Peace and Quiet in the Heart of Europe
Guillaume Miechowka, Head of Strategy at GF Machining Solutions, lives with his family in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois (France) and works in Meyrin near Geneva (Switzerland). He loves the proximity to the city and enjoys the peacefulness of the region. Guillaume introduces us to the nicest places in the area.
Here in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, borders don’t mean a thing. I have lived with my wife and two sons in this town with a population of around 15‘000 in the Haute-Savoie department of eastern France since 2014. I work 15 kilometers away at GF Machining Solutions in Meyrin near Geneva (Switzerland).
© privateGuillaume Miechowka joined GF Machining Solutions in 2018. He played a key role in the development of the division’s Strategy 2025 and collaborates closely with colleagues around the world.
My home is just a 20-minute journey from the airport, the train station, the lake, and the mountains. We have everything our hearts desire right here. I like to go hiking in summer and the 1‘379-meter Mont Salève is the perfect place. If you don‘t want to drive up to the near slopes of La Clusaz in winter, here is my insider tip: Near St. Blaise, the farmers let you sled on their summer fields during the winter, much to my children’s delight. There are many renowned companies in and around Geneva, including GF Machining Solutions. As Head of Strategy, 2021 is a particularly exciting year for me. I contributed to designing the GF Strategy 2025 by analyzing market potential and assessing our strengths and weaknesses. I supported management in taking the right decisions. Now, my job is to make sure that we implement the strategy successfully. I was born in Paris, and I’m used to the hustle and bustle of the city, so after a long working day, I truly appreciate the peace and quiet of where I now live.
Deepak MP arbeitet seit 2012 bei GF. Er war sechs Jahre lang Service-Manager für GF Machining Solutions in Bengaluru, bevor er am selben Standort eine neue Rolle übernahm. Als Logistik-Manager überwacht er den Transport, die Verteilung und die Lagerung von Ersatzteilen.
One day around Geneva
© Getty ImagesA CUP OF TEA
Once I’ve brought my children to school, I like to enjoy breakfast at the En Apar’Thé in Saint-Julien- en- Genevois. It’s a cozy cafe with a tearoom, a terrace for sunny days, and an amazing assortment of different teas. I’m particularly fond of the Dammann brand of teas. Robert and Pierre Dammann, two brothers, founded the tea company in 1925, continuing in the tradition of Sir Damame, who traded tea in France back in the 17th Century.
© Getty Images GREEN SCENE
At noon, when I have more time, I like to set out for Hautecombe Abbey on the western shore of Lake Bourget. The former abbey was founded by monks in 1101. It can be reached on foot, by car, or by boat. The romantic scenery makes it the perfect place for a hike or to while away the afternoon. French poet Alphonse de Lamartine once visited this lake, where he penned his most famous poem, The Lake.
© Getty Images HOME COOKING AT ITS FINEST
To cap off your evening with a culinary treat, I recommend the Auberge de Bajole restaurant, which is just 20 minutes away from the din of the city – in the middle of the countryside. It’s a real hidden gem, and most people don’t know about it. They serve home cooking at its finest, and for me it’s a great place to relax and enjoy my time. The Auberge de Bajole opens its spacious terrace in summer so that children can play while their parents enjoy a meal and a glass of wine.