The second-largest city in Switzerland (after Zürich), Geneva is also a transport center for the French Alps: if you want to fly to the region, you should probably fly into Geneva.

Switzerland is not part of the European Union, but it is a country of the Schengen area, so if your passport (or visa) is accepted for Schengen, you can easily travel back and forth between France and Switzerland without passing Immigration control, and Customs control for most travelers is minimal.

From Geneva (map), the famous French spa resort of Évian-les-Bains is only 45 km (28 miles, 1 hour) northeast, the French Haute-Savoie town of Annecy is only 41 km (25 miles, 45 minutes) south of Geneva, and France's largest ski center at Chamonix-Mont Blanc is 82 km (51 miles, about one hour) southeast.

A diplomatic center with more international organizations than any other city in the world, including many United Nations offices, Geneva is also the headquarters of the International Red Cross.

As a European financial center, only London and Zürich are more important. (Speaking of finances, although Geneva's currency is the Swiss franc, it's almost as easy to spend euros here, and many prices are given in both currencies.)

Besides its beautiful situation at the southeastern end of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), the city has a very high quality of life, but this, of course, comes at a price. Keep in mind the quality of life that you are enjoying as you pay Geneva prices for travel services.

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Hotels in Geneva Geneva Transport Tourist Information About the French Alps Évian-les-Bains Annecy Chamonix