeduvignoble.ch) is a popular tasting route connecting some forty vineyards in and around Geneva. The route is well marked and easily conquered by bike or on foot. A similar course at Parcours Dardagny (www.balade-viticole.com) presents a full history of winegrowing in Geneva along a 7km trail through the Dardagny vineyard with tasting in the main house.

RAFTING AND KAYAKING

With two raging rivers running through town Geneva has prime rapids right at its doorstep. Rafting Adventure Centre Location: Quai des Vernets 8; 079 213 4140 The Centre offers multiple tours including daily half day rafting trips down the Arve River for 60CHF and full day excursions on the Dranse for 90CHF. Kayaking and canoeing adventures are organized by request. Beautiful scenery is guaranteed but dont expect to stay dry for too long. www.rafting.ch Rafting Loisirs Location: Chemin des Marais 52, Veyrier; 022 784 0205 Located in Veyrier, Loisirs offers two basic rafting and kayaking courses, both on the Rhone River, from Jonction to Passerelle de Chvre and from Chancy to the Carnot Bridge. Both trips are suitable for beginners and last approximately two hours. 70 CHF per person. www.rafting-loisirs.ch

PAYS DE GEX (ST. GENIS GEX FERNEY DIVONNE)

Pays de Gex and its surrounding towns are famous for the local hot springs that permeate the area and are said to have healing powers. Every town has its own resort with public thermal baths and adjoining health and spa facilities. Located just 15 km north of Geneva at the foot of the Jura mountain range. Divonne lies on the border with French-speaking Switzerland, between the foot of the Jura mountains and Lake Geneva. In Divonne, there is a lively market on Sundays and a succession of cultural and sporting events throughout the year.

SKIING
With over 200 ski resorts with 100km of the city, Geneva is arguably the greatest skiing hub in the world. The Gare Routiere Bus Station offers daily round trips, including lift tickets, to top ski destinations including Chamonix, Clusaz, Avoriaz, Diablerets, Les Gets, Les Houches, Flaine, Grand Bornand and Contamines. Check www.gareroutiere.ch for reservations and departure times. There are also a number of ski clubs in Geneva that organize regular outings for all experience levels. Check with the Ski Club of Geneva (www.skiclubgeneve.ch) for the latest news and information.

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Swiss Adventure Guide

Travelling in Switzerland
TRAIN
If you plan to travel around Switzerland, you have a number of rail travel options. Although some special offers require that you be under 25 years old, there are other economical options for people who don't meet the age requirement. For example, the "voie 7" pass (track 7) which can get you free train travel after 19.00, anywhere in Switzerland and costs 99 CH for one year. The CFF Demi-tarif card (see above) costs 150 CHF for a one-year subscription, and entitles you half-price travel within Switzerland and reductions on some tickets to Germany and Austria, when purchased in Switzerland. For more information, visit http://mct.sbb.ch/mct/en/reisemarkt/abonnemente/halbtax.htm For the map of validity for the Half-Fare Card, visit: http://mct.sbb.ch/mct/uebersichtskarte-halbtax-abo.pdf Day passes are available for approximately 40 CHF from the Swiss Transport and Environment Association (www.vcs-ate.ch). Note that these passes must be purchased three days in advance. You can order tickets via the web, or by phone at +41 84 884 1148 (Monday-Friday, 8.00-17.30). For more information, visit the ATE web site. Click on the small ATE logo for the French version; click "Produits", then "Guichet ATE", and finally, "Cartes journalires".

AIR
To explore the rest of Europe from Geneva, check out EasyJet.com (www.easyjet.com) and Fly Baboo (www.flybaboo.com). They both have cheap fares to a number of European destinations. Also, Swiss.com (www.swiss.com) advertises on-line specials as well as "last minute" fares, posted each Wednesday at noon. To give you an idea of how well connected Geneva is, this image captures the connection provided by one airline carrier alone!

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Swiss Adventure Guide

Day Trips
Geneva is ideally situated to explore the surrounding lake and mountainside areas. There are countless smaller towns and villages within easy reach of the city just waiting to be discovered by adventurous day trippers.

MONTREUX
For the first two weeks in July, Montreux transforms into the coolest place in Switzerland during the world famous Montreux jazz festival (www.montreuxjazz.com/index_en.aspx). But Montreux is worth visiting anytime of year for its incredible up close views of the Swiss Alps looming overhead and its beautiful lakefront promenade. The city was originally intended as a resort area and retains its resort atmosphere with many large old-style hotels located throughout the city.

