Characteristics of Geneva tourism nowadays show some degree of persistence but also certain structural changes since the 19th century. These constancies and transformations are analyzed through the interpretation of the touristic image of the cityscape produced within literature, paraliterature and iconography. Three stages of development are explored: 1) a 19th century romantic period; 2) a business oriented image since 1960; 3) a new hedonist and festive image since 1998 that breaks with the tradition of the city. A qualitative methodology of interpretation or hermeneutics of texts and images is applied to three basic documentary supports : general literature, travel guides, and touristic promotion. Image concordance or discordance among these three medias and reality is discussed and evaluated.