BEST COVID-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO THIS AUTUMN – 2020
by Chené Koscielny
We love autumn in Geneva – the light, the colours, the mood… and we certainly won’t let a nasty virus spoil that for us. There are plenty of Covid-friendly things to do in autumn in Geneva.
Here are some of our old-time and new favourites.
ENJOY AN AL FRESCO DRINK
Geneva’s 750 summer terraces have been given the green light by the city to stay open until the end of February 2021. This measure is aimed at helping local businesses and to keep the city centre alive during the winter months.
The terraces will have to close around 9pm, but it gives us a chance to enjoy al fresco meals and drinks during lunch and after work throughout the colder months. Cheers to that!
HIKING IN AND AROUND GENEVA
Let’s hit the mountains. Hiking is the perfect way to social distance – if you haven’t tried these hikes recommended by our travel editor, Laura – now is a good time. Here are some family hikes she recommends and some hikes near Geneva
If you’re not up for a big hike, then why not opt for a stroll through the stunning Lavaux vineyards – a UNESCO heritage site – near Lausanne – with the backdrop of the lake. Enjoy a picnic or a glass or two of local wines or take the wine train.
You can also stop at Le Deck restaurant – which has a spectacular view over the lake and vineyards – book in advance, though.
CYCLE THROUGH THE VINEYARDS
What better way to observe the beautiful autumn leaves than cycling leisurely through the vineyards and stopping for selfie breaks and a picnic or a glass of wine. Some of you have already tried our contributor Alexandra’s suggested cycling tours and have reported back how much you enjoyed them. For those who haven’t – here is a bike route through farmlands and another bike route through vineyards.
FONDUE ON A TERRACE NEAR YOU
Wrap up warm and enjoy your first fondue of the season on a terrace. We recommend Restaurant des Bergers attached to the Michelin cheese cellar in Grilly. Try the Fondue Michelin, made from a fruity Comté Vacherin Fribourgeois and Gruyère.
You can even cycle there and back from Geneva to counter some of the calorie-intake.
Closer to home, you have many other options – read our article about some of our old favourite fondue restaurants in Geneva – and also check out our review of the Geneva Cheese Boat – who will start offering fondues again in October 2020.
LA CHASSE EST ARRIVÉE
If you are into meat – and we are – autumn is the time to look out for the La Chasse est arrivée signs and notices at restaurants around Geneva. Not too sure about game? Check out our article with details of what to order and where to go for good game in Geneva. Perhaps we can even tempt you to make your own wild boar stew. Recipe in our post.
WINE-TASTING TAXI
Dress warm and take in some amazing views as you let yourself be transported to the magnificent Domaine du Château du Crest for a five star wine-tasting experience by Geneva Taxibike. We highly recommend this tour – watch out for the pigs in the castle moat!
AN OUTDOOR ESCAPE GAME
This is a super fun bonding experience with friends without getting too close for comfort. We loved picking up the suitcase with clues and tools and following the leads from one geocaching location to the next. Try out this outdoor escape game – you’ll love it!
STROLL THROUGH GENEVA OLD TOWN
After living in Geneva for 5 years, we still discover something new every time we stroll through the Old Town. Read the post by our contributor, Brigitte, for inspiration on what to see and where to stop for a bite to eat. Oh, …and then there is also this amazing little gem of a bookshop which will make you fall in love with books all over again.
FORAGING FOR MUSHROOMS
Another fun outdoor activity this time of year – is foraging for mushrooms in the forest. Read our previous article on what to pick and what not to pick, where to find them PLUS we throw in a wild mushroom soup recipe for good measure. Enjoy.
WHILE AWAY HOURS AT A FLEA MARKET
Pop into the Carouge brocante – every first Sunday of the month or the Nyon flea market every last Sunday of the month – for some cool vintage finds and people watching, followed by a café latte or a glass of red wine.
CARVE PUMPKINS AT A FESTIVAL
One of the great things about autumn is all the beautiful colours – including orange pumpkins. This year Schilliger Garden Centre is bringing back their Fete de la Courge. We love the sound of pumpkin carving, competitions and pumpkin treats. Find out more about the pumpkin festival on our 10 things to do page.
BE WOWED BY SOUNDS AND LIGHTS IN THE PARK
We LOVED the Parc des Bastions sound and light display last year! The show will be back for another year! If you haven’t been, it’s a lovely evening out. It takes place three times (20 minutes show) in an evening. You’ll find all the details in this post: Parc des Bastions Sound and Light Show is back!
TASTE WINE ONLINE
If you enjoy wine tasting but you are trying to avoid crowds then you will love this one! We tried online wine tasting with Maria from Geneva Wine Society, during the lockdown and it was great! Read more about the Geneva Wine Society in our other article. We spoke to Marie and although she doesn’t have any dates scheduled yet she will be doing more of these online events during the coming months so stay tuned!