CHILLON
Chillon castle (www.chillon.ch) is Switzerlands most famous castle situated on a rocky outcropping on Lake Genevas northern shore. The castle is fully restored and furnished with a collection of excavated antique weapons, chests and other items. Daily guided and self-guided tours are offered year round.

GRUYERES
If youre looking for the consummate Swiss alpine village, look no further than Gruyeres (www.la-gruyere.ch/). You can visit the famous Gruyeres cheese factory or just take in the breathtaking mountain views from one of the citys many terraced restaurants. The sound of cowbells is never far off and youll never go hungry in this beloved Swiss berg.

ANNEMASSE
Annemasse is located just over the boarder in France at the foot of Mont Saleve. The town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with skydiving, parasailing and paragliding ranking among the most popular sports due the towns close proximity the mountains. The nearby villages of Ville-La-Grand, Gaillard, Ambilly, Vetraz-Monthoux, and Etremieres are equally as active and as beautiful and offer quaint alternatives to the more touristic Annemasse.

ANNECY
To many, Annecy is the most beautiful city in all of France. The city just 35 km south of Geneva is a must for day trippers, especially in summer. The ancient town is known for its incredible lake front beaches along Lake Annecy and for the maze of ancient canals running through the old town, garnering Annecy the nickname Venice of the Savoie. The Palais de l'Isle, Saint Peters Cathedral, and Annecy Castle, are major historic monuments for when you get tired of the beach.

CHAMONIX
Located across the Arve Valley approximately 90 minutes from Geneva by car, Chamonix is home to world class ski resorts and abounding with outdoor activities of every extreme. The two stage cable car to the top of the Aiguille du Midi is popular with day trippers and promises second-to-none views of the Alps on a clear day.

ZERMATT AND THE MATTERHORN

The railway has direct connections in Brig and Visp to the modern narrow-gauge railway of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway, which arrives in Zermatt after an hour and a half ride through the rugged and romantic Nicolaital valley. For more information on what to do in Zermatt: http://www.zermatt.ch/en/page.cfm/ experience/faq. The Matterhorn (German), Cervino (Italian) or Cervin (French), is a mountain in the Pennine Alps. With its 4,478 metres (14,692 ft) high summit, lying on the border between Switzerland and Italy, it is one of the highest peaks in the Alps and its 1,200 metres (3,937 ft) north face is one of the Great north faces of the Alps.

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Swiss Adventure Guide

Weekend Trips
INTERLAKEN
Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland between Lakes Thun and Brienz and at the feet of the three famous peaks Eiger, Mnch and Jungfrau is a holiday and conference resort of international importance, and an ideal starting point for countless excursions to the regions top destinations. Interlaken is frequently visited by adventure-seeking backpackers throughout the year and therefore is home to numerous backpacker-friendly hostels and companies that provide guided services in skydiving, canyoning, hang gliding, paragliding, and skiing. The town offers tourists a peaceful base from which to explore the surrounding areas by train or bus. However, the main attraction is probably the magnificent Jungfrau.

ZURICH
As a metropolis of experiences by the water, with a magnificent view of the snowcapped Alps on the horizon, Zrich Downtown Switzerland offers a unique mixture of attractions over 50 museums and more than 100 art galleries, international fashion labels and Zrich designs, and the most flamboyant and lively nightlife in Switzerland. The Zurich Tourist Office, Bahnhofplatz 15 (tel. 044/215-40-00; www.zuerich.com), is in the main railway station. It's open November to April, Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 7pm and Sunday 9am to 6:30pm; May to October, Monday to Saturday 8am to 8:30pm and Sunday 8:30am to 6:30pm. For more information: http://www.frommers.com/ destinations/zurich/0069010002.html

LUCERNE
Lucerne, the gateway to central Switzerland, sited on Lake Lucerne, is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama. Thanks to its attractions, its souvenir and watch shops, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby excursion mountains of the Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, the town is a destination for many travel groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland.

BERNE
Not many cities have managed to retain their historic features quite as successfully as Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The old town of Bern has been entered in the list of UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites and thanks to its 6 kilometres of arcades - the locals refer to them as 'Lauben' - boasts on of the longest weather-sheltered shopping promenades in Europe. The Zentrum Paul Klee houses the most comprehensive collection of works by the artist. For more ideas: http:// www.myswitzerland.com/ en.cfm/destinations/resorts/ offer-Destinations_ResortsShort%20City%20Breakslist-all.html

BEYOND SWITZERLAND
The best of Europe is also accessible from Geneva with Milan, Paris only a few hours by train and London is only a 90minute flight.

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Swiss Adventure Guide