About this English self-guided 1h:46m walking tour in Geneva
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces walking tour of Old Town Geneva Switzerland. My name is Dave, and it will be my pleasure to be your co-pilot today, as we embark on a captivating journey beginning along the serene banks of the Rhône River, where the city’s rich history meets its vibrant present.
As you stroll through the charming cobbled streets and picturesque squares, you’ll venture through centuries of cultural and historical significance. From ancient Roman marketplaces to the heart of the Protestant Reformation, each stop offers a glimpse into Geneva’s fascinating past.
Discover architectural gems like the iconic St. Pierre Cathedral, the Maison Tavel, and the historic Hôtel de Ville, all within a leisurely walk from one another. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views from the Promenade de la Treille and immerse yourself in the legacy of the Reformation at the famous Reformation Wall.
We will conclude with an unforgettable moment at the water’s edge, where the majestic Jet d’Eau fountain rises dramatically from Lake Geneva, offering a spectacular finale to your exploration of this enchanting city. With each step, Old Town Geneva reveals its timeless charm, making this walking tour an enriching experience for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Today’s tour will take us roughly two and half hours, covering two miles, across relatively level terrain, making for a comfortable experience. We begin today at a convenient location, near the main train station, and next to parking lots, for those who drove here. This is also a drop off point for some cruise ships and ferries. Follow your GPS navigation, and we will begin shortly.
What’s that to the left shooting into the sky? It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… Jet d’Eau. A water fountain. We see it now at the beginning of the tour, and we will finish up with a much closer view later.
Here on the banks of the Rhone, we see one of Europe’s most important waterways, and its relationship with Geneva is deeply intertwined with the city’s history, culture, and economy.
Originating from the Rhône Glacier in the Swiss Alps, the river flows through Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) before continuing its journey through southeastern France and eventually emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. Its crystal-clear waters, particularly striking as they leave Lake Geneva, have made it a symbol of the city’s natural beauty.
Historically, the Rhône played a crucial role in Geneva’s development. As a natural trade route, it facilitated commerce between Switzerland, France, and other regions of Europe, contributing significantly to Geneva’s prosperity during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The river was also a vital defense line, with Geneva’s fortifications strategically built along its banks to protect the city from invaders.
The Rhône’s presence shaped the city's layout, with bridges like the Pont du Mont-Blanc connecting the Old Town to the newer parts of Geneva. Today, the Rhône is not only a scenic highlight but also an essential water source and a hub for recreational activities. Its confluence with the Arve River is a striking natural phenomenon, and its proximity to the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain underscores its lasting significance to Geneva’s identity and charm.
About a half mile down to the right, the Confluence of the Rhône and Arve Rivers takes place, best viewed from the Jonction Bridge (Pont de la Jonction). This dramatic meeting of two rivers creates a vivid contrast: the Rhône’s clear, turquoise waters flowing from Lake Geneva collide with the milky, sediment-rich waters of the Arve, which originate in the glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif.
From the Jonction Bridge, you get a breathtaking view of this merging point, where the two rivers run side by side before blending into one. The difference in color is so distinct that it almost appears as though a line has been drawn between them, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Historically, the confluence has been significant for Geneva’s development, serving as a natural landmark and influencing trade, settlement, and infrastructure in the city. Today, the surrounding Jonction neighborhood is known for its bohemian atmosphere, with art spaces, parks, and walking trails, making it a great place to explore.
Rue de la Coulouvrenière 7, 1204 Genève, Switzerland
L'Usine
The graffiti covered building in front of us is L'Usine, an iconic cultural and artistic hub in Geneva, known for its vibrant alternative scene. Located in a former factory building on Place des Volontaires, just near the Rhône River, L'Usine has been a cornerstone of Geneva’s underground culture since the early 1990s.
This self-managed, non-profit venue hosts a wide array of artistic and cultural events, including concerts, club nights, theater performances, film screenings, and art exhibitions. It’s renowned for supporting independent artists, musicians, and filmmakers, making it a haven for creativity and counterculture in a city often associated with diplomacy and finance.
The building itself, with its industrial architecture, graffiti-covered walls, and raw atmosphere, stands in stark contrast to the polished image of Geneva.
L'Usine comprises several spaces, such as: Le Zoo, a popular club for electronic music and techno lovers. La Salle PTR (Petite Reine), a concert hall showcasing rock, punk, and metal bands. Le Spoutnik, an independent cinema focused on avant-garde and experimental films.
There are additional theater spaces and art studios that offer a platform for innovative performances and exhibitions.
L'Usine is more than just a venue; it’s a symbol of Geneva’s diverse cultural landscape, championing freedom of expression, creativity, and inclusivity.
We will be making a left onto Rue de la Coulouvreniere, followed by a quick right down Rue du Tir.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Rhone
Place 2L'Usine
Place 3Younger Population
Place 4Cimetière des Rois
Place 5Story Time
Place 6Synagogue Beth-Yaacov
Place 7Tram
Place 8Skating
Place 9Frankenstein
Place 10Place de Neuve
Place 11Bathroom Break
Place 12Parc des Bastions
Place 13Reformation Wall
Place 14Directions
Place 15La Promenade de la Treille
Place 16Cuisine
Place 17Place du-Bourg-de-Four
Place 18Architecture
Place 19Passage des Degrés-de-Poules
Place 20Saint Pierre Cathedral
Place 21Archaeological Site and Main Entrance to Cathedral
Place 22Hôtel de Ville
Place 23L'Ancien Arsenal (The Old Arsenal)
Place 24Maison Tavel
Place 25Fontaine du Perron
Place 26The Passage de Monetier
Place 27Swiss Miss
Place 28Temple of Madeleine
Place 29Place de la Madeleine
Place 30Swiss Watch Making
Place 31Rue de la Croix
Place 32Story Time
Place 33Refreshments
Place 34Jardin Anglais
Place 35Fontaine des Quatre-Saisons
Place 36Jet d’Eau
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How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).