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About this place
Parc des Cropettes is a public park in Geneva's Grottes district, just behind Cornavin railway station. For anyone stepping off a train it is the nearest patch of green in the city centre, and it stays open around the clock.
Where is Parc des Cropettes and how do you get there?
The park sits on the Grottes side of Cornavin station. From the platforms it is a short walk of a few minutes, which makes it a handy stop before hotel check-in or while waiting for a connection. Entry is free and there are no gates to close.
What is the history of the park?
The name comes from the Cropet family, who acquired the estate in the 17th century. A garden pavilion went up in the lower part of the grounds in 1870, and in 1873 the City of Geneva bought the remainder of the estate. The park grew thanks to gifts from Madame Odier-Beaulacre, who handed over first the lower and then the upper section of land and also paid for a nursery school. The orange-segment-shaped pond dates from this period, and the Cropettes primary school, built in 1901, stands within the grounds.
What can you see and do here?
- The pond – a small basin where you can sit right at the water's edge.
- The pavilion – the 1870 building in the lower part of the park.
- Greenery and paths – a quiet break from the traffic around the station.
- Playground – movement games and sand play for children, plus pétanque pitches for adults. It is open 24/7; dogs are not allowed inside it.
When should you go?
The park is accessible all year, at any hour, but warm days are best, when the shaded benches and lawns invite a longer rest. In spring and summer it works well for a picnic or a pause in sightseeing. It is one of more than sixty public green spaces managed by the City of Geneva.
Frequently asked questions
Is Parc des Cropettes free to enter? Yes. It is a public park open 24 hours a day.
Is it suitable for families? Yes. There is a playground with movement and sand games, and an area for pétanque.
Can I bring a dog? Dogs can enter the park, but not the playground area.
How far is it from Cornavin station? The park lies directly behind the station in the Grottes district, a few minutes on foot.
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