Car Hire in Geneva
by MICHIEL VAN KETS
Venturing into Geneva is well worth the trip as much for its location as its attractions. The city of Geneva is located on the western shore of Lake Geneva, with spectacular snow-capped peaks creating a majestic panorama on all sides. The old town of Geneva is set high on a hill overlooking the Rhone River. The town is composed of a series of cobbled lanes clustered around Cathedral St Pierre a well known land mark. The nearby Place du Bourg-de-Four is the oldest square in Geneva. Formerly a Roman forum it has now become a market place. Any itinerary should include a visit to these historical places.
Geneva��s attractions do not stop there. A trip down to the lake front will reveal its famous water fountain the Jet d`Eau. This is a giant, single jet fountain located in the middle of the bay. Many parks and bathing areas are also located on the shoreline. The splendors of the Alps can be seen by taking a boat trip. Don��t forget to also take in the Flower Clock in the English Garden, Reformation Wall and Place Neuve.
For some a sightseeing trip would not be complete without an informative look into the past and therefore a trip to a museum is a must. Geneva offers many choices. Why not start at the acclaimed Museum of Art and History. Interested in clocks? Check out the Horology Museum. Other museums include the Red Cross Museum, the Red Crescent Museum and the Voltaire Museum.
Getting to Geneva is a breeze. With so many international organizations located in Geneva, the airport is an important transport centre for Europe and many major cities worldwide. As you would expect from such an airport, it is modern and efficient, with excellent facilities. Transport into the city is reliable and frequent but not necessarily cheap. Limo services and private taxis are available and a regular mode of transport. Switzerland��s bus services are comprehensive and efficient. Actually within the city trams are an environmentally-friendly alternative.
Moving further afield, regular trains and buses run to all neighbouring countries from Geneva, with the most frequent services running to nearby France (through the Rhone valley) and Italy. Non-stop trips can be taken to Spain and UK. Swiss trains are fast and efficient but not cheap.
Many visitors may decide that renting a car will afford them a great deal of independence and of course, these car rentals at the airport are easily available. With the minimum fuss, you can pick up your waiting car and head out to explore Geneva.
If you are venturing out of Geneva by car, note that Switzerland has an excellent network of roads that are generally safe and well maintained and therefore perfect for car hire transportation. Where routes are likely to wind around mountains watch out for dangerous corners and switch backs. With regard to such routes allow plenty of time for your journey. There aren��t any high speed highways. However because the scenery is generally breathtaking, travel by car at your own pace will be an extremely pleasurable way of seeing Geneva and beyond.
When hiring a car in Geneva , make sure you satisfy the requirements for the rental agreement which in Europe are usually �C minimum age 21 years old, hold a valid driving licence from your country (an international licence is recommended but not compulsory) and a valid credit card for payment. Remember to look for a reputable car hire company preferably on the internet where booking is easy and convenient.
Hannah was born to travel. As a child Hannah��s parents worked as diplomats and were posted all over Europe. After doing A-levels Hannah took a year out to travel round the world, taking in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, South America. Hannah studied English Literature at Manchester university and graduated in 2002, since then Hannah has continued her passion for travel and came to work for us at CarRentals.co.uk as a travel writer in 2007.
