Exploring Geneva, Switzerland: A Day of Scenic Beauty, Refreshing Water, and Culinary Delights
Jet D’eau
We arrived in Geneva early this morning after a quick 30-minute taxi ride from Annemasse, France. With our large backpacks in tow, we researched budget-friendly storage options and found affordable lockers at the Geneva train station—only €10 for the entire day! After lightening our load, we stepped out of the station and were immediately greeted by the breathtaking view of Lake Geneva and the iconic Jet d’Eau.
Strolling Through Geneva: A City of Elegance
Brunswick Monument
Brunswick Monument: A Historic Landmark
As we wandered through Square des Alpes, we admired the Brunswick Monument, a stunning Gothic-style mausoleum built in honor of Charles II, Duke of Brunswick. Its intricate design and historical significance make it a must-visit landmark in the city.
The Best Public Water Fountains in the World
One of the unexpected highlights of our walk was discovering Geneva’s public drinking fountains. At first, they appeared to be simple decorative fountains, but to our surprise, they provide fresh, clean, and free drinking water! Watching locals and cyclists refill their bottles, we decided to try it ourselves. The water was crisp, refreshing, and incredibly pure—some of the best we’ve ever tasted. Geneva truly takes hydration to another level!
Breakfast by the Lake
Breakfast by Lake Geneva: A Culinary Experience
Exploring the city left us hungry, and we didn’t have to search long to find the perfect breakfast spot. Nestled in the heart of the square, The Cottage Café offered picturesque lake views and a cozy outdoor seating area. Here, we indulged in a simple yet unforgettable dish: homemade spelt bread toast with rhubarb vanilla jam. Each bite was an experience—delicious, comforting, and one of the best meals of our journey.
We lazily strolled around the town after our meal of a lifetime. At this point we only had a few hours here before needing to be back at the train station. The air here is amazing. It’s clean and crisp (just like their water!), and there’s a hint of chocolate. It could be because every other store happened to be a chocolate shop. The streets and parks are clean and full of flowers. The scenery is just breathtaking.
A Scenic Train Ride Through the Alps
Geneva Train Station
As our time in Geneva came to an end, we returned to Geneva Train Station—a modern, well- maintained hub with friendly staff and diverse food options. Our journey continued aboard TER 96562, a train route known for its breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. From lush green mountains to fairytale-like villages and medieval castles perched on hillsides, every moment was picture-perfect. The train passed through multiple tunnels, causing our ears to pop occasionally, but nothing could take away from the spectacular scenery.
Sipping wine while gazing at the Swiss countryside? Now that’s the good life.
Come with us to London! But watch out for the bugs…
