VALENTINE’S DAY IN GENEVA
by Vivian Holding
The countdown to Valentine’s Day has begun. And whether you love it or loathe it, celebrating in Geneva – a city not well known for being cheap, can be hard.
If you’re on the lookout for that ideal night out, perfect gift idea or just a little inspiration, we offer ideas to suit all budgets to show that special person in your life that you care.
SCROLL DOWN FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN FREE GIFTS IN OUR COMPETITIONS!!
WHAT TO BUY THIS VALENTINE’S DAY IN GENEVA
THE BEST VALENTINE CARDS
Our pick of the best cards in Geneva come from Bookbinders (15 rue de la Fontaine, 1204 Genève) and Globus (48 rue du Rhône, 1204 Genève). Best to start thinking about that all important love message now – as more often than not, it’s the sentiment rather than the gift that means the most.
BOOKBINDERS
GLOBUS
BEST FLOWERS
Prices of flowers can escalate during the Valentine’s Day period, so why not consider these two options:
Bouvard Fleurs have been in Geneva for over 50 years and offer a fantastic selection of cut flowers and bouquets that can be collected from them or delivered. Their ‘Bouquet Contrast’ shown here starts at 65CHF (delivery is and additional 15CHF), or choose from their wide range of roses (from 3.50CHF each) or one of their other beautiful bouquets.
Click here for their website.
BUDGET BUSTING OPTION – Migros and Coop sell great value flowers and will gift wrap them for you if you tell the florist “elles sont pour offrir”. Remember that roses are not necessarily a girl’s favourite (they certainly aren’t in my case) and at this time of the year, spring flowers such as anemones, ranunculus, hyacincths and tulips make a beautiful bouquet when mixed together (see photo). Shouldn’t cost you more than 30CHF.
BEST FOOD GIFTS
A few ideas to keep your Valentine sweet this year.
FOR YOUR LITTLE CUPCAKE – we love Saconnex Cakes’ box of six Valentine cupcakes – decadent chocolate cupcakes beautifully decorated with swiss meringue buttercream and topped with heart-shaped meringues. Priced at just 36CHF for a box of six. Order before Saturday 10th February for collection on Tuesday 13th February 2018.
Saconnex Cakes is a home-based boutique cake studio in Geneva, who design and create bespoke wedding cakes, celebration cakes and sweet treats for special events. All their cakes are handmade to order from scratch using the finest quality ingredients. Click here to see their Facebook page or for their website click here.
FOR YOUR LITTLE CHOU – these delicious looking choux buns (we know, we’ve tested them!) from Chou in Eaux-Vives would be perfect for that sweet toothed love of your life. Sold in boxes of six for 15CHF, they can be pre-ordered for collection on the 14th February 2018 direct from Chou by telephoning 022 535 7966 or emailing them at contact@chougeneve.ch. Click here for their Facebook page.
COMPETITION TIME!!!
WE ARE GIVING AWAY A BOX OF SIX CHOUX BUNS FROM CHOU TO ONE LUCKY WINNER!
All you need to do is answer this simple question:
WHERE ARE CHOU LOCATED?
Send your answer to us at info@thingstodoingeneva.ch by Wednesday 7th February 2018. The winner will be notified by email. Good luck!
FOR YOUR SWEETHEART – how about a present that ticks both the chocolates and flowers box? This two dozen heart posy made with 24 premium Schonenberger Swiss milk chocolates from Edible Blooms won’t break the bank at 29CHF (plus 9CHF postage). Click here.
Alternatively, how about the Luxury Moët Lover Bouquet? A bottle of Moët and Chandon Champagne, 10 premium Schonenberger Swiss chocolates, 15 Swiss Lindor Balls plus bucket are 75CHF (plus 9CHF postage). Click here.
Click here to see what other Valentine’s Day goodies they have on offer on their website and to place your order.
COMPETITION TIME!!!
WE ARE GIVING AWAY A TWO DOZEN POSY WORTH 29CHF PLUS DELIVERY (WITHIN GENEVA) TO ONE LUCKY WINNER!
All you need to do is answer this simple question:
WHICH KIND OF CHOCOLATES ARE USED TO MAKE EDIBLE BLOOMS’ TWO DOZEN POSY?
Send your answer to us at info@thingstodoingeneva.ch by Wednesday 7th February 2018. The winner will be notified by email. Good luck!
