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Attractions
The Jet d'Eau
One hundred and forty metres high and 500 litres of water per second at 200km/h: that’s the Jet d’eau! A true icon of Geneva, the gigantic water fountain has a beautiful story to tell but did you know that its presence in Geneva is almost an accident?
Do you know the secret of the Jet d’Eau?
In 1886 the hydraulic factory that distributed the Rhone’s energy to Geneva’s craftspeople and watchmakers was forced to create an open-air outlet for the over-pressurised water when the workshops closed in the evening. The place generated so much enthusiasm and excitement that it became a real attraction for locals and tourists.
In 1891 a new Jet d’Eau was created at its current location in the harbour. In 1951, thanks to a pumping station on the lake, it rose from 90 metres to a height of 140 metres. It should be noted that its height is now at its maximum and cannot be exceeded because of the surrounding houses, which would then run the risk of being sprayed with water!
Where does its colour come from?
The Jet d’eau owes its white colour to a nozzle that fills the projected water with millions of air bubbles. A lighting system lights up the water fountain for special events and tributes.
Find the calendar of illuminations here.
Who takes care of the Jet d’eau on a daily basis?
Five retirees from the Services Industriels de Genève take turns monitoring the Jet d’eau to shut off the valves when the wind blows too strong, or the temperatures are too low. The Jet d’eau guardians are always on the watch!
Good to know for maths enthusiasts: the amount of water propelled is super heavy!
Given that the average height of Geneva’s Jet d’eau is 140 metres, that the speed of the water is 200 km/h, and that its flow is 500 litres per second, one can work out that the water that is projected high above the lake weighs … 7 tonnes! And between its exit from the pipes and its return to the lake, each drop of water spends 16 seconds in the air. A magnificent and technical spectacle!
Walk right up to the Jet d’Eau via the mobile footbridge
An exceptional show for architecture lovers and thrill-seekers!! This unique invention provides pedestrian access for everyone on the Jet d’Eau pier while allowing boats to pass at given times.
In this ideal place to admire Geneva’s harbour, sunbathe, or take a memorable selfie with the Jet d’Eau, lies a jewel of ingenuity: the mobile footbridge, designed especially for this project and which can turn into a staircase when boats pass underneath! If you want to see the Jet d’Eau live, take a look here.
Check out the operating hours and the illuminations here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generating suggestions
The Fontaine de Varsovie is a spectacular fountain located in the gardens of the Trocadéro in Paris, known for its exceptional festival of numerous and varied water jets above tiered basins.[1][7]
It is situated in the Trocadéro gardens in Paris's 16th arrondissement, facing the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower on the opposite bank.[1][7]
It features multiple tiered basins with numerous varied water jets, statues of a Bull and a Stag in their aquatic space, and powerful water cannons projecting jets across the large basin.[1]
Visitors enjoy an exceptional panorama completed by the Eiffel Tower across the Seine on the left bank, enchanting the scene alongside the water features.[1]
Yes, there are statues of a Taureau (Bull) and Daim (Stag) positioned in the middle of their aquatic basin amid the jets d'eau.[1]
The display is a vast and varied festival of jets d'eau, with grand water cannons projecting powerful jets to the end of the large basin, even enchanting when some are off.[1]
Palissades block the view of the upper terrace, encouraging visitors to descend lower, but this changes little to the visual pleasure.[1]
It is regarded as the most beautiful ensemble of 'jeux d'eau de Paris' due to its numerous, varied jets over tiered basins and statues, creating an enchanting spectacle.[1][8]
The slender form of the Eiffel Tower, located opposite across the Seine on the left bank, completes the exceptional and enchanting panorama.[1]
The powerful jets act as natural brumisateurs (misters), providing diffuse coolness from spray and droplets carried by the wind, though dipping feet is illegal.[4][7]
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