To discover an region
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French speaking Switzerland, also called Suisse Romande,
an ideal destination for your holidays.
Choose an region of Suisse Romande
Romandie : French speaking Switzerland
 What makes Romandie or Suisse Romande so attractive?
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Romandie borders France and Italy in the South/South-West of Switzerland. Romandie includes all the beauties of this part of the world and even more…
The variety of its landscapes, like plains, mountains, lakes and rivers make it a little paradise in the heart of Europe.
French speaking Switzerland has deep lake traditions linked to its « Lac Leman », also called « Lac of Geneva » which is the biggest lake in Western Europe. Also a large Alpine tradition stems from the presence of the highest mountains of the Swiss Alps with more than 30 summits culminating above 4000 metres. Among those we find summits of worldwide reputation like the Cervin (Matterhorn), the Mischabel range, the Mont-Rose or the Dent Blanche.
High-tech means of transportation will take you to incredibly high altitudes. Warm and well equipped resorts, allowing for year around activities, welcome thousands of tourists every year.
You will not only find breathtaking sceneries, but also a quality of life recognised by the large number of travellers visiting every year. Culture, gastronomy, sports, warm and friendly welcoming as well as security make it equally a destination appreciated by business women and men, showbiz and political personalities.
Suisse Romande is recognised worldwide as being the cradle of the Swiss watch industry and the centre of micromechanics. It is also home of multiple international sports federations. Among those the IOC or International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, the UEFA or Union of European Football Association in Nyon. Many headquarters of NGO or Non-Governmental Organization as well as international governmental agencies are located in Geneva. Among these, let’s name the most famous like UN or United Nations, WHO, ILO, WTO, ICRC, IATA. |
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Let your heart speak…and a region of Romandie will be yours
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| It is the paradise of the mountaineer, with its breathtaking peaks, its scenic valleys, its charming and typical villages, its sports resorts, its chairlifts and other modern and safe means to the top as well as its landscapes. All this makes it one of the world favourite tourists’ destination. |
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| Ideal for activities linked to the lake, to the proximity of large cities like Geneva and Lausanne, to the cultural life and of course to shopping in the most famous boutiques. It is one region and four different worlds i.e. city-rural-mountain-lake over two km2 only. |
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| Far away from the excitement of the big cities and tourist resorts, but close to the Alpes after all, it is a region for quite, smooth and ecological holidaying. |
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| When snow is covering the valleys and the mountains, winter is favourable to long treks on skies or snowshoes. The rest of the year you can explore walking, on bike or on horse. You will discover a well protected nature strolling through small valleys, pastures, woods, lakes and rivers. |
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| To ski or to stroll in the permanent snow in the morning and to swim in the Lake Leman in the afternoon is a must. A green or snow covered nature depending of the season, all types of sports which can be practiced year around; ski areas with easy access for all and the proximity of Lake Leman make it an ideal destination for your holidays.
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| A green or snow covered nature depending of the season, all types of sports which can be practiced year around; ski areas with easy access for all and the proximity of Lake Leman make it an ideal destination for your holidays. |
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Canton of Geneva
The Republic and Canton of Geneva are the western most cantons or state of Switzerland, surrounded on almost all sides by France and centered on the city of Geneva.
The canton of Geneva is located in the southwestern corner of French-speak Switzerland (Suisse Romande). The canton Geneva is one of the most cosmopolitan areas of Switzerland. As a centre of the Calvinist Reformation, the city of Geneva exercised significant influence on the canton, which essentially consists of Geneva and its hinterlands.
Geography
The canton is practically isolated from other Swiss cantons. The canton is bordered only by Vaud. The adjoining French departments are Ain (to the North) and Haute-Savoie (to the South).
Economy
The city of Geneva dominates the economy of the canton. It is a centre of commerce, trade and finance. A great number of Swiss banks are located in Geneva, particularly in the city of private banking. The service industry is most significant in Geneva where there are headquarters of a number of international corporations as well as international organizations, such as the United Nations and the International Labor Organization. As a financial centre the city of Geneva is international significance.
Precision machinery and instruments are other branches where the economy of the canton of Geneva is strong. This is also reflected in the tradition of watch-making in Geneva.
The agricultural sector is commonplace in the countryside of Geneva, particularly wheat and wine.
The International Airport of Geneva is also an economic sector of importance. It receives nearly 10 million passengers per yearly.
International organizations
- International Red Cross, since 1864
- League of Nations, 1919
- International Labor Organization, 1919
- European headquarters of the United Nations, 1945
- European Organization for Nuclear Research CERN, 1954
- International Telecommunication Union ITU, 1865
- World Trade Organization WTO, 1995
- International Organization for Migration, or IOM
Transport
The canton of Geneva is connected to other areas of Switzerland with motorway A1. Most of the main roads in the canton of Geneva radiate from the capital Geneva. Of these main roads, a great number lead into France rather than any Swiss canton.
The canton is served by an international airport at Cointrin (Geneva International Airport) which has one terminal only.
There are good rail links to cities in France and Switzerland. Since 1984 the French high-speed trains (TGV) come to Geneva.
In 1964 the canton of Geneva was connected to the Swiss highway system, in 1970 to that of France.
History
Geneva was an independent republic until 1798, but had been an "everlasting ally" of the Swiss Confederation since 1584. During the Napoleonic wars, Geneva was occupied and annexed to France. After its liberation in 1813, Geneva joined the Swiss Confederation in 1815 as the 22nd canton.
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Switzerland
