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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.00mi , Attraction : Waterbody
Map Pin
Quai du Seujet 26, 1201 Genève, Switzerland
POI 1 Tour Image
Rhone
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.

Continue across the Barrage-du-Seujet walkway.

Read More

  https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/144296/the-rhone-river-in-geneva
Place #2
Distance: 0.00mi , Attraction : Performance Venue
Map Pin
Rue de la Coulouvrenière 7, 1204 Genève, Switzerland
POI 6 Tour Image
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.

Read More

  https://www.usine.ch/
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Rhone
Map Pin Place 2 L'Usine
Map Pin Place 3 Younger Population
Map Pin Place 4 Cimetière des Rois
Map Pin Place 5 Story Time
Map Pin Place 6 Synagogue Beth-Yaacov
Map Pin Place 7 Tram
Map Pin Place 8 Skating
Map Pin Place 9 Frankenstein
Map Pin Place 10 Place de Neuve
Map Pin Place 11 Bathroom Break
Map Pin Place 12 Parc des Bastions
Map Pin Place 13 Reformation Wall
Map Pin Place 14 Directions
Map Pin Place 15 La Promenade de la Treille
Map Pin Place 16 Cuisine
Map Pin Place 17 Place du-Bourg-de-Four
Map Pin Place 18 Architecture
Map Pin Place 19 Passage des Degrés-de-Poules
Map Pin Place 20 Saint Pierre Cathedral
Map Pin Place 21 Archaeological Site and Main Entrance to Cathedral
Map Pin Place 22 Hôtel de Ville
Map Pin Place 23 L'Ancien Arsenal (The Old Arsenal)
Map Pin Place 24 Maison Tavel
Map Pin Place 25 Fontaine du Perron
Map Pin Place 26 The Passage de Monetier
Map Pin Place 27 Swiss Miss
Map Pin Place 28 Temple of Madeleine
Map Pin Place 29 Place de la Madeleine
Map Pin Place 30 Swiss Watch Making
Map Pin Place 31 Rue de la Croix
Map Pin Place 32 Story Time
Map Pin Place 33 Refreshments
Map Pin Place 34 Jardin Anglais
Map Pin Place 35 Fontaine des Quatre-Saisons
Map Pin Place 36 Jet d’Eau



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