Nestled between Lake Geneva and the Alps, Geneva is a welcoming international city alternating a bustling business attitude with the soothing spectacle of the natural environment. Luxury, calm and cleanliness could well be its motto. Renowned for its quality of life and its status as a world city, home to prestigious institutions and international trade fairs, it serves up haute joaillerie and haute horlogerie brands, luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants on a silver platter and provides a guarantee of stability and professionalism. Which is why it rightly ranks in the Barnes City Index Top 5 most attractive cities for wealthy clients.
The real estate market
Following a period of stability between 2017 and 2019, the property market has seen a 15% increase in the last two years. Average prices are now at around 9 693 € per square metre. They can reach up to 13 570 € in the chicest neighbourhoods, 19 386 € in the Old Town, and peak at 29 079 € along the waterfront. The Champel neighbourhood is where you’ll find a more elderly population, while Eaux-Vives is popular with young people; Carouge remains chic and bohemian, and Cologny draws large fortunes.
Our advice
If you’re selling, now’s the time as demand is strong. If you’re buying, don't hang about as rates are set to rise.
Worth noting: The development of public transport services, including the CEVA rail link, is making access to the city centre easy and increasing the attraction of nearby towns like Hermance, Jussy, Presinge, Chancy, Avully and Cartigny. Get in touch to discover all the opportunities available.
To be avoided: the nuisances of the aviation corridor between Versoix and Chancy. - Frank Casanova director of BARNES Suisse.
Art of living
Fascinating Geneva promises a journey back in time at each street corner. Its culture, its restaurants, and its boutiques all make for a truly sophisticated city break. Here are the BARNES hot tips.
Culture
The MAMCO
@Facebook MAMCO
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, or MAMCO, is an institution on the contemporary art scene. Until 19 June, discover the Verena Loewensberg retrospective, an emblematic figure of Swiss post-war Concrete art (1912-1986), and her precise yet paradoxical compositions.
Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 10, 1205 Geneva
Bastions Festival
After a successful launch in the midst of the pandemic in 2020, this music festival is back for its third edition this year. Its goal? To democratise classical music through a shared musical experience. Come discover 7 free concerts in the idyllic setting of the Café Restaurant du Parc des Bastions.
Le Grütli
@Maison des Arts
This theatre and cinema proposes a specialised programme in an iconic building, a former school built in 1873 based on the plans by architect Georges Matthey. A 360° escape.
Rue du Général-Dufour 16, CH-1204 Geneva
St. Pierre Cathedral
@La cathédrale protestante Saint-Pierre
St. Pierre Cathedral, emblematic of Geneva, is a must-visit to see Switzerland’s largest collection of Roman and Gothic capitals, not to mention its stained-glass windows and its 157 steps at the top of which you can take in the breathtaking view over the city.
Cour St-Pierre, 1204 Geneva
The hottest reservations in town
Live
@Ykra live
There’s nothing like a chic and stylish bar to get a real feel for Geneva at night. The Live specialises in high-calibre mixology against an Art Deco-fluo atmosphere with a selective sound stream.
Esplanade de Pont-Rouge 2, 1212 Grand Lancy
Le Bistrot de la Comédie
Fans of vanguard theatre can head to La Nouvelle Comédie de Genève in Eaux-vives, which has been home to a restaurant since November 2021 affording an open view of its scenery workshops. On the menu before or after the show, Chicken Liver Mousse with Porto, a Vegetarian Pot-au-feu with a rosemary bouillon, and a Chocolate Mousse with smoked oregano. For a healthy mind and body!
Esplanade Alice-BAILLY 1, 1207 Geneva
Au coin du Bar
A new addition to the GaultMillau 2022 guide, this typical retro bistrot with its large mirrors and Art Deco ceiling lights serves tasty and heart food right in the city centre.
Rue François-Versonnex 17, 1207 Geneva
La Micheline
Another to be found in GaultMillau 2022, this bistronomic restaurant offers a unique culinary experience created by Chef Andres Arocena, a native of the Basque Coast. On the menu this week: ember-roasted cod fillet with piperade and nori seaweed stick potatoes. Plenty to whet your appetite.
Av. de la Gare des Eaux-Vives 3, 1207 Geneva
Shopping
Les Enfants Terribles
@Facebook Les Enfants Terribles
This multifunctional space designed like an artist’s loft has taken up residence in a former body shop now filled with its vision of art de vivre, a mix of a creative workshop and a store stocked with furniture, lights and home textiles as well as interior decorations. You can even grab a bite to eat or drink there.
24, rue Prévost-Martin
Panerai
The Italian watch manufacturer has designed its Geneva branch as a concept store/apartment where clients can try on exclusive pieces, explore the two floors with immersive videos and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at the Art Deco bar before heading to the chic, design lounge. An incredible experience.
Panerai Genève, Rue du Rhône 21, Geneva
Caran d’Ache
A Geneva-based brand founded in 1915 under the name ‘Fabrique genevoise de crayons’, Caran d’Ache has since been renamed in tribute to the pen name of French satirist and political cartoonist, Emmanuel Poiré. Its boutique in Geneva’s old town is heaven on earth for artists (both budding and established).
8, place du Bourg-de-Four
Chic pharmacy
The Eaux-Vives pharmacy was created in 1950 as a dispensary and has since retained all of its old-age charm. Nowadays it stocks all sorts of natural well-being wonders. A well-kept secret.
Pharmacie des Eaux-Vives, 16, rue des Eaux-Vives et 15, boulevard Georges-Favon.
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