Summer in Geneva
Seven good reasons to enjoy Geneva in summer
Terraces, flip-flops and swimsuits, Geneva dons a summer dress…
Here comes the summer: the long evenings spent chatting on a terrace by the lake, the light outfits you couldn’t wait to take out of the wardrobe, days spent swimming and sunbathing, and the picnics in the park in the shade when it gets a bit too hot… Geneva welcomes summer and takes on the air of a unique urban resort. Find out how to enjoy summer in Geneva, for the sporty, the farniente specialists, the paddle boat aficionados and the aperitif lovers among you!
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“Life is so sweet in summer in Geneva”
1. A toast to summer
How about a drink on the waterfront, a charming lunch in the shade under the trees or cocktails on a rooftop?
Geneva’s terraces are the place to be for people of all ages in Geneva. In the Jardin Anglais, La Potinière is the ideal place for early evening drinks or brunch with friends. In the Old Town, stop at La Clémence, one of our favourite spots! Combine lunch and a swim at the Bains des Pâquis or enjoy a lovely dinner on the terrace of the Cottage Café. For a breath of fresh air in the city centre, head for the Terrasse du Parc des Bastions, a real haven of peace.
2. Taking the plunge
In the summer Geneva transforms into a real urban lakeside resort, with a flip-flop and sun cream scented atmosphere worthy of any seaside holiday. Visitors mingle with the locals who’ll enjoy a quick swim during their lunch break and after work. For a day of swimming and sunbathing, head to the Bains des Pâquis, the Plage des Eaux-Vives or the Plage du Reposoir. If you’re with your family, check out Genève-plage or ride your bike to the pontoon of Quai de Cologny with its original design, adapted to swimmers.
Plus, did you know that you can float down the Rhône in Geneva?
3. Exploring Lake Geneva
Geneva offers a wide variety of water sports activities. Rent a sailing boat for an unforgettable day on Lake Geneva, have fun on a paddle board with a panoramic view of the Jet d’Eau and the Old Town or board the Belle Epoque steamboat and get away!
4. Getting into the rhythm of summer
Geneva will come alive this summer and dance to the rhythm of the Musiques en Été concerts and the Aubes Musicales. The summer terrace events will feature dance classes and DJ sets, while open-air cinemas will entertain you long into the summer night. Discover our online programme and don’t miss any of Geneva’s summer events!
5. Cooling off in the park
Geneva has a large number of lakeside parks that offer a lovely cool break on hot summer days. Between the lake and the mountains, stroll through the incredible Botanical Gardens and then lie down on the grass in the Parc de la Perle du Lac for a relaxing moment by the water. Admire the splendid view of the harbour from the Parc la Grange while enjoying an ice cream.
Discover the most beautiful parks of Geneva and their history.
6. Exploring Geneva's countryside
By bike or on foot, discover the most beautiful walks in the Geneva countryside and unearth some gastronomic treasures! Every Saturday, many of the canton’s wine estates welcome you to their cellars to discover their wines. The Michelin-starred restaurant at Domaine de Châteauvieux in Peney will delight gourmets, while lovers of local products will also find something to get their tastebuds tingling at the Swiss Village and the Tourism Pavilion in the Jardin Anglais.
7. Walking to the museum
A great thing about Geneva is that everything can be done on foot, and the setting is superb. Geneva’s museums are lovely to visit in the summer, since to get from one to the other, you can enjoy a walk along the lake, an ice cream in the Old Town or a boat trip from one bank to the other. For culture in the middle of nature, discover our selection.
What can I do when it rains?
Explore summer in Geneva
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Enjoy a drink on a terrace
Discover the best terraces in Geneva. In the English Garden, at La Potinière, enjoy a drink with your friends by the lake. When you visit the Old Town, take a break at La Clémence, a true meeting place for all people of Geneva.
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Swimming in Geneva
Open-air swimming pools or urban lakeside resort, one thing is for sure: Geneva offers many opportunities when it comes to enjoying a pleasurable swim! The bravest swim all year round, but in the summer, the lake offers warm temperatures to the less adventurous.
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Water activities for everyone
In Geneva, the lake is a vast playground for lovers of water sports, fun and relaxation.
From Geneva to the Alps
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Geneva, watchmaking city
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Geneva's Old Town
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Gastronomy in Geneva
Constantly innovating, Geneva’s gourmet scene offers exceptional diversity. From neighbourhood bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy restaurants and bars, Geneva is a recognised gastronomic destination at the heart of Europe.