by Laurence Desarzens
Geneva - duration: 1h00 - 11 flights/week.

Restaurants

Le Buffet de la Gare des Eaux Vives

Housed inside a train station that’s served by one train a day, Le Buffet is a strange sight. Even more surprising is that this is no station cafe, but a Michelin-starred restaurant that is both affordable and delicious. Climb aboard, and enjoy the station surroundings, about to be rebuilt by renowned architect Jean Nouvel.
Av. Gare Eaux-Vives, Genève, Tél.: +41 22 840 44 30

Shibata

Shibata is the best Japanese restaurant in Geneva. It may not be trendy, without minimal furniture or stylish décor, but chef Hiroshi has brought the very best recipes over from his home town, Hokkaidô. Imaginative and delicious, this is no sushi joint but a culinary experience not to be missed.
4 ch. Gilbert Trolliet, Petit-Saconnex, Tél.: +41 22 740 37 30

Nightlife

Qu’Importe…

“Qu’importe le flacon pourvu qu’on ait l’ivresse” is in Carouge, a part of town called Little Sardinia. An old Italian grocery converted into a spacious wine bar with wood, traditional bar, fireplace and leather sofas. Relax with a jazz soundtrack. Qu’importe… offers more than 70 wines, meats and cheeses. Just chill.
1, rue Ancienne, Carouge, Tél.: +41 22 34 21 525

Les Bains des Paquis

Incredibly relaxing in the middle of the city, Les Bains are the City Lake Bathing Facilities. In the summer, everyone from suits to students goes for a refreshing jump in the water. In winter, try the sauna and the hammam. A casual meeting place to mix with the locals, with stunning views of the Geneva Fountain and the Alps. Lunchtime food available.
Quai du Mont Blanc 30, Genève. Tél.: +41 22 73 229 74

Culture

Mamco

Situated in art hub Rue Des Bains, the city’s newest museum is housed in a most unusual setting. The exterior looks like a factory warehouse but inside is the Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain (M.A.M.C.O), the city’s first collection of modern work. Exhibits range from sculpture to neon to furniture.
10, rue des Vieux-Grenadiers, Genève, Tél.: +41 22 320 61 22, www.mamco.ch

Café Des Bains

Le Café des Bains is a great place to have lunch after visiting the MAMCO. The renovation of the restaurant and bar was designed by renowned architect, Charles Pictet. Contemporary but with a warm feeling, it’s a trendy bistro with good food in an area filled with trendy art galleries.
26 rue des Bains, Genève. Tél.: +41 22 32 15 798

Shopping

Theodora

Situated in the Old Town, Theodora is a Parisian-style perfume salons straight out of the XVIIth Century. Owner Sophie Bianchi is passionate about rare scents, whether the holy scent created by Domenican Monks in the XIIth Century, or Bandit and Fracas, created in 1948 by Robert Piguet in Paris. A beautiful golden wood space completes the story.
Grand-Rue 37, Genève. Tél.: +41 22 310 38 75, www.parfumerietheodora.ch

Les Ambassadeurs

Geneva is the city of watches. A long tradition of luxury coupled with an international clientele means top name shops. Les Ambassadeurs is an excellent place to find the watch of your dreams, including many exclusives from well-established brands. Rolex, Bulgari and also newcomers such as Hautlence, Richard Mille and Greubel Forsey.
39, Rue du Rhône, Genève. Tél.: +41 22 31 86 222, www.lesambassadeurs.ch