Parc Baud-Bovy

Parc Baud-Bovy is a city park in Geneva's Plainpalais district, right beside the Uni Mail university complex. It is a compact green space set among university buildings, housing and busy streets, with boulevard Carl-Vogt the nearest main road and the Arve river close by.

Where is the park, and is it in Champel or Malagnou?

Neither. The park lies in Plainpalais, next to University of Geneva buildings. The city lists Malagnou and the Champel plateau as separate green spaces, so don't confuse them with this one. The coordinates are roughly 46.195 N, 6.139 E.

What was here before the park?

The land was rural until the 19th century, then filled with a barracks, one wing of which still stands on rue de l'École-de-Médecine. In 1896 the site hosted, for six months, the Palace of Industry and the brasserie of Switzerland's second national exhibition. From 1926 the halls of the former exhibition palace gradually replaced the barracks and stayed for about fifty years. The last Geneva Motor Show took place here in 1981; later editions moved to Palexpo. In 1999 the plot was redeveloped to hold Uni Mail, a housing block and the present park, which opened in 2000.

What will you see?

The design is contemporary and deliberate. More than 300 hornbeams form a shady canopy, and eight "islands" set into the layout evoke water, forest and mountain. The ground is permeable gravel. You will find children's play equipment, a small football pitch, picnic tables and toilets. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed.

Who is it named after?

The name comes from the Baud-Bovy family. It is usually linked to Daniel Baud-Bovy (1870-1958), a Geneva writer and art historian who curated the Musée Rath, directed the city's fine arts school and chaired the Federal Commission for Fine Arts for two decades. The city's own pages do not state outright whom the park commemorates.

When should you go?

Any season works. In summer the hornbeam canopy provides shade, and on weekdays the park fills with students and neighbours on a break. It fits well into a walk around Plainpalais and the university quarter, combined with visits to nearby museums or the old town.

FAQ

Is Parc Baud-Bovy free to enter?

Yes, it is an open public park in Geneva.

Can I bring a dog or a bike?

No. Dogs and bicycles are banned.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes. There are playgrounds, a small football pitch, picnic tables and toilets.

When did the park open?

The current park opened in 2000, after the site was reworked in 1999 alongside Uni Mail and new housing.