Identity card
Currency : the Swiss franc (CHF). 1 euro = 1.23 Swiss francs (November 2013).
Area code : +41 (Switzerland); (0)43 or (0)44 (Zurich); (0)61 (Basel); (0)22 (Geneva).
How to get there
LYRIA combines high-speed travel with "eco-conscious" travel. The Franco-Swiss TGV provides up to six daily services from Paris to Basel and Zurich. Simplicity, silence and tranquillity reign during the four-hour journey. In first class, depending on the time of day, a snack or meal is served instead, and power sockets are available for recharging laptops and telephones as you travel through a pastoral landscape. These services are also available on the line that links Paris to Geneva in 3.05 hours, up to nine times a day. What's more, Lyria offers flexible fares that are ideal for business travellers, as well as regular promotions to help you save money.
25, rue Titon - 75011 Paris
Email : business@lyria.com
Internet: www.tgv-lyria.com/business
AIR FRANCE operates six daily flights between Paris CDG and Zurich, nine to Geneva and four to Basel-Mulhouse. From Paris Orly, the airline offers five weekday services to Basel-Mulhouse and three at weekends.
Tel.: 0820 320 820
Internet: www.airfrance.com
SWISS offers 42 weekly flights between Paris and Zurich.
It should also be noted that the Swiss airline does not operate direct flights between Paris and Geneva, but has a code-share agreement with Air France for this route.
Tel.: 0 892 23 25 01 (0.34 euro/min) Internet: www.swiss.com
EASY JET operates 23 flights a week between Paris Orly and Geneva.
Internet: www.easyjet.com
GENEVA
Hotels
President Wilson
Even if, from the outside, its very 70's look seems a little outdated, don't be fooled: the Président Wilson remains an emblematic figure in Geneva's hotel industry. Facing the lake and Mont Blanc, this luxury hotel, managed by the Starwood group, offers 180 rooms and 48 suites, all equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Plus: a swimming pool in the garden, a wonderful spa and a restaurant run by Bocuse d'or winner Michel Roth.
47, quai Wilson
Phone: +41 22 906 66 66
Email : resident@hotelpwilson.com
Internet: www.hotelpwilson.com
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues
Facing the Rhône, this majestic building dating from 1834 was one of Geneva's first palaces. Today's Four Seasons has retained the panache of yesteryear, while adding the contemporary flair required for a hotel of this standing. Its 115 rooms have recently been revamped by Pierre-Yves Rochon.
33, quai des Bergues.
Phone: +41 22 908 70 00
Internet: www.fourseasons.com/geneva
Mandarin Oriental
This 197-room hotel, which has just completed its renovation with new suites decorated by Sibylle de Margerie, has a very contemporary elegance. Here and there are oriental touches, notably in the Indian restaurant, Rasoi by Vineet.
1, quai Turrettini
Phone: +41 22 909 00 00
Email : mogva-reservations@mohg.com
Internet: www.mandarinoriental.com
Easwest Hotel
A delightful boutique hotel hidden away from the world, set in a garden adorned with a wall of bamboo.
6, rue des Pâquis
Phone: + 41 22 708 17 17
Email : info@eastwesthotel.ch
Internet: www.eastwesthotel.ch
Starling Geneva
Close to the airport, a contemporary business hotel with 496 spacious rooms
and 43 meeting rooms.
34, route François-Peyrot
Tel.: + 41 22 747 02 02
Email : contact@shgeneva.ch
Internet: www.shgeneva.com
Warwick Hotel
Just opposite the station, a contemporary hotel with 167 rooms, renovated in 2010.
14, rue de Lausanne.
Tel.: + 41 22 716 80 00
Email : info.geneva@warwickhotels.com
Internet: www.warwickgeneva.com
Budget hotels
Hotel Ibis Genève Centre Nation
The hotel opened in the autumn, in a building reminiscent of a Lego construction.
Everything inside is fresh and functional. Located between the city centre and the Parc des Nations, this Ibis offers 216 fully-equipped rooms.
33-35, rue du Grand Pré
Phone +41 22 919 20 30
Email : h8069@accor.com
Internet: www.ibis.com
Hotel Tiffany
A delightful little Art Deco four-star hotel in the trendy Les Bains district, close to the old town.
20, rue de l'arquebuse
Tel.: + 41 22 708 16 16
Email : info@tiffanyhotel.ch
Internet: www.hotel-tiffany.ch
Restaurants
Brasserie des Halles de l'île
A former abattoir that runs alongside the Rhône. In winter, it is bathed in low-angled light. The main dining room is suspended above the water. It serves excellent beef and even bison.
1, place de l'île
Phone: +41 22 311 08 88
Internet: www.brasseriedeshallesdelile.ch
Le Vertig'o
This gourmet restaurant, awarded one star in 2009, is the domain of chef Jérôme Manifacier, who favours seafood cuisine. His creativity also focuses on local produce, fresh from the lake or surrounding gardens.
11, quai du Mont-Blanc.
