La Halle de Rive

I was looking for a fromagerie on Bd Helvetique that I had found online. When I found that the fromagerie had turned into a brasserie, I was at a loss as to where I was going to get local cheese without a Globus, Manor, Coop or Migros sticker on it. Then, I turned my head, and there was Halle de Rive.

Halle the Rive is an indoor market that has a little bit of everything, including cheese, meat, fish wine, bakery, flowers, middle eastern food, and chocolate. There is also a little restaurant and bar attached. The problem is, it really only has a little bit of the everything it has. There were some empty counters, and others that only had a handful of items displayed. The market itself wasn't very big, and most of the shoppers seemed like tourists who had somehow found themselves there.

I imagine it's much easier for people to get their cheese and meat at the local grocery store, as grocery stores in Geneva do seem to have a good cheese selection and deli. Perhaps that was why the market was so empty on a Saturday afternoon. But I had purchased cheese that I'd actually seen the guy cutting off of the huge wheel, and that was enough to make me happy.

We were looking for Migros and stumbled across Halle De Rive. It was a warm afternoon so this indoor market was a welcome refuge. Finding only expensive places to eat in Geneva, I actually liked this place because you can select and pay for the portion(s) you want.
** Magne Traiteur - bites of chicken breasts in light olive oil and tomato/cucumber salad (great for a picnic), plus the lady who helped me was polite and friendly.
** Charcuterie Bulliard - great selection of terrines and foie gras. Good service too. He was precise to cut just the portions we wanted, weighed the items then quoted the price.
** Delicious, fresh marinated octopus from a vendor a few steps from Charcuterie Bulliard and near the Asian food counter.
** On our way out, we passed a counter with a variety of sweets and baklava; I wish I took some home.

The Halle De Rive can be described briefly as an indoor high end farmers market. Depending on which entrance you use, your nose will be overwhelmed by many different smells all at once. You will find a little bit of everything from local fish, wine, meat, flowers, fruit, chocolate, and cheese. There are some Asian food booths where you can pick up a quick bite to eat for lunch, and some boulangerie booths. The prices are a bit steep though, which is why I haven't ever used this location for grocery shopping. I can go to my local market or butchery to find just as good local products at a better price. My office is located nearby so I have often found myself coming here to grab a quick bite to take away and eat. Most of the booths do not take credit card, so be sure to have some cash with you.

Neat little marketplace in the center of the city. They have a range of produce, cheeses, pastas, meats, and prepared items. A bit pricier than what you'd pay at a Migros or Coop, but good quality.

Wonderful food market offering a little bit of everything from produce to cheese. Some of the vendors also offer takeaway meals, too. Unfortunately, it's pretty expensive, so you're unlikely to do your regular grocery shopping there.