Geneva’s Jardin Anglais

About the Flower Clock

Tell the time with flowers!

Situated in the heart of the Jardin Anglais, the Flower Clock, which was created in 1955, is made up of several thousand flowers. The motifs and arrangements are designed according to the season. Beyond its decorative ambition, the Flower Clock delivers the time with Swiss precision – it is indeed transmitted by satellite. Another significant detail: its 2.5-metre-long seconds hand is the largest in the world! 
Geneva became the cradle of watchmaking in the 16th century, when the first major Swiss watchmaking brands emerged. At the time, following the reformation of John Calvin, the people of Geneva had strict rules to follow in terms of clothing and dressed as simply as possible. However, since they refused to strip themselves of all ornamentation, the population decided to buy watches, so jewellers, in order to satisfy the demand, became watchmakers. This is how Geneva’s watchmaking industry came into being.

From tradition to precision, Geneva is now the symbol of fine watchmaking. The Flower Clock, which is located in the heart of Geneva’s Harbour, unobtrusively and elegantly represents this Swissness that is known throughout the world.
Using seasonal flowers, the decoration of the Flower Clock is renewed four times a year. The site, which is a symbol of green Geneva, is under close horticultural supervision and the specialised gardeners of the City’s Green Spaces Department work there every week. All the plants in the Flower Clock are produced by the City's horticultural production centre and are labelled “Genève Région-Terre avenir”.

The National Monument

A monument that celebrates a patriotic event.
The National Monument, inaugurated in 1869, symbolises the entry of Geneva into the Swiss Confederation on 12 September 1814. It was erected to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this alliance, for which commemorations – the Fêtes de Septembre – were held in 1864 and 1869.
Sculpted by Robert Dorer, this bronze statue represents two young women proudly perched on their pedestal, carrying swords and shields with their gaze turned towards the lake and Switzerland. One symbolises the Republic of Geneva (with the crenelated headdress), the other symbolises Helvetia, Switzerland, both embracing at the waist.

La Potinière restaurant

In the heart of the Jardin Anglais!
Nestled in the heart of the Jardin Anglais and right next to the lake, the restaurant offers a real relaxing moment. DJs and bands will entertain you while you enjoy a drink or two with friends on Tuesday and Thursday nights. La Potinière is the perfect place to sip on a delicious cocktail while admiring the Jet d'Eau. And don't forget that La Potinière's wine cellar is a real gold mine!

Christmas at the Jardin Anglais

Every year from mid-November, the Jardin Anglais lights up and welcomes the magnificent Geneva Christmas Market. Local craftspeople and designers share their passion and come up with plenty of ideas for exquisite, Geneva-made Christmas gifts.
Fondue lovers get to enjoy a delicious moment in the large wooden Fondue Chalet and warm up around the stoves with mulled wine while their children giggle merrily on the vintage carousels.