Carouge
Geneva, Lake Geneva, 1227
The Carouge district in Geneva was once its own town, and walking the neighborhood feels like strolling a quaint hamlet. This district ditches the buttoned-up architecture of Geneva's downtown in favor of pastel-colored buildings and hip boutiques and bars. With its Mediterranean feel and walkable streets, Carouge offers a pleasant change of pace.
The basics
Just across the Arve River from central Geneva, Carouge is a young, bohemian enclave, with more late-night activity than most of Geneva's quieter districts. Citywide bus tours typically include a stop in Carouge to showcase Geneva's chic, laid-back district. For a self-guided tour, you can also walk the Rue de Carouge all the way from the Plainpalais neighborhood—but expect to be on your feet for about an hour.
Things to know before you go
- Don't miss the long-running market and charming Italianate church on the district's main street, the Place du Marché.
- History enthusiasts shouldn't miss the diverse architecture; Italian architects designed many of the buildings.
- Walk across Carouge's bridges to see the limestone-enriched Arve River.
- Visit on Wednesday or Sunday to shop at the district's neighborhood market, which features local food products, flowers, and baked goods.
How to get there
A short tram ride from downtown Geneva, Carouge is easy to access via the #12, 14, or 18 tram lines. Hop out at the Marché stop or the Armes stop. For visitors traveling from Geneva's main train station (Genève-Cornavin), both the 14 and 18 trams service the station and travel southward to Carouge. The ride takes about 15 minutes.
When to get there
Carouge is the perfect neighborhood to stroll, shop, and enjoy a meal. To browse the boutiques, plan to visit in the afternoon, on a weekday, or on Saturday; most shops are closed on Sunday. Arrive in the evening to dine at one of Carouge's celebrated restaurants and plan to stay for a cocktail at a neighborhood bar. Spring and summer are ideal for a visit, since winter tends to be chilly.
Visiting the Musée de Carouge
Celebrating the history of Geneva's quirkiest district, the Musée de Carouge offers visitors exhibitions on history, art, and ceramics and hosts three temporary exhibitions annually. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 2pm to 6pm and is closed on Mondays. The museum offers free admission and provides audio guides in French and English.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!