Carouge
This little artisan town, 2km (1 mile) south of the city centre, is full of book and antique restorers, glass blowers, watchmakers, clothes designers, hatters, bistros and restaurants. In 1772, the people of Turin (the capital of the kingdom of Sardinia) came to set up a town to rival Geneva. Carouge changed hands frequently but, in 1816, the town was annexed to Geneva and became Swiss. Its architecture remains Italianate in style and the narrow streets are straight and orderly, with apartments looking onto wide, green courtyards. Many are open to the public, such as the courtyard of Rue Vautier (opposite number 43) and the courtyard of the Musée de Carouge.

Musée de Carouge
Place de Sardaigne 2
Tel: (022) 342 3383.
Website: www.carouge.ch
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1400-1800.
Free admission.

Musée Ariana
One of the finest glass and ceramics museums in Europe, with over seven centuries of ancient treasures from around the world on display in a beautiful Italianate Renaissance mansion, together with examples of modern and contemporary ceramics and glass. This prestigious museum is also the headquarters of the International Academy of Ceramics.

Avenue de la Paix 10
Tel: (022) 418 5450.
Website: www.ville-ge.ch/mah
Open: Wed-Mon 1000-1700.
Free admission.