Snow bunnies looking for the perfect romantic city break this winter should look no further than Geneva.

The city, located in Switzerland where Lake Geneva meets the Rhone River, is the ideal location and size for a relaxing, winter wonderland adventure. Culturally diverse mainly due to its presence as the home of the United Nations the city has a strong identity and is welcoming to the overseas tourist.

Visitors should explore the old town, featuring St Peter's Cathedral, to get a true perspective of the importance Geneva played in the history of Europe. Once labelled the protestant Rome, Geneva was the centre of Calvinism and Protestant protection.
A number of English Protestants who fled the wrath of Queen Mary I fled to Geneva and made a life here.

The national event of independence I'Escalade (scaling of the wall) which took place in the 16th Century is still celebrated annually in the Old Town and visitors can marvel at the demonstrations of cannons, armed men and period costumes on December 11th and 12th. The small narrow streets of the Old Town are quaint and charming and make a visitor feel as if they have stepped back in time.

As mentioned previously Geneva is the home of many international organisations including the European headquarters of the United Nations. The World Health Organisation, the International Labour Organisation the World Meteorological Organisation and the World Trade Organisation also have their homes here. Not to mention the countless other important bodies governing human rights and laws.

The building which houses the United Nations is the Palais des Nations. The grand headquarters was constructed between 1929 and 1938 for the League of Nations but now serves as the UN home. A panel of architects were assigned to choose the winning design from 377 submissions but could not decide. Therefore the top five submissions were asked to collaborate for the structure.

Two extensions have been added to the building since its creation, three floors were added to the K building and the D building was constructed to house the World Health Organisation. It is now 600 metres long with 34 conference rooms and 2,800 offices.

The park which the building is located in was given to the City of Geneva by the Revilliod de Rive family. The only condition was that peacocks should wander freely on its grounds -which they still do to this day. There is even a 1668 chalet still in the grounds.

Getting to Geneva is easy, as the city is served by the Geneva Cointrin International Airport. From the airport the railway connects and tourists can even transfer to Paris via TGV. Once in the city buses, trams and trolleybuses operate frequently and have extensive coverage of the city centre. Tourists also looking for transport to explore the lake will find the Mouettes Genevoises most helpful.

Once achieving your bearings do not miss out on the Flower Clock, the Art and History Museum, the International Red Cross Museum and the Jet d'Eau (fountain).
Visiting Geneva feels like you have made an important pilgrimage to support the longevity of humankind. You feel important and secure in the city, and will no doubt learn many interesting and important facts about history you may not have known before.