Recently, tikichris contributor Vysia Duffield had the opportunity to explore the Swiss city of Geneva. Along with a handful of other London-based bloggers, Vysia had been invited to Switzerland to explore a few cities using the free to download Make My Switzerland app. Created by actual residents of the cities featured, the app lists hidden gems and places favoured by locals. Vysia reckons the app is great for people who like to venture “off the beaten path” when travelling. “Even better,” she says, the participating bloggers got to meet and explore their chosen cities “with the locals behind the recommendations and see it through their eyes”.
Here’s the scoop of Vysia’s third and final day in Geneva …
Lake Geneva
My final day in Geneva started with cruise lunch across Lake Geneva on the iconic Bateau Savoie, built in 1914 and is now converted into a fine dining restaurant by Michelin chef Phillippe Chevlier. We boarded at Jardin Anglais, though the boat also picks passengers up at Genève Pâquis, Hermance or Versoix.
Daily specials start at CHF28 and the three course meal costs CHF70.
Old Town
We then used the app to explore the Old Town of Geneva. The app was easy to navigate and gave us suggestion as to what to see and stop by nearby, which is iimportant when you only have 2 hours to explore!. Our first stop was the stately Russian Orthodox Church, described in the app as “a must discover” and “one of the symbols of the cultural and religious diversity of Geneva”.
After our visit to the church, we walked along uphill on the cobblestone streets and old buildings in the town and headed to the heart of the old town – the Cathedrale St-Pierre – and climbed on their winding stairs up to the very top for a breathtaking aerial view of Geneva. I highly recommend sensible shoes.
Soon, it was time to leave the city and I left with heavy heart, knowing that there was so much more to discover. I’ll definitely be back!
So ends my three-day whirlwind of a trip to Geneva. Be sure to give the Make My Switzerland app a look. In addition to tons of great recommendations, downloading the app gives you access to a range of special discounts. Not only that, you also stand a chance to win the cost your trip back.
Written by Vysia Duffield
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