A Gorgeous Guide to Carouge

Last month, I wandered round the lovely streets of Carouge in order to put together this little guide. It was great fun exploring fashion boutiques, wine bars, spa institutes, as well as chatting to small shop owners. Even though clouds (and sometimes rain) were above me all the way, the journey was awesome because Carouge is, without a doubt, my favourite neighbourhood in Geneva. I love its own distinctive and independent character.

It is particularly BoBo (Bourgeois-bohème). It is a hub for craftspeople and small business workers who leave their workshops or offices at lunch time to enjoy a meal in one of the many gorgeous restaurants in the area. They maybe have a drink in a bar after work before jumping on the tram to go home somewhere in the city.

Carouge is situated on the River Arve and is ten minutes from the centre of Geneva. The town is laid out according to the plans of Italian architects and it has conserved its Mediterranean charm.

If I were to describe it to you, I would say that Carouge is a small and compact village, crammed with bistros, craft workshops, antique shops, fountains and wooden balconies that overlook hidden courtyards and secret gardens. The old centre of Carouge is perfect to be strolled around at as sedate a pace as possible.

Carouge is fantastic and has a relaxed feel to its atmosphere. It is a destination that I really urge you to visit and here is a small list of my favourite places to go!

Marché de Carouge Is a picturesque Saturday and Wednesday market at Place du Marché. This is a great way to try some local specialties presented by local farmers and shop-owners. There are also stands of exotic food serving such delights as Palestinian falafel balls and flatbread. Me, myself and I often buy flowers jam or cheese here... that day I bought beautiful fuchsia roses to embellish my house...

Place du Temple

Fontaine Blavignac Classified as a historical monument, this fountain was created by the architect Blavignac, in 1868. It is located on the Place du Temple of Carouge and is a kind of Gothic snub to the Carouge temple ... It represents a dragon spitting water.

Temple de Carouge

Église Sainte-Croix

Parc Louis Cottier Peaceful and small park with a playground for toddlers. Located on the Place de la Sardaigne

Meule (millstone sculpture) Stone sculpture in the Parc Louis Cottier.

Quiétude (1952) Sculpture in bronze by Jean-Joachim Cornaglia. Located on the Place de la Sardaigne

Auberge Communale de Carouge Occupies a historic building in the heart of Carouge. It has a lounge and a restaurant called “Vicolo 39, ristorante”. On Sundays, they serve a brunch from 11:30 - 15:30. Italian buffet with hot and cold dishes, as well as a wide selection of cakes. Price CHF 35.00 (Auberge Communale de Carouge - Rue Ancienne 39)

Vicolo 39, ristorante On Sundays, they serve a brunch from 11:30 - 15:30. Italian buffet with hot and cold dishes, as well as a wide selection of cakes. Price CHF 35.00 (Auberge Communale de Carouge - Rue Ancienne 39)

Attitude Bio Beauty institute and boutique, specialising in organic products. A haven of peace in which to get pampered... (Rue Ancienne 16)

Atelier Floral Création They make wonderful flower arrangements, modern or traditional creations for events, weddings or simply for your personal pleasure... (Rue Ancienne 28)

Martel Confiserie & Tea-Room The kingdom of deliciousness… (Rue du Marché 8)

Ma Kadame Open since May 1st, it is full of casual-chic clothing and accessories from the brands Repeat, Max Mara, Darel... (Rue Jacques-Daphne 20)

Histoire de Vins Is our favourite wine shop, they sell exquisite Swiss wine and also excellent French wine. Every Saturday you can have a wine tasting. Companies can also book the entire shop for an event. (Rue Saint-Joseph 35)

Betjeman & Barton The best tea shop in Geneva. They have a very varied selection of all types of teas from everywhere. As you enter the shop they greet you with a cup of tea, biscuits and chocolates… (Rue Saint-Joseph 35)

Musée de Carouge Exhibits only works of Swiss artists

Pont de Carouge Bridge over the River Arve, which connects the communes of Geneva and Carouge

Philippe Pascoet Chocolatier This is among the best chocolate shops in Geneva. Internationally acclaimed, I strongly recommend you the “Passion fruit and dark chocolate ganache” (Rue Saint-Joseph 12)

Pizza-Vino Wine Bar & Restaurant This gorgeous bar-restaurant is always full at lunch and dinner time. During spring/summer you can enjoy a drink or a meal on their gorgeous terrace. (Rue Saint-Victor 10)

La Bouquinerie The most charming tiny bookstore that sells ancient books and art books (Rue Saint-Joseph 2)

Beautiful houses and apartment blocks

Raspberry Bavarois with a Raspeberry Mirror Glaze on an Almond Fondant Base

I have always loved “Raspberry Bavarois” and when I was looking for a dessert idea for a family dinner at the end of April, I made this recipe taken from the French magazine “Cuisine Actuelle”.

It is an easy dessert but it requires that you follow each step carefully. As for the dessert, it is fresh, unctuous and light with an intense raspberry taste. A guaranteed success to impress and treat your loved ones.

Ingredients for 8 servings (use an 18cm aluminium circular mould)

For the Almond Fondant Base:

80 g sugar

2 eggs

80 g almond powder

50 g melted butter

A dash of rum

For the Raspberry Bavarois:

300 g raspberries

6 g gelatine in sheets

200 ml of very cold full cream

80 g sugar

1 tablespoon icing sugar

For the Raspberry Mirror Glaze:

130 g raspberries

90 g sugar

3.5 g gelatine in sheets

Preparation:

For Almond Fondant Base:

1. In a bowl, combine the eggs with the sugar. Add the almond powder, the rum and the melted butter. Put in an aluminium circular mould. Bake for 20 minutes at 180°C.

2. After cooking, allow the fondant to cool in the mould and unmould it when cold.

3. Place the fondant cake in a serving dish and reposition the aluminium circular mould around it, slightly reducing the diameter to avoid leakage of the Bavarois cream.

For the Raspberry Bavarois:

1. Mix the raspberries and then sieve in a chinois to eliminate the seeds.

2. Soak the gelatine in cold water.

3. Heat the raspberry puree in a saucepan with the sugar. Add the well-drained gelatine. Mix so that it melts well and leave to cool.

4. Beat the full cream into a firm whipped cream (put the whisk and the bowl in the fridge 1 hour before whisking). Add the icing sugar and whisk again.

5. Using a spatula, gently mix the cooled whipped cream to the raspberry purée.

6. Spread this mixture over the almond fondant cake in the aluminium circular mould. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

For the Raspberry Mirror Glaze:

1. After the 2 hours, prepare the Mirror Glaze. Soften the gelatine in cold water.

2. Mix the raspberries and sieve them in a chinois to eliminate the seeds.

3. In a saucepan, place the raspberry coulis and sugar and heat gently, but do not bring to the boil.

4. Away from the heat, add the well drained gelatine and mix well to melt.

5. Leave to cool and spread evenly over the Raspberry Bavarois. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, it is better to leave it all night.

6. Gently remove the aluminium circular mould and decorate according to taste. (I decorated mine with fresh raspberries sprinkled with icing sugar and added slices of fresh kiwis).