ON A SWISS ROLL...
From its glittering lake to a wealth of history and culture, Geneva is perfect for a weekend getaway
It’s hard to believe that the birthplace of Frankenstein could seduce me with such charm, but that’s what happens in Geneva. First I take a ‘mouette’ ride across its lake – a water taxi which ferries locals from left bank to right.
then I discover its old town, a cluster of cobbled lanes which wind uphill towards 12th century st Peter’s Cathedral. Its gothic spire can be climbed [157 steps] for an exceptional view of Lake Geneva encircled by the city and the Alps, including a snow-capped Mont Blanc.
there’s a new white sand beach next to the marina where the rest of the afternoon is spent sunbathing and wondering why on earth I’d not considered holidaying here sooner.
Geneva is switzerland’s second biggest city and has recently shrugged off its corporate image to become a popular, cosmopolitan leisure destination.
It’s compact, easy to navigate and only ten minutes from the airport by train. All guests are entitled to a free transfer into town as well as unlimited public transport throughout their hotel stay.
During lockdown I’d fantasised about being pampered and, for something to look forward to, booked a long weekend at the Beau Rivage, one of Geneva’s most historic hotels whose previous guests have included Angelina Jolie, Wallis simpson and Charles de Gaulle.
It has the look and feel of a palace, bedecked with oversized chandeliers, sweeping staircases and satin armchairs – but you don’t have to be an A-lister to get VIP treatment here.
Lake Geneva is the city’s heartbeat and buzzes with swimmers, boaters and paddle boarders. At 45 miles long by nine miles at its widest it’s a natural border between switzerland and France and is Europe’s largest alpine lake.
A paddle-steamer runs sightseeing cruises which get up close and personal with another iconic Genevan landmark, the Jet d’Eau, a 400-foot fountain which surges from the middle of the lake.
One new fad on the lake is paddle boarding yoga, so I decide to give it a try. the following morning finds me sitting cross-legged on a board, taking deep inhalations as I salute the sun and slide effortlessly into an inner Zen.
For my next adventure I join a guided vineyard bike tour in the nearby region of satigny. We pedal through fields ripe with red and white grapes and stop at a remote hut to guzzle wines made from the surrounding vines.
For one final stroll I head towards a park facing Mont Blanc. It’s a stunning spot, named Perle-duLac.
But if this is considered the Pearl of the Lake, then glittering, Geneva also deserves jewel status.
TRAVEL FACTS
Double rooms at the Beau Rivage start at £410 (www.beau-rivage. ch). Swiss Air Lines offers return flights to Geneva from £105 (www. swiss.com). For further information on Swiss tourism see: www.myswitzerland.com.