Bois de la Bâtie

Bois de la Bâtie is a wooded hillside park in Geneva, above the Jonction where the Rhône and the Arve meet. Natural oak woodland, shaded paths, a free animal park and the city's biggest playground make it a favourite green escape for locals and families.

What is there to see?

The heart of the park is its oak forest, crossed by trails and lanes. A full renovation in 2020–2021 added three viewpoints, panoramic benches, picnic tables, a new refreshment kiosk and buildings devoted to nature education. Geneva's largest playground sits here too, so the park easily fills half a day with children.

Is there a small zoo?

Yes. The animal park covers roughly 2.5 hectares and costs nothing to enter. Nearly 300 native animals live there, among them peacock goats, mirror sheep and peacocks. The first two are endangered breeds, and the park takes part in conservation work with the ProSpecieRara foundation. It began in 1945, when a gardener named Maréchal started sheltering injured wildlife from the region in makeshift pens; the city made it official in 1982. Feeding the animals is forbidden, and dogs may not enter the animal area.

Where does the name come from?

The woodland was donated to the city in 1868 by the Turrettini brothers. The first public feature was a pond from the 1870s, paid for by a bequest from the Duke of Brunswick, and the park was laid out around 1874. The name goes back to the old Bastie-Mellié fort. The gift started a tradition of donated parks from wealthy Geneva families, which helped the city earn its nickname, the "city of parks".

When should you go?

The park itself is open around the clock. The animal park opens daily, 8:00–18:00 from November to March and 8:00–20:00 from April to October. Spring and summer bring the thickest greenery and long evenings for a picnic with a view; autumn colours the oak canopy.

Planning your visit

• Start at the Jonction to see the two rivers merge, then climb into the woods.
• Bring a picnic or use the kiosk on site.
• Keep dogs on a lead on the paths.
• Check the city's notices before you go: in 2026 access from chemin Fief-de-Chapitre is occasionally closed while a footbridge over the Nant Manant stream is built.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Bois de la Bâtie free? Yes, both the park and the animal park are free.

Can I bring my dog? In the woods, yes, on a lead. Dogs are not allowed in the animal park.

Where can I picnic? There are picnic tables, benches and a kiosk, plus Geneva's biggest playground for children.

Can I feed the animals? No, feeding is not allowed.