Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXI

2 6 7 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I O ver 2000 years old, tucked beneath the glistening majesty of the Alps and the imposing JuraMountains, and hugging the shores of one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, Geneva is a thriving cultural hub. Switzerland's third-largest city is often mistaken for being the capital, which is actually Bern, but the slip is most likely due to the rich cultural value the city holds in the international mindset. Geneva is located on both banks of the Rhone and surrounds Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), a beautiful body of water with the famous 145-metre high Jet d’Eau fountain constantly decorating the centre with its powerful spray. The 120 year-old Jet d’Eau became a tourist attraction by happy accident when a ruptured safety pressure valve caused the water to blast through the lake’s surface – now it entertains residents and visitors alike all year round. A leisurely stroll around the lake is a great start to a visit and in the summer months there are plenty of places to take an invigorating dip. Circling the water, the old world architecture reminds you just how many eras the city has lived through. Revolution, dramatic religious shifts... Geneva has endured all manner of change and turmoil and still it presses forward undiminished, an evolving place that is both rich in ancient tradition and honours past eras, yet also embraces the present moment and the future. After all, this is where the Higgs Boson particle was discovered – the cosmic glue that holds the universe together. So whilst this is a city where master craftsmen and timeworn traditions are held dear, it is also distinctly contemporary, with modern hotels and restaurants, cutting edge fashion and industrial innovation. A perfect analogy of the city’s balancing act between treasuring history and trailblazing into the future can be drawn in the Swiss watch industry. There are centuries of tradition here in crafting the finest clocks and wristwatches, unparalleled examples of haute horlogerie. Geneva is the cradle of the Swiss watchmaking industry and bestows great importance on its patrimony – and at the same time the city is at the vanguard of all the innovation and futuristic change in luxury watchmaking. Geneva is famous for many things besides watchmaking, such as delicious chocolate, wealth management dating back to the 15th century (Geneva consistently ranks in the top ten financial centres), international organisations (over 150 with 186 nationalities represented), the Geneva Convention that established the treaties to sanction the rules of war, and more besides… but it is arguably more fun visiting luxurious watch boutiques than a bank. Whatever your position on the world’s finest timepieces, the city attracts legions of watch-lovers. The record breaking Horloge Fleurie flower clock – a symbol of Geneva’s watch industry – is a popular attraction. Located at the edge of the Jardin Anglais (English Garden) since 1955, it’s a masterpiece of technology and floral art. Geneva also boasts the world’s only Patek Philippe museum, which displays superlative timepieces from the 16th century to the present day. However, when it comes to looking at watches to buy, head straight for the world-renowned Rue du Rhône, which has more than 80 watch boutiques and jewellers. The most lavishly imagined stores cater for every preference here. From Piaget to Breguet, Rolex to Omega, Cartier to Jaeger-LeCoultre, you are sure to find the one that suits. And it’s not just watches on this long stretch of shoppers’ paradise. There is exquisite jewellery, diamonds from Graff, perfume by