Geneva: The Heart of Swiss Elegance and International Charm

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwa/day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [kom-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah duh vee-ahnd]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koo-ruh]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray za-she-tay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde seulement
  [zhuh ruh-gard suhl-mahn]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo beh-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel er ay teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ayz oon er]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dee er ay ehm-ee]
• MorningMatin
  [ma-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yair]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [de-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuf]
• 10Dix
  [dee]

• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
  [oo ay uh/luh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Geneva's history dates back to ancient times when it was a settlement of the Allobroges, a Gallic tribe. It became part of the Roman Empire in 121 BC, serving as an important outpost because of its strategic location near the Alpine passes and the Rhône River.

During the Middle Ages, Geneva was ruled by a prince-bishop, blending both spiritual and temporal authority. The city frequently found itself at the crossroads of European politics and trade, benefiting from its location on key trade routes.

The Protestant Reformation dramatically altered Geneva's religious landscape. In 1536, John Calvin arrived in the city, turning it into a center of Protestantism. Calvin's influence was so profound that Geneva became known as the 'Protestant Rome.'

In 1541, Geneva declared itself an independent republic and adopted a new constitution. The city thrived as a hub for reformist ideas and became a haven for Protestant refugees from across Europe.

The 18th century saw Geneva become a focal point for Enlightenment thought. Philosophers like Voltaire and Rousseau were either born in the city or drawn to it, contributing to its intellectual and cultural development.

In 1798, Geneva was annexed by France under Napoleon Bonaparte. However, the city regained its independence in 1814 after the fall of Napoleon and was admitted to the Swiss Confederation in 1815.

In the 20th century, Geneva established itself as a global city by hosting numerous international organizations. The League of Nations was headquartered here, and today the city hosts the European headquarters of the United Nations and the International Red Cross, among others.

Geneva is a melting pot of cultures, owing to its long history of welcoming refugees and expatriates. This diversity is reflected in its vibrant cultural scene, including numerous museums, theaters, and festivals.

Geneva is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The main entry point by air is Geneva International Airport (GVA), located just 4 km from the city center. The airport is served by numerous international airlines, making it accessible from major cities worldwide. For those traveling by train, Geneva Cornavin is the primary railway station, with frequent services from other Swiss cities and neighboring countries. The city is also accessible by car, with major highways connecting Geneva to France, Italy, and the rest of Switzerland.

Geneva boasts an efficient and extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and boats operated by Transports Publics Genevois (TPG). Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines and are valid across all modes of transport. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Biking is popular, with numerous rental options and dedicated bike lanes. For those staying in hotels, a free Geneva Transport Card is often provided, allowing unlimited use of public transport during your stay.

The official currency in Geneva is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, and many establishments also accept Euros, though change will be given in Swiss Francs. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in places where card payments might not be accepted.

Geneva is generally a safe city for tourists, with low crime rates. However, like any major city, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving belongings unattended and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas such as Gare Cornavin, Paquis, and Plainpalais. Walking alone at night is generally safe, but it is advisable to stay in well-lit and populated areas.

In case of emergency, dial 117 for police, 144 for medical emergencies, and 118 for the fire department. Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) offer comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are widely available, and many are open 24 hours. It is recommended to carry a copy of your travel insurance details and emergency contact numbers.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual; Geneva is a cosmopolitan city with a penchant for stylish but understated attire. Don't wear overly casual clothes like flip-flops or shorts in upscale establishments. Religion: Do respect religious sites; many churches and temples are open to visitors but require modest dress and quiet demeanor. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding; inspectors frequently check tickets. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Don't use first names unless invited to do so. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like fondue and raclette. Don't rush through meals; dining is a leisurely affair.

To experience Geneva like a local, visit the Plainpalais flea market for unique finds and local goods. Enjoy a stroll along the lakeside promenade or take a boat ride on Lake Geneva. Explore the Carouge district, known for its bohemian atmosphere and artisan shops. For an authentic culinary experience, dine at a local bistro and try the local wines from the Geneva region.