Water Fountains (Jet d'Eau)
- Address: Quai du Général-Guisan, Geneva
- Hours: Closed for maintenance for most of November and not operational in cold weather.
- Admission: Free
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good Place to Relax,
Popular with Locals,
Statue / Monument
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If you’ve seen a panoramic view of Geneva you’ve most likely seen the huge lake Water Fountains, or Jet d’Eau, with its commanding position at the point where the River Rhône empties into Lake Geneva. It started life in the 19th century as a humble safety valve for a hydraulic installation, but is now the city’s foremost symbol.
With every second, some 130 gallons of water are propelled at 125 miles an hour to a maximum height of 150 yards (that's 500 liters at 200 km/h reaching 140 meters). The water shoots into the air before descending in a graceful fan shape back down to the lake, but its exact destination is determined by the strength and direction of the wind. In the warmer months, the fountain is lit during the evening until 11 o’clock.
Latest Reviews
Review by Aleksandra Katrzyna, Poland, March 2013
Doing what: Geneva City Tour
Absolutely fantastic! Well-prepared and easy-going tour guide. Well done!
Review by Rachel S, February 2013
Doing what: Geneva City Tour
Tour was great! I really wanted to see the UN buildings, and it was amazing to be able to go around and see all of the places that were important to me. The tour guide was great, and she was so informative!
Review by rpmrichard1a, January 2013
Doing what: Geneva City Tour
I only had one day in Geneva and this 2 hour tour provided me with everything I had hoped for, and more. The courier was particularly and knowledgeable. I would certainly go for this experience again.
Practical Info
You can get up close and personal with the Jet d’Eau on to the Jetée des Eaux Vives (off Quai Gustave Ador), though a drenching is a distinct possibility. Alternatively, the Jardin Anglais is a short stroll along the shore and offers a safer vantage point.
