By T.C-M.H, Collège Voltaire

In Geneva, spring is here and with it lively, animated Geneva streets.

Everybody knows the main tourist places, the Jet d’eau, the St Pierre Cathedral, and so on. But do young people want to go there? There are many other less well-known spots that are more appealing but which remain unexplored by the tourists.

To start you off, here are four popular places:

L’Usine: the hub of alternative culture in Geneva. Young people in Geneva go here for concerts, art shows, theatre and other cultural activities. Also look at the funky BFM building, which dates from 1883. Today, it holds concerts and dance shows.

Bain des Paquis

Les Bains des Pâquis: These public baths have existed since 1872. Today, they are a favourite summer place in Geneva. You can relax in the hammam or the sauna, plunge into the lake or simply lie in the sun on a chaise longue. You can also enjoy the « buvette » and its delicious chocolate cake, salads, and (if you are old enough) a nice cold beer.

Le Parc des Bastions: Everyone has heard of the Bastions and its Mur des Réformateurs. But do you know about its green lawn? Young people love hanging out here. In the summer, you can roll on the grass, throw frisbies, play music. So bring your guitar! The hugely popular Fête de la musique takes place every July.

Rue de l’Ecole de Médecine: An absolute must for young tourists is this street in the lively area of Plainpalais. Festive bars and pubs abound. University students come in droves to enjoy their drinks, especially at night. Check out l’Etabli, le Café du Lys, la Ferblanterie, among others. You are sure to find what you are looking for.

Ed. note: this is one of six articles written by 15- and 16-year-old students in the English-language OS (option spécifique) classes at Collège Voltaire, a state school in Geneva. GenevaLunch worked with the students the week of 27 April-1 May to help them start an online school newspaper, as part of GL’s efforts to build bridges between the English-speaking international community and the local French-speaking population.

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