Firmly established on the foundations on which its reputation is built - watchmaking, but also, of course, finance - Geneva has a reputation for living a very quiet life. Especially at weekends, when business travellers have returned to their respective countries. But things are changing. So much so that, for the second year running, the City of Calvin was named Europe's top city break destination at the World Travel Awards 2015. Times are changing, and so are attitudes. Wedged between the Rhône and the historic city centre, the business district reflects the image of the "smallest of the great capitals", as Geneva likes to be called: international, but on a human scale; studious without being "overbooked". This central location, mainly on the left bank of the Rhône, makes it easy to explore the city. All the more so as the city's transport network, one of the most efficient in the world, is accessible free of charge to hotel residents. It's a great initiative on the part of the local authorities, whose aim is to show that Geneva is more than just a business destination. After all, the Swiss metropolis is one of the world's top ten cities for quality of life. All the more reason to discover its hidden assets.
How to get there
Good news for business travellers: Lyria will soon be offering shorter journey times between France and Switzerland, with the TGV line dropping below the symbolic three-hour mark. From 14 December, a train leaving Paris Gare de Lyon at 9.17 will arrive at Geneva Cornavin at 12.15. A journey time of 2 hours 58 minutes. A total of eight trains a day currently link Paris to Geneva. In addition to Paris, the rail company also offers services to the Swiss metropolis from Marseille and Nice. Internet: www.tgv-lyria.com
The airport, which boasts the shortest journey from the city centre in Europe - just six minutes by car - offers a convenient alternative. Air France connects Paris CDG to Geneva with nine daily services.easyJet offers three to four flights a day from Orly.
When Geneva takes centre stage
Geneva attracts so many business travellers thanks to the many trade fairs held at Palexpo throughout the year. This imposing exhibition and convention centre next to the airport hosts the Fine Watchmaking Exhibition in January, the Motor Show in March and the Business Aviation Exhibition in May. All these international events help to attract thousands of visitors to Geneva every year. In 2014, the Motor Show alone attracted 670,000 visitors. What's more, with its 120,000 m² of floor space, Palexpo stands out for its modularity: in addition to trade shows, the exhibition centre also hosts concerts and sporting events.
SBB Lounge
Opened in 2014, the SBB Lounge has benefited from the renovation of Cornavin station and welcomes Lyria 1st class passengers in a modern setting, with a view of the platforms. With two workstations equipped with printers, this lounge on the 1st floor offers hot and cold drinks, free WiFi and a selection of international newspapers. A screen displays the times of the next trains.
"In Geneva, business travel now accounts for 80%, compared with 20% for leisure".
Mélanie Paillard, Communications Coordinator, Convention Bureau Geneva
The other business district
The 'historic' business district, home to the banks and the watchmaking industry, continues to attract crowds of business travellers. But further north in the city, another type of business population gravitates around the Palais des Nations, playing a major part in the international dimension of the Swiss metropolis. The UN headquarters - and the famous Broken Chair on the esplanade leading up to it - contribute to Geneva's reputation as the "capital of peace". Numerous institutions have set up their headquarters in this quiet, leafy district, starting with nearly 200 diplomatic missions, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is also home to the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG), although the most important events take place at the Palexpo congress centre.
Special report - Geneva: luxury, calm and efficiency
- Geneva: luxury, calm and efficiency
Geneva: address book
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