With the summer months well underway, now is the time to check out Geneva’s public parks! Whether you’re looking for a new spot to take your kids, a place to relax over a picnic lunch, or to rediscover one of the city’s many green spaces, here’s an overview of some of Geneva’s most popular parks.
Parc des Eaux-Vives
Parc des Eaux-Vives in bloom
One of Geneva’s largest, oldest and most beautiful parks, Parc des Eaux-Vives, overlooks Lac Leman from the rive gauche. The park offers wide walking paths, a top-tier restaurant and tennis club, and copious rhododendrons and azaleas shaded by large trees. More information about Parc des Eaux-Vives can be accessed here.
Parc de la Grange
Adjacent to Parc des Eaux-Vives, the larger Parc de la Grange shares beautiful views of Lac Leman. From two outdoor theaters (L’Orangerie and the Ella Fitzgerald stage) in the summer months to a large rose garden and walking paths, there are reasons to visit for most anyone. In particular, for children, the park offers a paddling pool as well as playground equipment. Parc de la Grange is open every day but closes each evening to visitors. More information about the park is available here.
Parc des Bastions
Parc des Bastions in the autumn
Sandwiched between the Vieille Ville (Old Town) and Plainpalais at Place de Neuve, Parc des Bastions is the home to the Reformation Wall and the University of Geneva, plus outdoor chess and checkers boards, a children’s play area, and several manicured gardens. During warmer months, a snack stand near the playground offers cool drinks and iced treats; year round, the Restaurant au Parc des Bastions offers classic Swiss fare and drinks in an elegant indoor-outdoor setting. In the winter, the outdoor restaurant terrace is converted into a public ice-skating rink. Find toilet facilities in the park near the Place de Neuve entrance. More information about Parc des Bastions is available here.
Parc la Perle du Lac
Parc la Perle du Lac, named for the wife of Rolex Watches founder Rodolphe Wilsdorf sits on the rive droite bank of Lac Leman. Every July and August, CinéTransat shows free outdoor movies in the park. In all seasons, dogs are welcome on leash. The park is a great place to watch the fireworks during the annual Fêtes de Genève, and if you’re looking for a place to take children, little ones can play in nearby Parc Mon Repos. Read more about the park here.
Parc Bertrand
Parc Bertrand
Located in the heart of the Champel neighborhood, Parc Bertrand boasts a large fenced-in dog park, playground equipment, shaded corners, and wide lawns. During the summer, a refreshment cart circulates along the paved paths with drinks and cold snacks for purchase. Parc Bertrand is popular with families, dog owners, seniors out for a quiet stroll, and picnickers. In addition, several interesting trees bearing plaques are spread throughout the park, such as a large oak gifted to the city by the American International Women’s Club in 1991. Read more about Parc Bertrand here.
What is your favorite public park in Geneva? Tell us!
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As someone who lives in Australia, I love Parc Bertrand as when I was a child, I attended the school nearby and then as an adult, I lived again in Geneva and took my children to Perle du Lac which we all loved.