Life
Lately:
In Geneva, we are starting to see the Christmas decorations in the shops. It is
only natural that I want to share with you a list of independent shops where
you might find the perfect gift for your family and friends. As far as I’m
concerned, I always start in advance to go hunting for beautiful gifts. It’s so
nice when the shops are not yet overrun. When I sat down to write this blog
post, I realised that my list had grown considerably... and the result is that
it has ended up being a Christmas Shops List and a very photo-heavy monthly
round up. I really hope you enjoy…
Coop City (12, rue de Carouge)
Coop City is a
Swiss institution (the only non-independent shop in my list). On November 1st
they displayed everything you need to make a special decoration for this
Christmas. This year, I would be tempted to make an Antarctic decoration, all
blue and white.
Ñ (Egne) Wine & Tapas Bar (12-14, rue du Cendrier)
The freshly opened EGNE is a 10 minute
walk from Geneva Cornavin train station. The vibe is really relaxed and cool,
with a minimalist elegance, and the staffs, two young smiling guys, exude Spanish
warmth. You can also buy exquisite
wines and other fine Spanish products, since the bar is a delicatessen too.
Chloë Jewellery Shop (6,
Rond-Point de Plainpalais)
I love their cosy and girly universe and
their high-end fantasy silver, gold plated and rose gold plated jewellery. All
their jewellery is handmade. All creations are then presented in a very nice
gift package, in pastel or bright colours.
Les Filles Indignes (10, rue de l’Arquebuse)
This is a coffee, wine and delicatessen whose
concept is to have no predefined menu. Every day the menu, made of quiches,
salads, soups, and homemade cakes, is concocted according to what the chef
finds at the market. I like this bohemian atmosphere and the little corner
bookshelf is a real plus.
SBC SPA (77, rue des Eaux-Vives)
Should you decide to offer yourself a
treat or want to offer a very nice gift to a friend, what about an afternoon at
Sbc Spa? This is a freshly opened spa with an Arabian Nights decor. One can
enjoy the hammam, jacuzzi, sauna, a haircut or a massage with Decléor products,
a brand renowned for its high quality.
Mr
& Mrs Renou (39, rue
Saint-Joseph, Carouge)
Freshly opened,
this gem of pastry shop is very popular among the gourmets in Geneva. It must
be said that their creations are uniquely delicate and terribly delicious. The
chef has been decorated with the prestigious medal “Meilleur Ouvrier de
France”. That day, I fell for a dark chocolate and Madagascar vanilla cake.
Atelier Floral Création (28, rue Ancienne,
Carouge)
Where can you buy a beautiful Christmas
wreath? Here’s your answer! I really think that a bouquet of flowers is
one of the nicest things to brighten up your house.
Librairie du Boulevard (34, rue de
Carouge)
A book is always one of the best Christmas
presents! One of my favourite bookstores in Geneva is the Librairie du
Boulevard, an independent bookstore in the popular district of Plainpalais.
Whenever I can, I take a look at the new arrivals. I really enjoyed reading the
summary of these three books.
“Et puis ça fait bête d'être
triste en maillot de bain”. (And
then it’s stupid to be sad in a swimsuit) by Amandine Dhée, a French author
whose books are inspired by everyday life…
“Summer” by Monica Sabolo,
an Italian author whose book has won a prize and become a hit. This
psychological novel is full of intrigue; we are immediately prisoner in its
yarns…
“Bakhita” by Véronique Olmi,
a French author who won the “Prix du Fnac 2017”. In the 19th century, Bakhita
was kidnapped at the age of seven in her village in Darfur…
City
Coop - Book Corner
While shopping at a Coop supermarket, I
stopped by its “book corner” to check out the new book releases. I choose a
pretty selection of books, each one completely different from the other: a book
on Portuguese
cooking, a novel by a famous Belgian author, the second
book of an English author who excels in working-class heroes and the
romance genre.
I didn’t buy any of these books; I simply
put them on my Santa Claus gift list…If I am good he will probably leave one of
them in my Christmas stocking.
So what’s next? Christmas…counting the
days already!!!