THE 10 MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS IN GENEVA
by Julie Gabus
Geneva is a small city with lots of beautiful, iconic and unusual places to visit. To best capture the many aspects of the birthplace of Calvin, grab your camera and head to these iconic and photogenic spots.
JET D’EAU
The main tourist attraction of Geneva and one of the tallest fountains in the world measuring 140m in height, was built in 1886. As it became a symbol of the city it, was relocated to the center of the Lake in 1891.
THE FLOWER CLOCK
With its strong watchmaking tradition, Geneva created the biggest clock in the world made with flowers in 1955. It is located in the Jardin Anglais and it always looks different as it is renewed four times per year by a specialised team.
THE BAINS DES PÂQUIS
The Bains des Pâquis is a very popular place where Genevans like to chill. First built out of wood in 1872, the baths have been completely rebuilt in 1932 with reinforced concrete and glass as part of a project by Louis Arnichard and Henry Roche. Here you can enjoy swimming in the lake, paddling, scuba diving, sauna, hammam, massages and more. Another great thing to try in the Bains des Pâquis is the well-renowned fondue with champagne.
GENEVA FORMER ARSENAL
In the heart of Geneva’s old town, you’ll see 5 cannons that remind us of Geneva’s past. You can admire 5 wall paintings representing 3 big parts of the history of Geneva: the arrival of Jules Caesar in 58 BJC, the fairs during the Middle Ages and the welcoming of the French Huegenots in 1685.
THE CITY HALL
Built during the XVth century, the building located in the old town is home to the government of Geneva and this is where the first Geneva Convention was signed in 1864.
It is well-known for its monumental stone ramp that allows access to all the floors on foot and on on horseback.
ST PIERRE CATHEDRAL
The Saint Pierre Cathedral, located on the top of the hill in the old town, is a protestant church since the Reform.
The climbing of the 157 steps is worth the trip as you will enjoy a beautiful view across Geneva, especially of the lake.
TREILLE’S BENCH
At the foot of the city hall, you’ll find the wold’s longest bench made out of wood! It is 120m long and offers a panoramic view on the Parc des Bastions and the mountains in the background.
CHESS GAME AT PARC DES BASTIONS
The Parc des Bastions is a very popular park in Geneva situated in the centre of the city.
It is home to some of the main monuments of the city, such as the old university and library of Geneva and the famous Reformation Wall (see below).
But there is also a quirky adult play area, where you can play life-size chess for free. A great way to relax on your lunch break !
UN BROKEN CHAIR
Geneva is well-known as the headquarters of international organisations and one of the most famous is the United Nations.
Just in front of the building you will find one of the most famous sculpturea of Geneva, the monumental Broken Chair.
It was installed on the Place des Nations in 1997 and constructed by the sculptor Daniel Berset at the request of Handicap International as it was calling for the signature of the treaty against land mines. It is 12m high !
REFORMATION WALL
The famous Reformation wall is located in the Parc des Bastions. It represents the main proponents of Calvinism. In the centre of the wall you’ll see Guillaume Farel, Jean Calvin, Théodore de Bèze, John Knox (5m-tall statues) with the engraved motto of Geneva and of the Reformation : Post tenebras lux (After darkness, light).
