Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

Focus on … Geneva

Geneva

Poised on the southern edge of Lake Geneva, this cosmopolitan Swiss city is a pulsating mix of old and new, from its breathtaking landmarks and traditional eateries to its contemporary nightlife

Nestled between two mountain chains – the Jura and the Alps – Geneva is a European crossroads and a popular stopover en route to some of the continent’s most famous and glamorous ski resorts. But it’s also a holiday destination in its own right, offering top-class restaurants that reflect the multicultural nature of the city, a blossoming, varied nightlife and some of the best luxury shopping in the world. All this and Geneva is also clean and efficient, with a public transport system that runs on time. What more could a traveller ask for?

Switzerland is famous for its sense of order, and Geneva is divided accordingly into a right and left bank, Rive Droite and Rive Gauche, each with its own distinct neighbourhoods.

Rive Droite Les Paquis

Situated between the train station and the lakeshore, Les Paquis is more than home to Geneva’s red-light district; it’s also where you’ll find the best selection of late-night ethnic eateries and shops, alternative cafés and drinking dens. For a relaxed bohemian atmosphere, Café Art’s (17 Rue des Paquis, tel. (0)22 738 0797) features comfy sofas, soft furnishings and a warm welcome. Another popular haunt is 5 Portes (8 Rue de Zurich, tel. (0)22 731 8438), a stylish but casual café with good wines and tempting tapas.

If you’re feeling peckish, try a mezze lunch at Le Diwane (6 Rue de Zurich, tel. (0)22 732 7391). This friendly Lebanese restaurant serves some of the most reasonably priced Arabic cuisine in Geneva. Top-class Indian food can be found at Café Ghandi(37 Rue de Neuchâtel, tel. (0)22 731 4112), while if Asian fusion is more your bag you can’t go wrong with Jecks (14 Rue de Neuchâtel, tel. (0)22 731 3303), which offers a wonderful, authentic menu. In the heart of Les Paquis is also where you’ll find one of the more reasonably priced places to stay (see page 34 for details).

Lakeside

Head to the lake for more exclusive partying. Start off in style at the Z Cube (20 Quai du Seujet), a lounge bar that’s less pretentious and pricey than most. Next door is the Platinum Glam Club (18 Quai du Seujet), a designer club popular with the ‘euro riche’.
For the ultimate in glamour, Le Baroque (12 Place de la Fusterie) is the place to go. Styled in ornate red
velvet and gilt décor, the bar serves a wide variety of cocktails. After drinks, hit the restaurant and enjoy Asian fusion cuisine. Then descend into the depths and check out the trendy B Club, where money and champagne flow freely.

Rive Gauche Les Rues Basses

Shoppers should cross the lake to the more exclusive – and expensive – side of town known as Les Rues Basses, consisting of Rue du Rhône, Rue de la Confédération, Rue du Marché and Rue de la Croix-d’Or. Watch, jewellery, fur, designer label and luxury goods shops abound. The main department stores can also be found here, including the chic Swiss favourites, Bon Génie (34 Rue du Marché) and Globus (48 Rue du Rhône).

hocoholics can follow in the footsteps of those famous sweet tooths Winston Churchill and General Charles de Gaulle by paying a visit to Du Rhône Chocolatier (4 Rue de la Confédération). This is simply the best place to sample Swiss chocolate; you can also recharge your batteries with a coffee and croissant in the tearoom before continuing with the retail therapy.

Behind the Confédération Centre is a favourite with locals, the funky boutique Flying A (17 Rue de la Rotisserie), which sells unique lines of clothing, jewellery and other cool accessories. Elsewhere, you’ll find a veritable treasure-trove of hidden delights from the world of décor at Galerie Shaman (25 Rue de la Cité).

Plainpalais

Some of the most fashionable bars and restaurants can be found in Plainpalais, arguably Geneva’s hippest district. For cocktails, check out the lively Latin bar Café Cuba (1 Place du Cirque), which also serves tapas. For a wine bar with a difference, head to Marius Café (9 Place des Augustins), a former butcher’s shop that has swapped meat for grapes. La Ferblanterie (8 Rue Ecole de Médicine) is a former ironmonger’s transformed into an up-to-the-minute café. It has retained the large shop window, making it the perfect place to people-watch.

On cold winter nights, why not warm up with some soup at Café Sud (17 Rue Ecole de Médicine). Chic design and cool lighting make this the perfect place to unwind. For a modestly priced lunch, the Jardin des Crêpes (25 Avenue du Mail, tel. (0)22 328 8528) offers savoury and sweet crêpes, accompanied by delicious speciality Breton cider. Slightly more upmarket is L’Echalotte (17 Rue des Rois, tel 022 320 5999), where the media crowd go to appreciate good French cuisine and a chocolate terrine that’s to die for.

For evenings, the fashionable Café des Bains (26 Rue des Bains, tel. (0)22 321 5798) is all clean white lines,

FR>>Focus sur Genève

Nichée entre le Jura et les Alpes, Genève est un carrefour européen et une halte courue pour ceux qui se dirigent vers les plus fameuses et prestigieuses stations de ski du continent. Mais c’est également une destination à part entière, avec des restaurants de première catégorie, une vie nocturne diversifiée et parmi les meilleurs magasins de luxe au monde. Au-delà de ça, Genève est une ville propre, efficace et les transports publics sont toujours à l’heure.

