Parc des Eaux Vives

Parc des Eaux Vives is a lakeside park in Geneva, covering roughly 4.5 hectares on a slope above Quai Gustave-Ador in the Eaux-Vives district. An 18th-century mansion crowns the hill and now houses a hotel and restaurant. It is one of the nicest green spots on the left bank of Lake Geneva, only minutes from the city centre.

What will you see in the park?

The ground falls gently toward the water, so walking uphill from the quay opens up wider and wider views over the lake. Lawns, mature trees and paths fill the park, and a cascade is among the features the city highlights. At the top stands the former country house, built in 1750 according to the city, although the estate's history reaches back to 1565. The Geneva sports association also has its headquarters here.

How did the park come about?

In 1865 the estate was bought by engineer Louis Favre, who later built the Gotthard railway tunnel. After his daughter sold the property in 1896, an amusement park, Luna Park, was set up on the grounds. When it went bankrupt, the Eaux-Vives municipality bought the land in 1913, and in 1931, when the municipalities merged, the park passed to the City of Geneva. The mansion was altered several times and was already a restaurant by the late 19th century.

Where can you eat and relax?

The old mansion holds the Hôtel Restaurant du Parc des Eaux-Vives at Quai Gustave-Ador 82. It offers a handful of rooms and suites, plus a summer terrace restaurant overlooking the grounds, and hosts weddings and receptions. After a serious fire in 1999 the building was restored and reopened in 2003. If you would rather picnic, spread a blanket on the grass and stroll the waterfront afterward.

What else is nearby?

The park adjoins Parc La Grange and forms its natural continuation. Right next door are Baby-Plage and the Plage publique des Eaux-Vives, which opened permanently on 22 August 2020. The beach stretches 400 metres alongside a two-hectare park with a nature zone, and has toilets, showers, drinking fountains and a water-access ramp for people with reduced mobility. Swimming is unsupervised. Combining both parks with the beach makes an easy half-day walk along the lake.

When should you visit?

From late spring to early autumn is best. In summer the lawns fill with locals and the lake invites a swim. Spring and early autumn are calmer, with clear views from the upper part of the park. Entry is free.

Frequently asked questions

Is Parc des Eaux Vives free to enter? Yes. It is a public city park with no ticket.

Can you eat in the park? Yes. The former mansion houses a hotel and restaurant, with a terrace in summer. The beach next door also has spots for drinks and snacks.

Can you swim nearby? Yes, at the neighbouring Plage publique des Eaux-Vives and at Baby-Plage. There is no lifeguard on duty.

How long should you plan? An hour covers the park itself. With Parc La Grange and the beach, set aside half a day.