Geneva

Geneva, a French-influenced Swiss city that’s truly an international metropolis

Many patriotic French feel this French-speaking city of elegance and charm should belong in France. It does indeed sit on France’s doorstep, and is only connected to Switzerland by a lake and a narrow corridor. The city's strong French influence shows in its mansard roofs, iron balconies, sidewalk cafes, and French-language signs. But in many respects, Geneva is international, belonging to the world with its 250 international organizations based here, the most important being the European headquarters for the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the International Red Cross.

Switzerland's second-largest metropolis, filled with parks and promenades, becomes a virtual garden in summer. Geneva is also the most orderly and serene of all major European cities—or the most sterile, in the view of those who'd like more local color, nightlife, and excitement. It's also one of the world’s healthiest cities, thanks to prevailing north winds that blow away all air pollution.

Situated in the Rhône Valley, Geneva sits idyllically at the southwestern corner of alpine Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman, in French), between the Jura Mountains and the Alps, within view of Mont Blanc’s pinnacle.

© 2009, Wiley Publishing, Inc.