Auer, Geneva Travel Guide

4.5 (669)

Geneva's fifth-generation chocolate institution since 1939, crafting legendary Amandes Princesses and handmade truffes with premium ingredients in a central Rue de Rive boutique.

Established in 1939 on Rue de Rive in Geneva, Auer Chocolatier is a fifth-generation family-run institution renowned for handmade chocolates, signature Amandes Princesses, truffes, ganaches, and pralines crafted with premium ingredients. This central boutique offers a tempting array of over 50 varieties, including celebrity-favored treats, in an elegant setting perfect for gourmet indulgence.

A brief summary to Auer

Rue de Rive 4, Geneva, 1204, CH
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Duration: 0.25 to 1.5 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 10 am-6:45 pm
Tuesday 9 am-6:45 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6:45 pm
Thursday 9 am-6:45 pm
Friday 9 am-6:45 pm
Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Auer.

Prioritize the Amandes Princesses in their signature orange boxes for an authentic Auer experience—these caramel-coated almonds are the shop's most celebrated creation.
Opt for handmade truffes over mass-produced varieties; their artisanal shaping and dipping deliver superior melt-in-mouth texture.
Visit mid-morning on weekdays to avoid peak crowds and enjoy fresh picks from the daily assortment.

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Explore Auer on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Auer, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

5-10 minutes from Geneva's main train station (Cornavin); flat urban paths, free.
Public Transport

Tram 12 or 18 to Rive stop, 2-5 minutes walk; CHF 3 single ticket, frequent service.
Driving

Central paid parking nearby (CHF 5/hour); avoid peak hours due to congestion.

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Discover more about Auer

History and Heritage

Founded in 1939 by Henri Auer, a chocolatier trained in Basel, Auer Chocolatier began as a family enterprise on Geneva's Rue de Rive. Henri and his wife Julia invented the iconic Pavés de Genève, while his father Gaspard had earlier run a similar establishment near Cornavin station. Now in its fifth generation, the Auer family upholds a tradition of artisanal chocolate-making, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern laboratory precision for unmatched freshness.

Signature Specialties

Auer's fame rests on its handmade confections, including the legendary Amandes Princesses—plump French almonds enrobed in caramel, fine chocolate, and bitter cocoa—created by Claude Auer in 1964. Their truffes, shaped by hand with a piping bag and dipped individually, come in dark, milk, kirsch, and white varieties. Over 50 chocolate types feature ganaches, pralines, and assortiments, all made from premium ingredients without prefabricated molds, ensuring superior texture and flavor that discerning palates notice immediately.

The Boutique Experience

Nestled in Geneva's heart near the lake and old town, the boutique exudes timeless passion. Visitors select from classic assortiments or custom boxes, with options for hot chocolate and refined sweets at the on-site cafétéria, introduced in the 1960s. The orange packaging of Amandes Princesses is instantly recognizable, and the shop draws locals and travelers alike for its role as a gourmet landmark.

Celebrity Appeal and Global Reach

Auer's chocolates have tempted international figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger during film shoots, John Kerry post-negotiations, and Nicolas Sarkozy. This cross-border allure underscores the shop's quality, with products shipped worldwide via services like Chronofresh to preserve delicacy in warm weather.

Practical Details

Open weekdays from 9am (10am Mondays), Saturdays until 5:30pm, and closed Sundays, Auer welcomes chocolate lovers to its central location accessible by public transport. The artisanal focus guarantees a sensory delight in every bite, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring Geneva's sweet traditions.