The Geneva Story (in a nutshell)

Geneva is known for its lake and the jet d’eau (140 m high fountain), the flower clock and luxury watches and its historical Old Town. But do you know the stories behind these landmarks and places? And did you ever wonder how this little city-state at the tip of the lake become the smallest of the world’s major international cities?

Let’s travel together through 2000 years of history along the waterfront where the first inhabitants settled, through the medieval commercial center of the lower city and up the cobbled streets to the heart of the Old town.

You will be captivated by this cultural and historical tour as you relive the religious, political and economic chapters of the Geneva story.

This tour is the most popular with Geneva Tourism and requested by visitors and residents alike - it includes a visit in the Cathedral (and the Maison Tavel upon request).

Practical Information

Start/end

From the Flower Clock to the City Hall

Approximately 2 hours 

CHF 200 for the tour

  • In advance: bank transfer or TWINT (payment by Swiss mobile)
  • On the spot: cash, TWINT or credit card

As from 10 years old and physically accessible with some uphill and paved streets in the Old Town

What do clients say about this tour

Nabil and the CitizenM team

Not only did Catherine make us feel at ease and adapted the history tour to our hotel jobs but she also genuinely shared her passion of Geneva to us.

Willemin Marie-Christine

Young and old enjoyed the warmth and passion of this storyteller. An original and much-appreciated idea for celebrating a family event. (original comment in French)

Hersby gymnasium, Sweden

Her passionate storytelling, with both words, gestures and lot’s of humor, along with her nice personality, made my students tell her in the end it was the best guided tour they had ever had...


Photo: view of the Old-Town - Genève Tourisme