Practical guide to Geneva · 07
Daily life in Geneva
Shopping, waste, culture, Geneva festivals and meeting people: a few pointers to make the most of your new life in Geneva.
Living in Geneva
Finding your bearings, step by step
Once the paperwork is done, what matters most remains: discovering the local habits, the services in your neighbourhood, the cultural life and the chances to meet new people.
Explore your neighbourhood, take part in Geneva’s festivals and join activities: it is also the best way to practise French.
Our events
Basics
Good everyday habits
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Shopping and services
Supermarkets, markets, local shops and pharmacies.
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Waste sorting
Rules and collection points depend on your municipality.
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Sundays
Most shops are closed: plan your shopping.
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Culture
The City’s agenda lists concerts, exhibitions and festivals.
The festivals
The Geneva calendar
A few events worth knowing.
| Event | When? | In brief |
|---|---|---|
| National Day | 1 August | Swiss national holiday, public holiday |
| Jeûne genevois | Thursday after the first Sunday of September | Public holiday specific to Geneva |
| L’Escalade | December | Popular festival: parade, race, chocolate cauldron |
| Restauration de la République | 31 December | Geneva public holiday |
Meeting people
Building connections in Geneva
Mini-lexicon
The words of Geneva life
- L’Escalade
- Geneva’s December festival celebrating the victory of 1602.
- La marmite
- Chocolate cauldron that families break together for the Escalade.
- Le Jeûne genevois
- Geneva public holiday, on the Thursday after the first Sunday of September.
- La Restauration
- Public holiday on 31 December, celebrating the Restoration of the Republic (1813).
- La rade
- The part of the lake in the heart of the city, with the Jet d’eau.
- Une action
- A special offer in a shop.
- Le souper
- The evening meal in French-speaking Switzerland.
- La panosse
- The floor cloth (mop cloth).
Alliance Française de Genève
Experience Geneva in French
The Alliance Française de Genève is a meeting place: courses, cinema, literary meetings and cultural outings to practise the language and make new friends.
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Official sources
Rules and procedures may change and depend on your situation. Always check the information published by the authorities before taking any step.
Frequently asked questions
Daily life in Geneva: your questions
Where can I find ideas for outings in Geneva?
In the official agenda of the City of Geneva, and through cultural institutions, associations and the Alliance Française de Genève.
How do I meet people when I have just arrived?
Courses, associations, sport, volunteering and cultural events are excellent starting points.
How does waste sorting work?
Rules and collection points depend on the municipality: check the information from your municipality.
What is the Escalade?
Geneva’s great popular festival in December, commemorating the defence of the city in 1602, with a parade, a race and the traditional chocolate cauldron.
Which public holidays are specific to Geneva?
The Jeûne genevois (the Thursday after the first Sunday of September) and the Restauration de la République (31 December).
Can I practise French outside of class?
Yes: events, shops, local media, associations… and the activities of the Alliance Française de Genève.
Practical guide to Geneva
Continue the guide
Nine guides to living well in Geneva.
Last updated: October 2026 · Guide written by the Alliance Française de Genève
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