subject: Quick And Curious Facts About Geneva [print this page] Some people use Geneva airport ski transfers to take them directly to the slopes while others take the opportunity to visit this fascinating city for a stopover before going on to ski. Here are some very interesting facts about this city and surrounding area that you might not have known.
Surrounded
The city is in Switzerland but, in fact, is virtually entirely surrounded by French territory.
The area around the city only shares a very short land border with the rest of Switzerland of about 4.5kms. Even more strangely, there are two enclaves of the city that sit entirely surrounded by French territory!
The citys environs actually cross the border and spill over into French land. Although part of the airport itself is designated as being French, in practice these old national boundaries have no effect on the modern-day Geneva airport. Ski transfers won't be delayed by any nationality confusion, don't worry!
Traditions of tolerance
Its not accidental that this city has such long associations with humanitarian organisations. Its geographical position historically placed it at the centre of many European conflicts, meaning it has seen turbulent times when it was seized by French revolutionary armies.
Over time, its name has become a byword for toleration and moderation. In 1920 it became the headquarters of the League of Nations the forerunner to todays United Nations. This tradition continues today and the city remains the base of many humanitarian operations, such as the World Health Organisation and the World Economic Forum.
Calvin & Puritanism
Back in the 17th century, this mild-mannered city had a reputation for being a pretty wild and licentious sort of place not quite the image of quiet Swiss sobriety that it has today! A number of people at the time were instrumental in changing that, including the well-known John Calvin. During his time in virtual charge of the city, strong puritan laws were enforced, just a summary of which included:
cards and dice were forbidden;
pubs were closed down, other than those official hostelries where the bible was displayed and read;
attendance at sermons was compulsory as was paying strict attention;
holidays apart from Sunday were banned;
prayers for the dead were outlawed;
homes were inspected to ensure that only virtuous living was being conducted.
Some say that it was this period that helped define the citys dislike for excess and its tendency to be sober and sensible. Others claim that Calvins influence today is hardly visible. You can form your own view!
Rock Legend
The legendary rock song Smoke On The Water by Deep Purple was inspired by events not far from this city, belive it or not. A rock fan at a concert accidentally set fire to the casino at Montreux, which subsequently burned down. The large plume of smoke drifted out across the lake hence the title. Miraculously, nobody was killed in the blaze.
Presumably, as it involved the destruction of a gambling den, Calvin might have approved!
So, it's up to you: Geneva airport ski transfers can whisk you directly to your ski resort, or you can take some time out to explore this odd and ancient city. It might be worth thinking about.