BEST GIFTS TO OFFER
A little gift to your loved one will go down a treat – here are a few of my favourites. My pick of the gifts would be Globus’ wooden crate which is perfect if you’re not sure what to buy as it contains a little of all the Valentine favourites – a mini bottle of Moët & Chandon Rosé Champagne, a Candle, a Chocolate Bar, a Bath Bomb and a gorgeous furry hot water bottle to snuggle up with. Click here to see Globus’ other Valentine Day’s gift ideas. Click here to read our review of Bookbinders store.
BEST SPAS PACKAGES
Why not book a massage at either of these spas?
FOR THE ROMANTIC DUO – Bain Bleu are offering a special Valentine’s Day Duo Package for 220CHF, with 2 entries to their Baths & Hamman, 2 massages of 25 minutes, 2 glasses of champagne and a choice of sweet or salty snacks of either salmon tartare served with blinis and a horseradish mousse or a toblerone fondue with cubes of fresh pineapple, mangoes, oranges and grapes and dried fruits and nuts.
The offer is valid from 14th February to the 14th March 2018. Click here for to see more or call them on 022 318 48 28. Click here for their Facebook page.
Alternatively, why not offer them a gift certificate so they can choose themselves? Click on each to read our review of these recommended places:
Assential Spa, Balima Day Spa, Individuel Spa and Boutique de Cosmétique, Studio Beauté, Spas and Hammams in Geneva – for all budgets
BEST PRE-DINNER DRINK SUGGESTIONS
There are some great bars in Geneva. For inspiration, why not check out our list of our favourites here.
BEST MEALS OUT
BLOW THE BUDGET LUXURY – the Hotel La Cigogne located in a beautiful historic building on place Longemalle, offers a luxurious and elegant location to celebrate this Valentine’s Day. Their five course gastronomic menu at 125CHF per person (drinks extra) should more than impress your partner. And of course, if you are thinking of ‘popping the question’ this meal definitely has the ‘wow’ factor!
An overnight accommodation option is also available which includes their five course gastronomic menu (drinks extra), a stay in a classic double room, with champagne and gourmandises and continental breakfast the following day.
Click here for website. To reserve telephone 022 818 40 60 or email restaurant@cigogne.ch or info@cigogne.ch (to book their Valentine’s Day overnight package).
MID PRICE TREAT – a delicious Valentine’s menu awaits you at La Table des Roys in Eaux-Vives. Run by the delightful ex-Hotel Bristol chef Ludovic and Marie-Paule Roy (he’s the very talented chef, whilst she charms the front of house). Their Valentine’s Day menu is priced at 95CHF for five courses plus a glass of champagne on arrival. To read our review on this little hidden gem, click here.
To see their facebook page click here, to see their website click here.
SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT – want a romantic night full of surprises? One that will excite your palate and heighten your senses? Try Hotel Warwick’s “Dinner in the Dark” this Valentine’s Day – a unique culinary, gastronomic and unforgettable experience. Click here for more information.
For reservations call 022 716 8650 or email party.geneva@warwickhotels.com.
SAIL AWAY ON THE LOVE BOAT – surprise your better half by inviting them to a Valentine’s Day cruise with the twinkling lights of Lake Geneva as a backdrop to this romantic evening. A four course menu has been created specially for the evening by Eldora Traiteur (click here to see the menu). Boats leave at 8.15pm and return at 10.20pm. 250CHF per couple (drinks extra).
Click here for further information and to reserve your place.
GET YOUR APHRODISIAC KICK – well known for having the reputation being an aphrodisiac, what better way to get the evening started than slipping down a few oysters at Chez Henri? Two branches one in Eaux-Vives and the other in Pâquis. Click here for their Facebook page. Click here for their website.
Chez Henri – 33 Boulevard Helvetique, 1207 Genève or 37 rue Philippe-Plantamour, 1201 Genève.
A POST VALENTINE’S DAY BRUNCH – with the stress of Valentine’s day behind you, how about relaxing with your loved one while sipping Bloody Marys – those potent red potions made with passion and spice?
Toasted, the newly opened diner in Plainpalais, in partnership with The Inner Ear offer another unmissable, all-you-can-drink Bloody Mary musical brunch on Sunday 25th February 2018. On stage this time will be two incredible voices: Jean and Bobby, who will serenade you with bluesy RnB and a little Sunday gospel too.