Phone: +41 22 909 60 00
Email : hoteldelapaix@concorde-hotels.com
Internet: www.hoteldelapaix.ch
Parc des Bastions restaurant
A charming place in a bandstand built in 1882. Renovated in 2004, it has retained its fin-de-siècle spirit, and serves delicious fresh pasta and excellent desserts. The place is perfect for business lunches. In summer, when the glass roof is open, the place is even more pleasant.
1, promenade des Bastions.
Phone: +41 22 310 86 66
Email : restaurantdesbastions@gmail.com
Internet: www.bastions.ch
Information
Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation
18, rue du Mont-Blanc.
Phone: +41 22 909 70 70
Email : paillard@geneva-tourism.ch
Internet: www.geneve-tourisme.ch
Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services
4, bd du Théâtre.
Phone: +41 22 819 91 11
Email : cci@ccig.ch
Internet: www.ccig.ch
France-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce and Industry
5, route de Chêne.
Phone: +41 22 849 05 70
Email: info@cfsci.ch - Internet: www.cfsci.ch
BASEL
Hotels
Radisson Blu
This fresh and colourful hotel, with its very contemporary design, is located just a few minutes' walk from Central Station, making it very well connected to urban transport. This 206-room hotel is particularly well suited to business travellers.
Steinentorstrasse 25.
Phone +41 61 227 27 27
Email : info.basel@radissonblu.com
Internet: www.radissonblu.fr/hotel-basel
Hilton basel
Located in the city centre, just one street from the main railway station and fifteen minutes from Basel-Mulhouse airport, the Hilton is frequented by business travellers looking for international standards.
Aeschengraben 31
Phone: +41 61 275 66 00
Email : info.basel@hilton.com
Internet: www.hilton.com
Swisshotel le Plazza Basel
At the foot of the recently renovated congress centre by Basel architects Herzog and De Meuron, this luxury hotel offers 238 refined rooms with the latest technology. From the hotel, it takes just a few minutes to reach the famous Red Bar, offering the best view of Basel from the top of the congress centre tower.
Messeplatz 25
Phone: +41 61 555 33 33
Email : basel@swissotel.com
Internet: www.swissotel.com
Budget hotels
Adagio Basel City
Located close to the convention centre, this 77-apartment hotel-residence is perfect for extended business stays at an affordable price. The sober decor is pleasant and contemporary.
Hammerstrasse 46
Phone: +41 61 686 46 00
Email : h7039@adagio-city.com
Internet: www.adagio-city.com
Restaurants
Eoipso
This huge, offbeat lounge-restaurant is ultra-arty but very warm, located in a former industrial area not far from the station. The food is divine and you'll feel right at home. Ideal for an unconventional date.
Dornacherstrasse 192
Phone: +41 61 333 14 90
Email : info@eoipso.ch
Internet: www.eoipso.ch
Zum Goldenen Fass
The name, "au tonneau d'or", might bring to mind an 18th-century coaching inn, but this is a trendy place with a very sober decor. The bistro-style cuisine is succulent and fresh. A must for the moment.
Hammerstrasse 108
Phone: +41 61 693 34 00
Email : info@goldenes-fass.ch
Internet: www.goldenes-fass.ch
Bonvivant
It's an ideal place to hold a private dinner party, as the small lounges lend themselves perfectly to this purpose. The atmosphere is pleasant; the place is spacious, decorated with Scandinavian-style designer furniture. The menu features beef or lamb from the Bernese Oberland and cheese from the mountains.
Zwingerstrasse 10
Phone: +41 61 361 79 00
Email : info@bon-vivant.ch
Internet: www.bon-vivant.ch
Union
This chic and trendy restaurant offers delicious burgers and classic cocktails in an urban atmosphere.
Klybeckstrasse 95
Phone: +41 61 683 77 70
Email : info@union-restaurant.com
Internet: www.union-restaurant.com
Ackermannshof
This brand new address is a gastronomic paradise where Mediterranean cuisine is set against the medieval backdrop of Basel's ramparts.
St. Johanns-Vorstadt 21
Phone: +41 61 261 50 22
Email : restaurant@ackermannshof.ch
Internet: www.ackermannshof-restaurant.ch
Casanova
A small restaurant, all new and beautiful, open during the summer and serving delicious Italian specialities in front of a giant screen showing Fellini, Dino Risi and Pasolini. Bobo to perfection.
Spalenvorstadt 9
Phone: +41 61 313 51 00
Email : info@casanovabasel.ch
Information
Basel Tourism Office - Basel Tourismus
Stadt-Casino, Barfüsserplatz.
Phone: +41 61 268 68 68
Email : info@basel.com
Internet: www.basel.com
Handeslkammer beider Basel (Chamber of Commerce)
Aeschenvorstadt 67
Phone: +41 61 270 60 60
Email : info@hkbb.ch
Internet: www.hkbb.ch
ZURICH
Hotels
Park Hyatt Zürick
Extreme refinement and sobriety are the hallmarks of this hotel, located just a stone's throw from the lake. It is also a pioneer in ecological culture, with its 'green team' looking for the best strategies to reconcile high-level service and reduced energy consumption for its 142 rooms. When it comes to gastronomy, the hotel is also going green, with organic meats and cheeses from the neighbouring mountains.
