LIGHT UP THE SKY

YOUR GUIDE TO THE GENEVA FIREWORKS 2018

by Chené Koscielny

Geneva’s usual summer festival has been massively watered down this year after losing the city a fortune last year, but not to worry – they’re still sponsoring the annual fireworks – and this time access to the Mont Blanc Bridge and lakeside areas will be FREE for all.

WHEN:

The fireworks will take place on the 11^th of August from 10pm around the lake area and will last for around 45 minutes.

WHAT:

This year’s display will use between 2.2 and 2.6 tonnes of powder and will be fired from the Port Noir side of the lake near the Jet’ d’Eau.

BEST SPOTS FOR WATCHING THE GENEVA FIREWORKS 2018

FROM THE QUAYS AND THE BRIDGES

Your cheapest option is to join the throngs who will be lining the bridges and quays from early on armed with bottles of bubbly. Baby Plage is also not a bad option as this is the same side as where the fireworks will be launched from this year. Free of charge. Take public transport to avoid being stuck in traffic.

FROM THE WATER
The CGN cruise ships offer a Genève Fireworks cruise, which will allow you spectacular views of the fireworks reflecting on the lake.

The menu (CHF289 per person) is prepared by the team of famous local chef Philippe Chevrier from Savoie and includes foie gras, beef and several seafood options.

More info on their website.

A BIRD’S EYE VIEW
You could head up onto the Salève for a bird’s eye view of the fireworks. On a clear night the view over Geneva is spectacular, but be warned the mountain also get’s quite busy!

Take a picnic or head over to the restaurant Le Panoramique (near the cable car) for a special meal and drinks. Be sure to book a space. The Restaurant L’Observatoire is also offering a special menu at either Euro45-60 for adults.

The last cable car down will be at 23.30 on this evening only.

THE LUXURY OPTION

All the city’s top hotels, rooftop bars and lakeside restaurants are getting in on the action with luxury special menus to celebrate the fireworks. Prices range from CHF68 to more than CHF400 for the night.

Tables are booking up fast, so if you feel like splashing out, now’s the time to book:

HOTEL PRESIDENT WILSON

The Umami restaurant and the pool bar at the Hotel President Wilson will host a festive buffet from 7pm at the Pool garden terrace facing the lake at CHF195 per person (Glow bar in case of rain) Another option is: Canapés and cocktails (or champagne) CHF 50 per person

Info and reservations:

fb@hotelpwilson.com

Reservations: +41 22 906 6524

METROPOLE HOTEL

A luxurious dinner including caviar and special Cognac will be served inside before everyone moves onto the rooftop terrace to view the fireworks. (Access to the terrace will be restricted to diners for the evening) Price: CHF490 per person.

More info on their website.

Reservations: + 41 22 318 3200

ROOFTOP 42

Book a Fireworks cocktail with djs and live music and light buffet (CHF185 per person) including a free glass of champagne from 6-11pm for access to the rooftop terrace with spectacular views of the fireworks. After 11pm, the rooftop bar will be open to the public.

For more info: Check out their facebook page.

GRAND KEMPINSKI HOTEL

Choose between Il Vero, FloorTwo Lounge and FloorTwo Bar to enjoy a

Geneva Fireworks Display Gala Dinner which includes a gastronomical buffet and glass of Champagne at CHF365 per person.

For reservations,contact +41 (0) 22 908 9161 or fb1.grandhotelgeneva@kempinski.com.

GENÈVE PLAGE RESTAURANT

The terrace of the Genève Plage restaurant is another great place from where to observe the fireworks.

They’re offering a special menu for the evening for CHF68.

For more info and reservations contact administration@geneve-plage.ch or per telephone 022.787.05.56.

https://www.geneve-plage.ch

LES TERRASSES SUSPENDUES

This pop-up ‘rooftop bar’ – which forms part of the Allianz outdoor cinema at Port Noir right next to the spot from where the fireworks will be launched, will also be offering two different set menus – one at CHF95 and one at CHF195 per adult.