Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Geneva for your walking tour, taking you first to the Brunswick Monument, a 19th-century mausoleum commemorating the life of Charles II, Duke of Brunswick, who bequeathed his fortune to the city. After a brief introduction to Geneva’s history, you’ll make your way along the banks of the Rhône to the grand opera house, which opened in 1876.
From here, you head through the expansive Parc des Bastions to the Reformation Wall, which depicts the main protagonists of the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, including leading figure John Calvin. Your guide will explain how the city was at the heart of the movement and the influence it had on commerce, culture and everyday life here.
Next, you’ll walk up the hill to the heart of the old town to visit Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, where John Calvin preached from 1536 to 1564. The church took shape in the Romanesque style but was completed 100 years later after the flourishing of Gothic architecture. The resulting building displays elements of both styles. Far older, though, is the archaeological site beneath the cathedral, where you can see mosaics and a font from the 4th and 5th centuries.
Wandering down the main street of the old town, you’ll see where 18th-century philosopher Rousseau once lived and visit the Hôtel de Ville, where the first Geneva Convention was signed in 1864. You’ll have a leisurely tour of the many different buildings here, some of which date back to the 15th century.
Once you’ve had some time to explore, your guide can return with you to your hotel or make suggestions for further places to visit in your own time.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our France specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Annecy walking tour
A medieval city built around a hilltop castle and riddled with canals, Annecy is best explored on foot. On this walking tour, your private guide will reveal the history behind the rickety old buildings, fortifications and characterful cobbled lanes.
Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions
This full-day tour gives you the chance to explore the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions. With your private driver-guide, visit the Côte Dorée and sample gamay wines before enjoying an indulgent lunch. In the afternoon, sample white Burgundies in Mâconnais.
Burgundy, the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits
Explore the Côte d’Or region of Burgundy on this private, full-day tour. Your driver-guide will take you through the storied vineyards and prestigious appellations of the region, with pauses for tastings, lunch and a chance to explore an 11th-century wine cellar.
Gourmet walking tour of Lyon and Les Halles covered market
Discover why Lyon is known as the culinary capital of France on this private tour of its bakeries, markets, restaurants and delis. Learn about its renowned chefs past and present and sample some local delicacies such as praline brioche and coussin de Lyon.
Hiking near Mont Blanc with picnic lunch
Get out onto the trails and into the mountains around Chamonix on a full-day privately guided hike. You’ll ascend into the high meadows for panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks, and return via another route passing a quiet mountain lake.
Mountains and glacier tour with cable car ascent
The alpine scenery of Chamonix is unveiled on this tour of the mountains and glaciers with a local guide. You’ll take in the views from the summit of the Aiguille du Midi and visit the ice cave in the Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier.
Private boat tour of Lac d'Annecy with apéritif
Cruise along the scenic shores of Lac d’Annecy on a private boat on this evening cruise. Visit a smuggler’s cave and admire the turquoise waters then sip an apéritif as you watch the sun set behind Annecy.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
