Cathédrale de St-Pierre Tours
From Roman mosaics in the foundations to the neoclassical columns of its facade, the Cathédrale de Saint-Pierre is not only Geneva’s main house of worship, it is also a fascinating time capsule of the different influences that have dominated the city over the centuries. Depending on how you approach it, you could be forgiven for thinking the cathedral is actually a group of smaller buildings huddled together, as successive building programs – most notably Romanesque and Gothic – never completely wiped out previous traces.
Saint-Pierre is associated above all with the Protestant reformer John Calvin, who preached here in the 16th century; his rather uncomfortable looking wooden chair is still on display. And if you’re feeling energetic, just nearby is the entrance to the cathedral’s north tower, which will reward your 157-step climb with one of the best views of Geneva.
Practical Info
The cathedral, in the center of the Old Town, can be visited free of charge, though there is a small fee for climbing the tower. There is also an admission charge for the archaeological site in the cathedral’s foundations, featuring late Roman mosaics and the remnants of Geneva’s oldest Christian shrines, which is reached by a separate entrance.
Day Trip to Geneva from Chamonix
- Visit the Swiss city of Geneva on this day trip from Chamonix. You'll travel by bus through the Arve Valley, and take a 2-hour guided city tour to discover the many facets of Geneva, such as the international organizations, the shores of Lake Geneva with its famous fountain, the Cathedrale de St-Pierre, and the Flower Clock. Select a morning or afternoon departure time when booking.
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Geneva and Annecy Tour With Optional Lake Geneva Cruise
- Immerse yourself in the architectural beauty of Geneva and Annecy on a full-day tour of the stunning cities from Geneva. Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour of Geneva on a luxury coach and admire top attractions like the charming Old Town and the Flower Clock. Opt to enjoy a tranquil Lake Geneva cruise and then cross the border over the France to see the visual delights of Annecy, an Alpine town shrouded in medieval history. Enjoy entertaining and educational commentary from a knowledgeable guide throughout this tour.
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Geneva Old Town Segway Tour
- Spin through Geneva’s Old Town (Vieille Ville) on a 90-minute Segway tour, led by a professional guide. You’ll cruise effortlessly on your personal transporter across the Pont de Bergues (Bergues Bridge), along narrow cobbled streets and down Promenade de la Treille toward Parc de Bastions. See the Brunswick Monument, Cathédrale de St-Pierre (St Pierre Cathedral) and the Reformation Wall among other significant landmarks on this small-group tour, limited to 12 people for an intimate experience.
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Geneva Pass
- Save money and enjoy over 40 attractions in Switzerland’s lakeside city with this Geneva Pass. With your 1-, 2-, or 3-day Geneva Pass to hand, enjoy unlimited free public transport alongside discounted entry to the city’s galleries and museums. Take in top attractions such as St Peter’s Cathedral, the Mont-Salève cable car and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Cruise or paddle over the waves on Lake Geneva, or enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Town. Unlock Geneva and make the most of your time in Switzerland!
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Small-Group Geneva Segway Tour
- Discover Geneva’s main attractions by Segway and cruise around the city the eco-friendly way, by personal transporter. Follow a professional guide along the banks of Lake Geneva for splendid water views and pause to gaze at Château de Penthes (Penthes Castle). Motor past Cathédrale de St-Pierre (St Pierre Cathedral), the Reformation Wall and the Brunswick Monument along the cobbled streets of Old Town. Numbers are limited to 12 people for a small-group experience during this 3.5-hour Segway tour of Geneva.
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