Beethoven-Strasse 21
Phone: +41 43 883 12 34
Email : zurich.park@hyatt.com
Internet: www.zurich.park.hyatt.com
Widder Hotel
In the Augustins district, nine houses, the oldest of which dates back to the 11th century, almost fell into ruin in the 1970s. Miraculously, they were bought up and transformed into an absolutely unique hotel, with just fifty rooms, each with its own special features: 16th-century frescoes, painted wooden ceilings, rococo stucco. All so beautiful that you'd have to try them all...
Rennweg, 7
Phone: +41 44 224 25 26
Email : reservations@widderhotel.ch
Internet: www.widderhotel.ch or www.lhw.com
Baur at the lake
For almost 170 years, this luxury establishment, affiliated to Leading Hotels of the World, has been imposing its beautiful silhouette overlooking Lake Zurich. A splendid park and a small canal adjoining the hotel add to its prestige. Peace, luxury and greenery for the 124 rooms of this little Zurich Eden.
Talstrasse, 1
Phone: +41 44 220 50 20
Email : info@bauraulac.ch
Internet: www.bauraulac.ch or www.lhw.com
Budget hotels
Four Points By Sheration, Sihlcity
In a former paper factory in the heart of Sihlcity, 132 fully-equipped rooms with internet, free national calls and complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby.
Kalandergasse, 1
Phone: +41 44 554 00 00
Email : sihlcity@fourpoints.com
Internet: www.fourpoints.com/zurich
Restaurants
Jules Vernes Panorama Bar
Is it strange to recommend a French restaurant? Not necessarily if, like this one, it transposes to Zurich a Parisian legend, the Brasserie Lipp, housed in a former observatory, with a view over the lake and the old town... Make sure you book at the bar on the top floor, as there are only about ten tables. For a business lunch or an after-work drink.
Uraniastrasse 9
Phone: +41 43 888 66 66
Email : bankett@brasserie-lipp.ch
Internet: www.jules-verne.ch
Bärengasse
A traditional menu - with the famous Wiener Schnitzel taking pride of place - deliciously revisited in a modern setting in the heart of a very 19th century passageway.
The place is frequented by business clientele, lending itself very well to discreet conversations.
Bahnhofstrasse 25 / Bärengasse.
Phone: +41 44 210 08 08
Email : reservation@restaurant-baerengasse.ch
Internet: www.restaurant-baerengasse.ch
Workshop
Since 2011, this cosy café has been serving delicious snacks at any time of day in front of a fireplace worthy of a medieval castle, and is also a kind of vintage furniture boutique. Here, you can find food and drink... but you can also buy tables and chairs, most of them by Swiss designers. This "artist's studio" is the work of Dieter Meier, a famous musician and artist from Zurich.
Talacker 16/Bärengasse.
Phone: +41 44 210 08 09
Email : reservation@atelierbar.ch
Internet: www.atelierbar.ch
Kindli
A true Zurich institution, this restaurant in the old town has been open since 1474. So, a lot of tradition, authentic products, but also chic and elegance.
Pfalzgasse 1
Phone: +41 43 888 76 76
Email : hotel@kindli.ch
Internet: www.kindli.ch
Rüsterei
Self-proclaimed "bar, canteen, restaurant", this "recycled" venue in a former factory serves original creations based on seasonal and local produce. The post-industrial, bohemian chic decor is just as appealing for a business lunch as it is for a brunch.
Kalanderplatz 6, Sihlcity
Phone: +41 44 317 19 19
Internet: www.ruesterei.ch
Information
Swiss Convention Bureau Switzerland Tourism
11 bis, rue Scribe. 75009 Paris.
Tel.: 01 44 51 65 40
Email : scib.fr@switzerland.com
Internet: www.myswitzerland.com
Zürich Tourist Office
Zürich Tourism, Zurich main station Tel: +41 44 215 40 00
Email : information@zuerich.com
Internet: www.zuerich.com/fr
Ubifrance in Switzerland
Pfingstweidstrasse, 60
Phone: +41 44 279 15 50
Email : zurich@ubifrance.fr
Internet: www.ubifrance.fr/suisse
France-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Rennweg 42
Phone: +41 44 262 10 70
Email : infozurich@cfsci.ch
Internet: www.cfsci.ch
Zürcher Handelskammer (Chamber of Commerce)
Selnaustrasse 32
Phone: +41 44 217 40 50
Email : direktion@zhk.ch
Internet: www.zurichcci.ch
Practical guides
GUIDES Wallpaper, Phaïdon City Guide on Zurich, Basel or Geneva, all dating from 2012.
THE ESSENTIALS OF SWITZERLAND, Lonely Panet (2013).
GENÈVE CARTOVILLE, Gallimard (2013).
A BIG WEEKEND IN GENEVA, Hachette (2012).
