Geneva

Geneva sits at the southwestern tip of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) where the Rhône exits toward France, with the Alps rising spectacularly on three sides. It is one of the world's most international cities — home to the United Nations, Red Cross, WHO and dozens of other global institutions — and carries a cosmopolitan, multilingual character that reflects its unusual status as a global diplomatic hub. The Jet d'Eau — a 140-metre water jet shooting from the lake — is the city's most recognisable landmark, and a walk along the lakeside promenade past it, with views of Mont Blanc on a clear day, is one of Europe's finest urban strolls. The Old Town (Vieille Ville) climbs to the imposing St. Peter's Cathedral, where John Calvin preached the Reformation. The Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the UN, offers guided tours revealing the machinery of global diplomacy. Geneva's museum scene is exceptional for its size. The MAMCO (contemporary art), the Patek Philippe Museum (horological masterpieces) and the International Red Cross Museum are all outstanding. The city is surrounded by excellent wine country — the Lavaux terraced vineyards along Lake Geneva are a Unesco Heritage site. A short drive or train ride accesses world-class skiing in winter. Geneva is very expensive, but day trips across the French border offer significant savings.