parc Gourgas

Parc Gourgas is a small public park in Geneva's Jonction district, right beside the broad Plaine de Plainpalais. It sits between Boulevard Saint-Georges and Boulevard Carl-Vogt, in a tightly built-up block, which makes it a pleasant pause on a city walk rather than a destination for half a day.

Where is Parc Gourgas and how do you get there?

The park lies in central Geneva, west of the Old Town, at roughly 46.1996 N, 6.1355 E. It is a few minutes on foot from the Plaine de Plainpalais, home of the well-known flea market. Walk from the centre or take public transport to stops along Boulevard Carl-Vogt or Boulevard Saint-Georges. Entry is free and the park is open to everyone.

What is the history of the park?

For such a central spot, the park is fairly recent. Until the late 19th century much of the land was farmed, and later it was occupied by the Maison des enfants malades, a children's hospital. The neighbourhood filled with buildings after the nearby fortifications were demolished. In 1903 the firm Perrot Duval et Cie, tied to the early motor trade, moved into the former Gourgas school.

The City of Geneva bought several plots in 1974 and opened the park with a playground in 1986, squeezed into the existing urban fabric. According to the city's website, the park carries the name of the writer Georges Aldas. It has been reworked several times since, and the neighbouring pedestrian zone has been extended.

What will you see there?

The planting includes plum trees, Lombardy poplars, lime trees and maples. A giant sequoia stands on the rue du Village-Suisse side and is the most striking tree. At the centre is a branch of the Maison de quartier de la Jonction, a neighbourhood community centre running activities for residents. A playground makes the park popular with families from the surrounding apartment blocks.

The City of Geneva maintains the greenery ecologically, without chemical products, as it does across its public green spaces.

Why visit this part of Geneva?

Plainpalais served military purposes for centuries, then market gardening, and became a leisure area in the 17th century. Jonction was farmland that turned into an industrial zone in the 20th century. Today it is among the most densely populated parts of Geneva, and municipal documents point to a shortage of green space, especially at the Jonction point where the Rhône and the Arve meet. Parc Gourgas is one of the few green pockets locals use.

If you are exploring the area, combine the park with a walk across the Plaine de Plainpalais, then continue to the riverside where the Rhône and the Arve join.

When is the best time to go?

Late spring to early autumn is best, when the trees are in full leaf and the playground and benches are in use. In autumn the limes and maples change colour. Afternoons bring the most families; mornings are quieter.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Parc Gourgas? No. It is a municipal park and free to enter.

Does it have a playground? Yes. The playground was created together with the park in 1986.

Is it a large park? No, it is a small green space among buildings, suited to a short rest. Larger open space is on the nearby Plaine de Plainpalais.

Which district is it in? Jonction, next to Plainpalais, between Boulevard Saint-Georges and Boulevard Carl-Vogt.