The surrounding of lake Geneva takes me back in time.
There are numerous cafe's and chocolate shops dotted all around, these are very quaint with a "time gone by" feel to them.
Though some can be expensive (Geneva is no the cheapest of cities!) it is well worth taking a walk around the lake with a bag of your favourite hand picked chocolates!
The lake, and it's surrounding cafe's and shops, are very clean and unspoiled, in fact the cleanliness of Geneva was amazing and the best in comparison to any other city which I have visited.
There is less trafic polution as well, as peolpe tend to prefer to either cycle or roller skate around the lake area.
The local, small but rather quaint and lovely shops are fun to visit, especially as there are a fun collection of cuckoo clocks that can be bought - very tempting, but maybe next time, great fun for browsing though!
Even traditional swiss children's clothing can be purchased -whatever takes your fancy, there is a wide variety of produce from confectionary to clothing which is sure to keep the shopper and the window shopper happy!
The large clock in the centre of the old town, made from colourful flowers is certainly something to be photographed, and after you have finished browsing the shops, it will be time for a coffee or hot chocolate - outside with the street entertainment whilst the sun goes down over the jet d'eau.
Oh and if you haven't visited the jet d'eau, that too is a must! Al ot of fun - but be careful as the wood which you can walk on the the centre can get slippery. Be prepared to get wet, depending on how close you want to get. I walked under and it was a fun experience, and a very good photo opportunity -just make sure that you have a water-proof camera with you! Around the area of the Jet d'eau and the front of the lake, you are able to see birds and ducks, which make this part of Geneva their home.
Their is a central bus/coach station right beside the lake, which runs tours to different parts of Switzerland and France, from here you can go to mont-blanc, book up a husky ride (as long as you are in season) and just explore. We booked ahead with expedia, the coaches were good on time, and the guides helpful -though sometimes rushed, if you can do the day with out a tour guide, especially the mountains, I would recommend taking your own pace -- I would also highly recommend just arranging a tour bus and finding out the times to get back on it if you do not wish to be part of a "group".
The trips were a little expensive, but included meals and entrance fees as well as transportation. Just remember to take plenty of money if you are going to be traveling and to keep your passport handy for the border.
Though just relaxing by Geneva old town was fantastic, and getting a boat out on the lake, very relaxing. A lovely place with a calm and peaceful feel.
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