Elite Traveler Fall 2022

From right Inside the historic Les Armures; French fi ne dining at Le Chat-Botté

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Cobbled streets

Akris Techno Embroidery On Foil A-Line Dress, $5,990, eu.akris.com

The best way to experience Geneva is on foot. Don your most comfortable pair of sneakers —The Roger Centre Court from Swiss brand On are not just stylish but ridiculously comfy —and hit the cobblestones. Head to the Old Town fi rst, Switzerland’s largest historical city. At the heart is St Peter’s Cathedral, the adopted church of famed French theologian John Calvin, one of the major fi gures of the Protestant Reformation. Climb the stairs to the top to be rewarded with some truly incredible views of the city framed by the mountains. Just next door, Place du Bourg-de-Four is an atmospheric square (the city’s oldest) that is full of character. Look up to spot how the buildings have been extended upwards over the years —a response to the population nearly doubling due to an in fl ux of Protestant refugees in the 16th century —or stop for a drink in one of the many cafes. To celebrate Geneva’s reputation as the hub of luxury watchmaking, visit the English Garden alongside Lake Geneva. One of the city’s most recognizable icons, l’horloge fl eurie ( fl ower clock) is a nod to the industry’s long history. Continue this theme and head slightly out of the center to the Patek PhilippeMuseum, which houses some 2,500 items. Patek Philippe has made clocks in every shape imaginable, including butter fl ies, pistols —even telescopes. As you wander around Geneva, make sure to look out for the inordinate number of vintage designer boutiques, fromHermès handbags and Chanel accessories to Dolce & Gabbana dresses. The weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you have a jacket on hand: Swiss designer Jungle Folk’s NewDenim Jacket is made of 100% recycled cotton. To store all the local chocolate that you will have inevitably purchased (there’s no point trying to resist the sweet call of the chocolatiers), Bally’s cross-body bag will do the trick. Finally, to make sure you don’t miss dinner reservations or museum open times, complete your out fi t with a watch from Patek Philippe.

Girard-Perregaux Cat’s Eye La Fenice, $465,000, watchesofswitzerland.com

Local dining

Jungle Folk New Denim Jacket Aventura Undyed, $254, junglefolk.com

Perched high up in the very heart of Geneva’s Old Town, Les Armures (lesarmures.ch) is the oldest cafe in Geneva. Dining inside, you can see evidence of its storied history — the dungeons were used as cellars by a local bishop, and the water-painted scrolls on the ceiling of the Hall of the Knights date back to the 17th century. Enjoy an alfresco dinner on the cobbled street outside, people-watching or admiring the impressive display of cannons outside the Old Arsenal. Opt for the perch, sourced straight from Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) and served with salad and a mountain of fries. Sitting prettily alongside Lake Geneva, with gorgeous views of the Jet d’Eau and mountains behind, Le Chat-Botté (beau-rivage.ch) is the Beau-Rivage’s one-Michelin-starred eatery. Focusing on seasonal produce, the uncluttered menu is refreshing, showcasing some of the very best (think: white asparagus and morel mushrooms paired with poultry from local farmers). The hotel also has one of the oldest wine cellars in the city, housing some of the rarest vintages, so make sure to take a peek at the extensive wine list or ask their expert sommelier to select the best match. Pair your locally sourced dinner with an equally local out fi t, with a dress from Swiss designer Akris. No dress would be complete without accessories, so opt for a watch by Girard-Perregaux, one of the oldest watchmakers still in operation in Switzerland today.

The best way to experience Geneva is on foot

Bally Beckie Leather Cross-Body Bag, $1,890, bally.com

Patek Philippe Complication, $91,667, watchesofswitzerland.com

On The Roger Centre Court, $190, on-running.com

INSIDER INFO... For the best fondue in the city, Dominique Gauthier, head chef at Le Chat-Botté, recommends Hôtel Edelweiss. Enjoy the local delicacy accompanied by traditional live music, or try your hand at a fondue class. hoteledelweissgeneva.com

The Patek Philippe Museum is home to some 2,500 items

L’horloge fl eurie is a nod to Geneva’s long history of watchmaking