Last Wednesay, it rained. So we decided to spend another day exploring Geneva to hit up the spots we missed on our first day in the city. Our first stop was the Je t d'eau, the huge fountain in Lake Geneva.
The fountain shoots water 450 feet into the air!
AJ got really creative here :)
Our next stop was the archelogical museum under the Cathedral St. Pierre. It was unbelievable how they were able to excavate this immense site underneath the cathedral! The ticket included the audio tour that described each area including a tomb of a chiefton, the oldest part of the complex from the 4th century. And yes, his remains are still there! This is a mosaic tile floor that was in the Bishop's reception where he would meet with locals.
Welcome to the Gun Show!
As we were wandering through the streets, it began to rain really hard. We dipped into a jewelry shop that just happened to be the oldest custom jewelry shop in Geneva! The lady working directed us to the Museum of Beaux Art and History where we were able to spend the afternoon while it was storming. We weren't supposed to take pictures, but when the guards saw us trying to take this one, he got a huge kick out of it and offered to take it for us!
On Thursday, our last day in Geneva, we decided to take a day trip back to France. We heard so many wonderful things about the town of Annecy that hopped on a bus and made the hour trek back into France. The town was incredibly beautiful with mountains all around and a canal that runs through the center. There were several churches to see including this one, Notre Dame de Liesse.
The beautiful canal that runs through the town is lined with cafes, ice cream shops and plenty of souvenior shops. It was very hot, so we splurged on some delicious ice cream, mango, raspberry and cherry!
Us! Enjoying walking along the canal!
A big surprise to us when we arrived was that the Tour de France was in town! What luck! But the town is so small and there were so many people that the main square was too crowded to spend much time in. It was an individual time trial and we were able to see a few of the riders start, but we decided to spend more time seeing the city.
Our favorite part of the visit was the Basilica of the Visitation which is quite a modern church finished in 1949. Its location high on a hill makes the views of the city and mountains themself worth the visit. It was quite strange being in the city one minute with thousands of people, then 15 minutes later, in a beautiful church with only one other person!
The interior of the Basillica of the Visitation which was beautifully decorated and quite ornate. It was definitely worth the trek uphill to see!
St. Francis' relics are inside this sarcophagus and I am sure it means a lot to Pat. As you can see we lit a candle and said a prayer.
One more view of the canal, mountains, and thousands of people watching the Tour.
This Palais de I'lle is the most famous view part of town and the building seen in most of the postcards. It was once the town's prison but is now used as the Center of Urban Interpretation.
Geneva was getting ready to have their annual summer party and how else would they celebrate than with a pre party! On our last night in Geneva, we enjoyed a delicious dinner with some of Lisa's friends and then headed out to see Geneva at night. This square was such a cool place to stumble upon! Each of those lit up tiles has greetings in all different languages like 'Good afternoon,' 'Buenas Noches,' 'Bonjour' and tons and tons of others. We are so glad we got to spend some time with Lisa again!
On Thursday, our last day in Geneva, we decided to take a day trip back to France. We heard so many wonderful things about the town of Annecy that hopped on a bus and made the hour trek back into France. The town was incredibly beautiful with mountains all around and a canal that runs through the center. There were several churches to see including this one, Notre Dame de Liesse.
The beautiful canal that runs through the town is lined with cafes, ice cream shops and plenty of souvenior shops. It was very hot, so we splurged on some delicious ice cream, mango, raspberry and cherry!
Us! Enjoying walking along the canal!
A big surprise to us when we arrived was that the Tour de France was in town! What luck! But the town is so small and there were so many people that the main square was too crowded to spend much time in. It was an individual time trial and we were able to see a few of the riders start, but we decided to spend more time seeing the city.
Our favorite part of the visit was the Basilica of the Visitation which is quite a modern church finished in 1949. Its location high on a hill makes the views of the city and mountains themself worth the visit. It was quite strange being in the city one minute with thousands of people, then 15 minutes later, in a beautiful church with only one other person!
The interior of the Basillica of the Visitation which was beautifully decorated and quite ornate. It was definitely worth the trek uphill to see!
St. Francis' relics are inside this sarcophagus and I am sure it means a lot to Pat. As you can see we lit a candle and said a prayer.
One more view of the canal, mountains, and thousands of people watching the Tour.
This Palais de I'lle is the most famous view part of town and the building seen in most of the postcards. It was once the town's prison but is now used as the Center of Urban Interpretation.
Geneva was getting ready to have their annual summer party and how else would they celebrate than with a pre party! On our last night in Geneva, we enjoyed a delicious dinner with some of Lisa's friends and then headed out to see Geneva at night. This square was such a cool place to stumble upon! Each of those lit up tiles has greetings in all different languages like 'Good afternoon,' 'Buenas Noches,' 'Bonjour' and tons and tons of others. We are so glad we got to spend some time with Lisa again!
WOW - another great post! You guys sure like the cathedrals and museums. Having traveled with me Erika, who know I'd be heading for the malls and restaurants! Travis wondered if you would get to see the Tour again - he has been fascinated with it this year. Check out my Facebook for info on his performace at Elle's Race last weekend! I can't wait to hear about Interlaken and Milan! Love you both!
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PS - AJ: Quit cutting off Erika's chin in the pictures! LOL
It's very cool that you made it to Annecy. It made Pat's day. You guys are too funny with posing Erika around water. Love, Mom
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