Parks, Geneva

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The parc was created in the 18th century and was laid just outside the ramparts on the southern side of the city. It is pleasant and has a large number of stautes and monuments. The most famous being the Mur de la Reformation - which of course shows the heroes of the Reformation in Europe!

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Photos:
1. Parc de la Grange and Lake Geneva
2. Statue of a patient lion at the park entrance
3. My rental bike at the entrance to the Orangerie Summer Theater.
4. Open-air restaurant at the Orangerie in La Grange Park

This Parc de la Grange, literally "Park of the Barn", is located on the south side of Lake Geneva and is one of the city's iconic sights, with its long stretch of lawn sweeping down from the Orangerie all the way (seemingly) to the lake.

From this distance and angle you can't see the obnoxious four-lane highway that separates the bottom of the park from the lakeshore.

The inscription at the park entrance, underneath the lion in the second photo, says that the park was acquired in 1800 by François Favre (1736-1814) and that it was enlarged and embellished by his descendants Guillaume Favre (1770-1851), Edmond Favre (1812-1880) and William Favre (1843-1918).

the Bastion Park is located on the South side of Lake Geneva not far from the banking district. this parc is very pleasant in the summer with his trees and shadows. It contains part of the University of Geneva, one of the largest in Switzerland.You can also feed the swans in the lake shore

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You will find loads of nice parks (310 hectares which represents 20% of the urban territory!) in Geneva which offer unlimited stroll around the city and besides the Geneva Lake shores. Here are some of my favourites on the right bank of the Rhône:


***Ile Rousseau: when crossing the Rhone via the Bergues footbridge make a pause on this tiny and relaxing island named after the great Genevan philosopher, Jean- Jacques Rousseau. A pleasant teracce is waiting for you. Do not forget to take old bread for the greedy swans if you have children ;-)

Location: Pont des Bergues, Bus 6-8-9-10-26


***Quai du Mont-Blanc and Quai Wilson: Many luxurious 5 stars hotels and elegant old residences are located along the lakeside quays offering the best view on the Jet d’Eau, the left bank skyline, Mont Salève, the Alps and the Mont Blanc! Make a stop at the Brunswick Monument which contains the tomb of Charles II, Duke of Brunswick. Charles left his fortune to the city of Geneva, with the condition that the city place him in a replica of Verona’s Scaligeri Mausoleum. Further along the quay is the Pâquis Jetty with its lighthouse and the famous public baths (see my specific tip)


***Perle du Lac: during crossing this park you will be reward by a splendid view of the lake. After passing in front of a huge fountain, an extensive lawn gently leads you down to the lake and the small port protected by a stone pier where the "Mouettes genevoises" boats anchor.

Location : Sécheron area, 128 rue de Lausanne. Bus 4-44 or Mouettes genevoises (ferry M4)


***Botanical Gardens: since 1904, these 28 hectares located on the edge of Geneva offer an ideal setting for either a simple stroll or for learning. The Botanical Gardens displays a collection of 16,000 plant species from all over the world. An open-air cafeteria and a botanic shop contribute to a pleasant visit.

Location: avenue de la Paix, place Albert Thomas, chemin de l'Impératrice. Bus 4-44

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You will find loads of nice parks (310 hectares) in Geneva which offer unlimited stroll around the city and besides the Geneva Lake shores. Here are some of my favourites on the left bank of the Rhône:

***Parc des Bastions: a pleasant and popular place just located down of the ancient defensive wall of the Old Town.. It was my HQ to relax after/between my University courses (a quick sleep on an grass matress;-), to have a drink at the pavilion-restaurant or play a lifesized chess game. You will also find the famous Reformation Wall, erected in 1909 to honour the founders of Protestantism, the Palais Eynard, built in the 19th century for a banker’s private residence and now housing the City of Geneva’s Town Hall and the University of Geneva, an imposing building which grew from the academy founded by Jean Calvin in the 16th century.

Location: Place Neuve, Tram 12 or Bus 1-3-5-17-21-23-32


***Parc de la Grange: the thousands roses graden (40'000 rose bushes) with over 200 varieties exhibited in an exceptional architectural harmony: terraced flowerbeds between stone steps, decorated with pools and pergolas.

Location: Eaux-Vives Quai Gustave-Ador, Bus 2-7-9-A-B-E-G


Jardin Anglais: Before crossing the Mont-Blanc bridge to the right bank stop to the small but beautiful English Garden and admire the famous flower clock , a reflection of Geneva’s preoccupation with watchmaking!

Location: Quai du Général-Guisan, Bus 2-6-7-8-9-20-22-29

Formerly Geneva's first botanical garden this lovely promenade in the heart of the city is now embellished by monuments, fountains and statues all along its shady walks. Over fifty rare varieties of trees may still be admired. A pavilion-restaurant as well as a life-sized chess and checker game area make this a favourite meeting place.

Check the travelogue: La Terre Vue Du Ciel to see what happens in Bastion's Park this summer.

This park is one of the most beautiful parks I've ever seen. It is full of roses during the summer and its grounds are rolling grassy hills with huge shade trees. It's a great place to have a picnic!!

Apart of the Reformation Wall,the Park of Bastions is one of largest and most beautiful parks in the city.Don't hesitate to come here to have a break in your visit to Geneva.It is a nice and quiet place inside the very busy city.