My Tour Guide Journey  –  Part 8 – “First Customers” 

My Culture and Tourism course at the University of Geneva is quickly coming to an end, and it has been an exciting journey from the classroom to real-life experience. While preparing for final exams and working on my final project, I’ve also had the opportunity to give a few private Geneva guided tours to family and friends visiting from abroad. It has been incredibly rewarding to put everything I’ve learned into practice and continue developing my skills as a Geneva professional tour guide.

Recently, my cousins Ellen, Tom, Kathy, and Alex visited from the US during their trip through France, Switzerland, and Austria. Since it was their first time in Geneva, it was the perfect chance to introduce them to the city’s history, cultures, hidden gems, and beautiful lakeside atmosphere through a relaxed style of slow travel.

On their first full day, we set out on one of my favorite Geneva walking tours through the city center. Starting from their hotel in the Paquis, we explored the right-bank lakefront, including the famous Palais Wilson, Bains des Pâquis, Brunswick Monument, and the elegant Belle Époque boats along the waterfront. We crossed the Mont Blanc Bridge and followed the classic “Tour de Ville” route through the Old Town, stopping at landmarks such as the Flower Clock, Place du Bourg-de-Four, and St. Pierre Cathedral. We even made a small detour to admire the beautiful Russian Church in the Trancheés neigborhood.

After several hours of walking and storytelling, we rewarded ourselves with a well-earned beer at La Clémence in the Old Town. Sitting on the terrace, watching the city pass by, felt like the perfect slow travel moment.

The next day, we drove to the charming medieval town of Gruyères to experience more of the Swiss countryside. We wandered through the village streets, visited the quirky HR Giger Museum, and enjoyed a delicious cheese fondue with local white wine on a sunny terrace. With perfect weather and postcard-worthy scenery, it was a fantastic day trip.

On their final day in Geneva, we explored the peaceful lakeside parks of Mon Repos, Moynier, and Perle du Lac before taking the little Mouette boat across the lake. Walking along the quay, we talked about Geneva’s lake culture, the Jura mountains, and the city’s unique blend of international and local life.

After three busy days of sightseeing, we decided it was finally time to slow down completely. We grabbed drinks beside Geneva’s iconic Jet d’Eau and watched the sunset behind the Jura mountains — the perfect ending to a day of slow travel site seeing in Geneva.

In addition to our daytime touring, we also had some lovely evenings together dining at local restaurants Costa Smeralda and Saveurs de Liban, and dinner one night in our home. All in all it was a fabulous visit combining quality family time, Geneva site seeing and dining.

Day trip to Gruyères with my first “customers”