Event: Switzerland - Geneva

Artisan Capital - Carouge

When:	Daily
Where:	Carouge

Just a short trip from Geneva on the tram, the quaint artisan town of Carouge has a bohemian charm that is a world away and a welcome break from the straight-laced atmosphere of the city.

Fanning out from the main square, the narrow streets are studded with green-shuttered Piedmont houses - a throwback to when the town became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia in the 18th century. The alleyways are lined with fascinating book and antique restorers and artisans from watchmakers to glassblowers, hatters, bag makers and clothes designers. Nothing is ready-made - the designers not only make their own clothes but also weave their own cloth and creativity seems to hang in the air. The florist's creations look like sculptures rather than flower arrangements. Even better still, everyone seems to have time for a chat.

Each shop displays a little booklet, aptly titled Carouge, which lists artisans' workshops in the area. There's a flower and vegetable market on the central Place du Marché, which is open on Saturday and Wednesday mornings. When the shopping is done, there are a host of little bistros and restaurants nearby.