Is this walking route suitable for children?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. Children will especially enjoy the chocolate tastings at Favarger and Auer, though parents should be mindful of the uphill walk into the Old Town.

What is the best time for a food-themed walking tour Geneva?

The best time is between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. This ensures that the Halle de Rive market is open and the chocolate shops have their full daily selection available.

Can I do this walk on a Sunday?

Sunday is not recommended. Many of the artisanal chocolate shops and the Halle de Rive market are closed on Sundays, though Restaurant Les Armures usually remains open.

Are tastings included in this self-guided walk?

As this is a self-guided experience, you are free to purchase samples or full boxes at each shop. Some chocolatiers may offer small complimentary samples, but this is at their discretion.

Is the route difficult to walk?

The difficulty is easy to moderate. Most of the route is flat, but there is a short, steady incline as you walk from the lake level up into the Old Town.

What should I buy at Halle de Rive?

Look for local Swiss cheeses like Gruyère Alpage or Tête de Moine. The fromagers are usually happy to provide recommendations based on your taste preferences.

Where is the best place to find fondue on this route?

Restaurant Les Armures is the most iconic spot for fondue along the trail. It is located near the halfway point of the walk in the Old Town.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Geneva is a city where luxury is experienced through the senses, and nothing defines the Swiss spirit quite like the indulgent aromas of roasting cacao and aged Gruyère. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the heart of the city's culinary heritage, tracing a path from the sparkling shores of Lake Geneva through the historic winding streets of the Old Town. As you navigate this walking tour Geneva, you will discover that the city's relationship with chocolate and cheese is not merely about flavor, but about centuries of craftsmanship, innovation, and tradition. The route begins at the historic storefront of Favarger, a name synonymous with Genevan chocolate since the early 19th century. From there, you will stroll along the prestigious Rue du Rhône, where high-end watch boutiques share the pavement with legendary confectioners like Sprüngli. This neighborhood stroll isn't just for the sweet-toothed; it also dives into the savory soul of Switzerland. You will pass through the medieval heart of the city to find Restaurant Les Armures, a landmark where world leaders have famously gathered over pots of bubbling fondue. The experience continues into the bustling Halle de Rive, a vibrant covered market where local artisans showcase the finest Swiss cheeses, from nutty Emmental to creamy Vacherin. This walking route offers a unique perspective on the city, blending the refined elegance of modern boutiques with the rustic, authentic roots of Alpine dairy production. Whether you are admiring the artisanal pralines at Auer or the award-winning creations at Du Rhône, you are participating in a living history. This walking tour Geneva allows you to set your own pace, stopping to sample a 'pavé' or browse the market stalls as you please. By the end of this self-guided adventure, you will have a deeper appreciation for the meticulous standards that make Swiss gastronomy world-renowned. It is an essential experience for any food lover looking to uncover the hidden stories behind Geneva's most famous exports. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Sample legendary 'Avelines' at Favarger, Geneva's oldest chocolatier

Discover the world-famous 'Luxemburgerli' macaroons at Sprüngli

See where world leaders enjoy traditional Swiss fondue at Les Armures

Taste the iconic 'Pavés de Genève' at the family-run Auer

Explore the sensory delights of the Halle de Rive covered market

Finish with award-winning pralines at the historic Du Rhône

Tour Stops (6)

Favarger Chocolate

Welcome to the starting point of your flavor journey. Favarger is the oldest chocolate manufacturer in Geneva, founded in 1826 by Jean-Samuel Favarger. While their main factory is located in Versoix, this boutique on Quai des Bergues has been a gateway to Swiss excellence for generations. Favarger is unique because they control the entire process from 'bean to bar,' roasting their own cacao beans and using fresh milk from the Gruyère region. Their most famous creation is the 'Aveline,' a praline made with Valencia almonds and Piedmont hazelnuts, which has remained unchanged since 1922. As you stand here, notice the heritage in the branding—a testament to the city's long-standing obsession with quality chocolate. This stop sets the standard for the artisanal mastery you will encounter throughout your walk.

Sprüngli

Located on the glamorous Rue du Rhône, Sprüngli represents the pinnacle of Swiss confectionery. Although the company originated in Zurich in 1836, it has become an inseparable part of the luxury shopping experience in Geneva. Sprüngli is perhaps most famous for the 'Luxemburgerli,' a light-as-air macaron that comes in dozens of flavors. Unlike traditional French macarons, these are smaller and fluffier, created by a young pastry chef from Luxembourg in the 1950s. The shop also showcases 'Grand Cru' chocolates, which highlight specific cacao origins. Take a moment to admire the window displays; they are often treated like high-fashion exhibits, changing with the seasons to reflect the freshest ingredients available in the Swiss Alps.

Restaurant Les Armures

As you move into the heart of the Old Town, you arrive at Les Armures. Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Geneva, this restaurant is a bastion of Swiss culinary tradition. While it is a full-service restaurant, it is legendary for its cheese fondue. The recipe used here is a closely guarded secret, typically a blend of Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeois. This spot has hosted everyone from local families to international celebrities and presidents; notably, Bill Clinton famously dined here. The atmosphere, with its stone walls and medieval decor, evokes the rustic origins of Swiss cheese culture, which began as a way for mountain farmers to preserve milk through the long, harsh winters. It is the perfect place to appreciate the 'savory' half of our trail.

Auer

Auer is a true Geneva institution, managed by the same family since 1939. Walking into this shop feels like stepping back in time. They are best known for the 'Pavé de Genève'—small, cocoa-dusted cubes of chocolate that resemble the cobblestones of the Old Town streets you just walked through. These melt-in-the-mouth treats were actually invented by the Auer family and have become a symbol of the city. Everything here is handmade in the workshop located just behind the shop. Because they avoid mass production, the flavors are exceptionally intense. Keep an eye out for their chocolate-covered almonds, which are toasted to perfection. Auer represents the 'boutique' spirit of Geneva, where tradition is passed down through the bloodline.

Halle de Rive

Leave the quiet streets of the Old Town behind for the vibrant energy of Halle de Rive. This is Geneva's premier covered market, where the city’s top chefs come to source their ingredients. For cheese enthusiasts, this is the highlight of the route. Several prominent cheesemongers, or 'fromagers,' have stalls here, offering a dizzying array of Swiss AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) cheeses. You can find everything from extra-aged Sbrinz, which is hard like Parmesan, to the seasonal Mont d'Or, which is so creamy it must be eaten with a spoon. The market is a great place to see the diversity of Swiss agriculture. Note that the market has specific operating hours and is most lively on Saturday mornings, though it typically closes on Sundays.

Du Rhône Chocolatier SA

Your final stop is Du Rhône, a chocolatier that has been winning international awards since 1875. This shop has a storied history, having survived world wars and economic shifts by never compromising on their recipes. Their 'Moka Glacé' is a legendary chocolate that has won numerous gold medals; it features a smooth coffee-infused ganache that is remarkably delicate. Grace Kelly was famously a fan of their chocolates, often having them shipped to Monaco. The interior of the shop retains an old-world elegance that makes it the perfect place to reflect on your journey. As you conclude your walk, you've transitioned from the oldest factory traditions to the most refined pralines in the world, completing your immersion into the sweet and savory heart of Geneva.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. This includes walking time between the 6 stops and roughly 15-20 minutes at each location to browse or sample treats.