Sightseeing

January 2013
Palais des Nations - This tour of the United Nation's Office at Geneva is an all-encompassing insight into world diplomacy, taking visitors to the impressive Assembly Hall, the historic Council Chamber and a monument commemorating the conquest of outer space. Photo ID required (8-14 Avenue de la Paix, www.unog.ch).

December 2012
Each December, Geneva's trees become artistic installations as the Festival Arbres en Lumières takes over the city's parks. The branches take on a mystical, and sometimes sinister, new form, creating an eerie atmosphere for spellbound visitors.

Key Areas

April 2013
Choulex is a piece of pastoral paradise only 20 minutes from central Geneva by bus. Higgledy piggledy houses line the cobbled streets, which then give way to open countryside with far-reaching views of the Jura mountains.

March 2013
The Salève, the imposing escarpment that overlooks Geneva, makes for a dramatic day trip, whether you walk, drive or take the cable car. The views from this 1,000m perch are astounding and it's a great place to watch the paragliders taking off (telepheriquedusaleve.com).

Day Trips

April 2013
Despite its French-sounding name, Courmayeur is actually on the other side of the Mont Blanc tunnel in Italy. An ideal starting point for a hike in the mountians, the town itself is quaintly alpine with no shortage of restaurants serving pizzas and regional Savoy specialities.

March 2013
Yvoire, a medieval gem on the shores of the lake, is famous for its flowers. Visitors can wander around the cobbled streets and take in the “Garden of the Five Senses” before stopping for an ice cream by the fishing harbour.