Carouge: Geneva's Mediterranean Gem

• HelloSalut
  [sa-lyoo]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh rev-wahr]
• 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 mwah/dey-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sa vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen/eh twah]
• 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 mahnj pah duh vyand]
• 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 seh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh may-dsahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sa koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay un uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [deez uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dee]

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

Carouge was founded in 1786 by the Duke of Savoy, who aimed to create a new settlement that would serve as a rival to Geneva. Its layout, characterized by its distinct neoclassical architecture, reflects the influence of Italian design, setting it apart from the surrounding areas. The duke's vision was to attract artisans and craftsmen, leading to a diverse community that flourished in its early years.

Throughout the 19th century, Carouge became known as a cultural melting pot, attracting a variety of immigrants, including Italians, French, and Swiss. This influx of people contributed to a vibrant local culture, evident in the arts, crafts, and the establishment of lively markets. The artisanal spirit of the neighborhood was solidified with the creation of numerous workshops and boutiques that still exist today.

In 1892, Carouge was officially integrated into the city of Geneva. This transition marked a significant change in governance and urban development. The neighborhood began to see modernization efforts, including improved infrastructure and public services, while still maintaining its unique charm and cultural identity.

The 20th century saw Carouge emerge as a hub for artists and intellectuals. The neighborhood's bohemian atmosphere attracted painters, poets, and musicians, contributing to its reputation as a center for creativity. Cultural events, galleries, and theaters flourished, cementing Carouge's status as a vibrant artistic community within Geneva.

In recent decades, Carouge has undergone significant gentrification, with efforts to preserve its historical architecture and cultural heritage. The neighborhood has revitalized its markets, cafes, and boutiques, drawing both locals and tourists. Festivals celebrating local arts and culture are now commonplace, reflecting Carouge's enduring spirit as a unique and dynamic part of the Geneva region.

Carouge is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Geneva. If you are coming from the city center, you can take tram line 12 or 18, which conveniently stops at the Carouge-Marché station. Alternatively, bus lines 31 and 36 also connect central Geneva to Carouge. For those arriving at the Geneva International Airport, the quickest option is to take a train to Geneva's main station (Gare Cornavin), followed by tram or bus to Carouge.

Carouge is a compact neighborhood, making it ideal for exploration on foot. Public transportation is efficient, with tram and bus services that connect you to other parts of Geneva. Biking is also a popular option; you can rent a bicycle through the local bike-sharing service, 'Genève Roule,' to navigate the area at your leisure. Additionally, taxis and rideshare services are available for those preferring a more direct mode of transport.

Carouge is generally considered a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, standard safety precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and being aware of your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to stay vigilant, especially in areas close to the borders of Carouge.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number works for police, fire, and medical emergencies. The local police station is located in Carouge, and there are medical facilities nearby. It is essential to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the neighborhood.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking. While Carouge is a laid-back neighborhood, avoid overly casual attire when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect the local customs, particularly if visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir.' Eating & Drinking: Do try the local specialties at cafes and restaurants. Don’t waste food or be overly loud in dining establishments.

To experience Carouge like a local, consider visiting the weekly market at Place du Marché on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where you can find fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with local artisans in the workshops that line the streets, particularly on Rue de Carouge. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy an apéritif at one of the many bistros while people-watching. Additionally, embrace the local café culture by taking your time over coffee or a meal, as this is a cherished aspect of daily life in Carouge.