La Suisse a la réputation d’un pays qui a le sens de l’ordre et c’est dans cet esprit que Genève se divise en Rive Droite et Rive Gauche, comprenant des quartiers distincts. Sur la Rive Droite se trouve Paquis, le meilleur quartier pour manger tard le soir de la cuisine exotique, pour les boutiques, les cafés et les tavernes. Si vous êtes plutôt un adepte de la vie nocturne, descendez vers le quartier du Lakeside, fameux pour ses soirées mondaines et ses clubs de designers.

Les Rues Basses sur la Rive Droite est la partie la plus exclusive et la plus chère de la ville. Les marques de stylistes et les magasins de produits de luxe abondent et les grands magasins sont également localisés à cet endroit. Plainpalais est le quartier branché de Genève, où l’on peut découvrir les restaurants et les bars à la mode. On attribue souvent la Vieille Ville de Genève à la ville de Calvin, et c’est clairement dans cette partie ancienne que cela transparaît le plus, là où les Protestants Réformateurs prêchaient depuis la Cathédrale de St-Pierre. L’ascension de sa tour nord de 157 marches vaut bien l’effort, vous serez récompensé par une vue panoramique à couper le souffle sur le magnifique lac de Genève.

fairy lights and hip artwork. It serves delicious Asian/Mediterranean fusion and is a popular choice, so book ahead.

Vieille Ville

Geneva is often referred to as ‘Calvin’s city’, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the Old Town, where the Protestant reformer preached from the Cathédrale St-Pierre (Cour St-Pierre). The hike up the 157 steps of the north tower is well worth the effort. Your reward is a breathtaking panorama of Geneva and the lake. Then visit the Reformation Museum (2 Rue du Cloître), which charts the events that led to, and followed, the break with the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century.

While you’re in the Old Town check out Geneva’s oldest home, the 14th-century Maison Tavel (6 Rue du Puits-Saint-Pierre). For specimens of 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century architecture, walk around the Place du Bourg. The Old Arsenal dating from the beginning of the 17th century dominates. At the armoury you’ll find the charmingly restored Hôtel Les Armures (1 Rue de Puits-St-Pierre) with its elegant restaurant serving Swiss specialities such as fondue, raclette and rösti. You can always burn off the calories on your walk back down from the Old Town.

NL » Focus op… Genève

Genève, gelegen tussen de Jura en de Alpen, is een Europees kruispunt én een populaire stopplaats op weg naar Europa’s meest exclusieve skioorden. Maar ook als bestemming op zich loont deze stad beslist de moeite, met haar toprestaurants, bruisend nachtleven en zowat de meest luxueuze winkels ter wereld. Bovendien is Genève een erg nette en efficiënte stad, met stipt openbaar vervoer.

Zwitsers staan bekend om hun gevoel voor orde, en net als Parijs deelden ze Genève op in een Rive Droite en Rive Gauche, met elk hun typische buurten. Op de Rive Droite ligt de wijk Pâquis, ideaal voor wie laat op de avond nog terecht wil in allerhande wereldrestaurantjes, nachtwinkels en cafés. Zin in het echte nachtleven? Trek dan naar de uitgaansbuurt vlakbij het Meer van Genève, waar je glamourbars en designerclubs vindt.

Les Rues Basses op Rive Droite is het exclusievere en dus erg dure stadsgedeelte. Aan designerlabels, winkels met luxewaren en de betere warenhuizen geen gebrek. Plainpalais is het hipste district, met trendy restaurants en bars. Dat Genève de stad van Calvijn zou zijn, blijkt vooral in de Vieille Ville, het oude stadsdeel waar de protestantse hervormer predikte in de Cathédrale de St-Pierre. Beklim er de 157 trappen van de noordtoren voor een adembenemend zicht over Genève en het meer.

Where to stay

• Les Paquis
  The Swiss chalet-style Hôtel Edelweiss Manotel (2 Place de la Navigation, tel.
  (0)22 544 5151) is a comfortable budget option by Geneva standards (double rooms start from €160).
• Lakeside
  When it’s time for late-night revellers to lay their weary heads, they’re spoilt for choice. Among the many luxury hotels along the lakefront, the Hôtel d’Angleterre (17 Quai du Mont-Blanc, tel. (0)22 906 5555) stands out for its old-world charm, effortless service and great views (double rooms start from €220). If you don’t want to wander too far, the hotel’s Windows restaurant is also one of the top places to dine in Geneva.
• Plainpalais
  Plainpalais is home to one of Geneva’s few boutique hotels. Hôtel Tiffany (1 Rue des Marbriers, tel. (0)22 708 1616) is a real treat, decorated in a 19th-century belle époque style, with a bistro restaurant below (double rooms start from €210).
• Vieille Ville
  Hôtel Les Armures (1 Rue de Puits-St-Pierre, tel. (0)22 310 9172) has played host to many famous guests, including US presidents and international rock stars. Check the Golden Book to see who has been sleeping in your bed (double rooms start from €340).

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