No one needs introduction to Victorinox. This Swiss company is the maker of the world famous Swiss army knife, and has since expanded to open stores all across the globe. Their flagship store in Geneva stocks some of the extensive collections of Victorinox products, which includes timepieces, travel gear, perfumes, cutlery and the Swiss knife of course, making it no less than a museum.
Plaine de Plainpalais holds the one of the largest open-air market in Geneva four days a week, attracting large crowds of both residents and tourists. On Tuesday and Friday mornings the pretty park is full of discerning citizens selecting quality produce from the many fruit and vegetable traders. The variety and selection is quite impressive, as are the prices. The scene alters on Wednesday and Saturday when the area becomes an enormous flea market. Old books, decorative and practical household wares, clocks, furniture of varying ages, and ethnic clothing are sold. The drama begins at dawn on market days continuing as long as there are goods and the will remains strong. A typical Genevan scene for longer than anyone cares to remember, it is enjoyable to watch traders and buyers exchanging views on the value of goods. Negotiating skills are a real asset with many bargains waiting for the eagle-eyed and silver-tongued. An essential part of life in Geneva, the Plaine de Plainpalais open-air markets are popular with residents and tourists alike.
When one of Geneva's popular cuckoo-clock store closed its doors, Alptitude grabbed the opportunity to set base at this famous location. Basking in the fame of the previous store, Alptitude opened its doors in 2012. Keeping in tune with the previous store, Alptitude did not fail to impress the regular clientele as well as new customers. Housing a vast range of local handicrafts, that make for wonderful memorabilia for loved ones back home. Choose from well-designed cuckoo clocks, Swiss knives, t-shirts, watches, key chains, a traditional icon, Mumu Cow's merchandise and other products with a Swiss flair.
Librarie Café les Recyclables is a cool concept that invites book lovers to buy books and enjoy delightful treats. This cafe-cum-bookshop is a news to rejoice for avid readers as you can browse through their envious and vast collection of second-hand books. In exchange of the donated books, patrons get a gift certificate or coupons that can be redeemed at the cafe counter or the book store itself. In a way, Librarie Café les Recyclables contributes to the environmental conservation by putting second-hand books to good use. While you are here, you can relish the menu that varies as per the season. Guests can also sit on the terrace and enjoy their coffee or meal. Apart from books and coffee, Librarie Café les Recyclables offers an artistic treat to its patrons; every month it features art expositions, literary meets, group discussions, concerts and similar events. Truly, Librarie Café les Recyclables is worth a visit for its green agenda and great entertainment.
Geneva's most fashionable citizens dip into their well-lined pockets to shop on the Rue du Rhône, accompanied by swarms of personal shopping assistants. It is the city's place to see and be seen, perhaps epitomized by the area's most popular café, Movenpick Fusterie; where a large terrace and mirror interior are perfect for people watching. The hallowed names of fashion are here: Cartier, Bulgari, Gubelin, Patek Phillippe, Armani, Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Vivian Westwood. To complement these splendid jewels and fashions, shoppers depend on Aeschbach or Bruno Magli to supply appropriate footwear. Exquisite chocolate confectionery in diminutive shops offer an indulgence almost everyone can afford. Two large department stores are also located here, supplying a huge range of goods at slightly more modest prices. Shop windows filled with watches, jewelery, shoes, leather goods and haute couture for men and women vie for attention.
La Librarie Ancienne is an antique bookstore located in the Old Town area of Geneva, selling some much coveted collectibles. Owner Alexander Illi has compiled a vast collection of books spanning several genres such as history, science, manuscripts, autographed books, posters and records, as well as illustrations and fairy-tale books. The books will interest readers of all ages, and many can be seen scouring the impressive store for hours in search of the perfect find.
Tucked away a block from the Rhône River on a narrow street behind busy station-side hotels, Cumulus is a classic Swiss "BD" (Bande Dessinée, comic book) shop with as full a collection as its 50 square meters permits. They have a good collection of comic book newsletters, announcements on BD festivals, character models and posters. The store also has a very complete set of Hugo Pratt and Biggles.
In the loft of the old food market on Ile Rousseau, which in effect floats over the river Rhône, is a very different sort of bookshop/gallery: off-beat comic books, a coffee bar the size of a church organ, modern ("art nouveau") painting and print exhibitions and displays of original comic book plates, plus art books, colored writing paper and writing/artists materials, music CDs and posters. Cross the footbridge onto the island just off the bus terminal at Place Mollard, walk through the arcade towards the cafe at the prow, up the stairs and voilà, you've reached Papier Gras!
This is one of the best addresses in Geneva for coffee lovers. Carasso is a coffee roasting and distribution enterprise that was founded back in 1866 and remains a family business. The sales assistant is quite naturally a connoisseur and will readily advise you on your choice of pure varieties or blends. There is also a wide choice of coffee-making equipment on sale. Two other shops are in Carouge and Meyrin.
If you are looking for an oracle of "esoterica", mysticism or however one wishes to classify this type of bookstore, you will find it all at Librairie Delphica. A vast, well organized collection in French, with a substantial quantity of English titles too - covering all of the areas of religion, symbolism, health, tradition, personal development, meditation and also ethnic and New Age music. Dozens of different packs of Tarot cards and other "spiritual" inventories, plus ample information from the staff on all events, lectures and readings related to things Delphic. Close to other bookstores and the university.
Oscar Wilde might have been inspired by Nicolas Brachard's store when he said "We live in an age when necessary things are are our only necessities." Paper and ink are the two main elements for writing a letter, that is until one experiences Papeterie Brachard, where Wilde's classic quote takes on a whole new meaning! A plethora of pens, printing and writing papers, envelopes are offered. Office furniture is also available. The four-story store is located downtown and is easily reachable by tramway. Brachard is ideal for gifts, school or office supplies and offers a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of audacity.
When one of Geneva's popular cuckoo-clock store closed its doors, Alptitude grabbed the opportunity to set base at this famous location. Basking in the fame of the previous store, Alptitude opened its doors in 2012. Keeping in tune with the previous store, Alptitude did not fail to impress the regular clientele as well as new customers. Housing a vast range of local handicrafts, that make for wonderful memorabilia for loved ones back home. Choose from well-designed cuckoo clocks, Swiss knives, t-shirts, watches, key chains, a traditional icon, Mumu Cow's merchandise and other products with a Swiss flair.