Brunch costs 49CHF per person and includes an array of sweet and salty options including an avocado and crayfish tartine, scrambled eggs, breakfast beans, yoghurt topped with crunchy muesli and a raspberry coulis plus a help yourself breakfast bar of cold cuts, bacon, cheeses, pastries & breads, jams & spreads and fresh fruits. Included in the price is 1 hot beverage, 1 juice and unlimited Bloody Mary’s!
Two time slots are available – from 11.30am-1.30pm or 2pm-4pm. Reserve your tickets for this event by clicking here.
To read our review of Toasted, click here.
COMPETITION TIME!!!
WE ARE GIVING AWAY A FREE BRUNCH FOR ONE PERSON ON SUNDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2018 TO ONE LUCKY WINNER WORTH 49CHF!
All you need to do is answer this simple question:
WHAT ARE THE NAMES OF THE SINGERS AT THE MY BLOODY VALENTINE BRUNCH?
Send your answer to us at info@thingstodoingeneva.ch by Friday 16th February 2018. The winner will be notified by email. Good luck!
BARGAIN OPTION – how about a romantic Valentine’s dinner at the top of the smallest mountain in Europe? L’Observatoire’s three course menu at only 40 euros, sounds delicious and is definitely easy on the pocket. Click here for their Facebook page or book your table on 0033 450 396057.
BEST NIGHTS AWAY
BLOW THE BUDGET LUXURY – at the Hotel Kempinski. Fancy a night of luxury at their stunning lakeside location? Free upgrades to a higher room category are on offer for stays between 14th-18th February 2018, a 35CHF discount voucher per person to use towards any treatments of 60 minutes or more in their Spa by Valmont, a buffet breakfast in their restaurant or in-room continental breakfast, use of their fitness centre and indoor swimming pool as well as a late checkout until 4pm the following day. The price? Choose your budget – from 575CHF for a superior room up to a staggering 10,988CHF for their Presidential Suite. To find out more click here.
A SECRET HIDEAWAY MINUTES FROM GENEVA – why not whisk your loved one off to a very special place, located a mere 15 minutes drive from the centre of Geneva? Jiva Hill Resort is one of the best 5 star luxury hotel resort & spas I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying at. Celebrate Valentine’s Day by booking their special offer of one night in a double room, a special 7 course Valentine’s gourmet dinner (drinks extra), breakfast, a VIP welcome in the room, a red rose, two glasses of rosé Champagne served on arrival and complimentary access to the spa (with heated swimming pool, sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, fitness room and nordic spa). Valid for stays from Wednesday 14th to Saturday 17th February 2018. From 690 euros a night. Click here for further information. Click here for their Facebook page.
Alternatively, book a table for their gourmet dinner at 110 euros per person (drinks extra).
Want to know a little more about the traditions associated with Valentine’s Day? Read on ……..
WHO WAS SAINT VALENTINE?
Saint Valentine was a third century Roman saint, martyred and buried on 14th February at the cemetery on the Via Flaminia in Rome. The most popular legend is that the priest Saint Valentine, was arrested and imprisoned after secretly marrying Christian couples, who were being persecuted by Emperor Claudius II at the time. While in prison, Saint Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and sent her a love letter signed ‘from your Valentine’ on the day of his execution (the 14th February), as a farewell letter.
WHAT’S CUPID GOT TO DO WITH IT?
Cupid is the god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection. He is often portrayed as the son of the love goddess Venus and the war god Mars.
Cupid is also known in Latin also as Amor (“Love”). His Greek counterpart is Eros and he is just one of the ancient symbols associated with St Valentine’s Day, along with the shape of a heart, doves, and the colours red and pink.
He is usually portrayed as a small winged figure with a bow and arrow which he uses to strike the hearts of people – the reason why people who fall in love are said to be ‘struck by Cupid’s arrow’.
WHEN DID VALENTINE’S DAY BECOME SO COMMERCIALISED?
Valentine’s Day started to take off in the middle of the 18th century, with lovers sending sweets and cards adorned with flowers, ribbons and images of cupids and birds. Printed cards replaced hand-written ones and in 1913 the mass production of cards started.
WHY DO SOME PEOPLE LEAVE ANONYMOUS CARDS?
The Victorian’s thought it was bad luck to sign a Valentine’s Day card with their name. It was them who also started the rose-giving trend, as they were apparently the favourite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
