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From brimming boy bars to some fine Swiss cottaging: the famous Jet d'Eau water
fountain isn't the only thing spurting in Geneva, gushes OutUK's rampant rambler Adrian Gillan.
European HQ of the UN and home to the Red Cross, few world cities are more cosmopolitan than lush French-speaking Geneva, perched at one end of its namesake lake in the very spray of Europe's tallest water fount. GAY GENEVAThe gay scene is mainly clustered in the multicultural and bohemian Les Paquis district on the north bank of the Rhone just west of the lake. |
 The Jet d'Eau. Photo by Stephen Engler. Courtesy Geneva Tourism. |
Situated here, Dialogai in Rue de la Navigation is at the heart of the queer quarter in every sense,
just about the finest LGBT centre you'll ever see: vibrant hub of healthcare, culture,
support and socialising that sets new community standards - go look.
EATSYou can be sure of La Certitude to serve up some stunning yet simple modern dishes mere streets away, but for cheaper snacks, head straight to nearby Le Phare, an ambient and informal yet chic café-bar tucked away down an atmospheric side-street and brimming with relaxed and trendy guys. Or meet the colourful and exuberant local gay crowd sprawled out onto the street at L'Aiglon a few blocks down.Older guys plus the odd rent hang out at traditional pub Le Concorde on Rue de Bernes and an eccentric crowd of most unique individuals muster at Twins, a tiny step-me-down bar around the corner that also serves good cheap food during the day. Some of the trendiest gay Genevans frequent Le Nathan just behind the railway station. Not easy to find but worth the trouble, this lounge-style bar attracts a young and pouting crowd, especially at weekends. But come Friday or Saturday, you'll want to venture over the river into the city's quaint Old Town - to Le Prétexte, Geneva's only gay club that - of necessity - pumps out music to suit all tastes. ALL STEAMED UPThere are several saunas in town, mainly small but clean. Pradier in Les Paquis is nice and handy, but many head west to the larger Avanchets out towards the airport. | |
| It's also worth visiting a couple of central sex shops: Player's has a sizeable gay porn grotto and affords ample cruising opportunities between aisles; Substation sells a wide selection of slings, rings and things and you can even buy a ticket to explore the cruising area and private video cabins up on the second floor. |
Bain des Paquiz. Photo by Ricardo de la Riva.Courtesy Geneva Tourism. |
But you won't have to buy any ticket to "Swiss Cottage" in Geneva. Outdoor cruising
opportunities abound. Most celebrated and infamous are undoubtedly the shamelessly
cruisy Gare Routière coach station gents; the Bains des Paquis jetty beach in summertime
during the day; and the Perle du Lac, a pleasant ten minute stroll north of said jetty
come nightfall for full-on park-life action.
BED & BREAKFASTHotels in Geneva can be pricey, but you can get great deals through our hotel partners Bookings.MORE INFOFor more information on gay & lesbian holidays in Switzerland check out www.MySwitzerland.com, call the Switzerland Travel Centre on freephone 00800 100 200 30 or email stc@stlondon.com or alternatively visit www.geneva-tourism.ch. Adrian travelled with SWISS International Air Lines who fly to Geneva and other top Swiss destinations from £82 return.www.swiss.com/uk.
THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK | |
