Go back in time and discover Geneva’s most popular historical festival, taking place from early December to mid-December!
Geneva
at the Heart of TRADITIONS
Starting on Saturday, the cobblestone streets of Geneva come alive with majestic historical parades, featuring hundreds of participants dressed in period costumes.
Accompanied by drums, trumpets, and brass bands, soldiers, artisans, and citizens parade through the city, recreating the ambiance of 17th-century Geneva.
This captivating spectacle offers visitors a chance to experience scenes of life from the past and witness a faithful reenactment of Geneva in 1602.
Throughout the weekend, you can expect a full historical immersion. Activities include artisanal demonstrations, traditional food stands, patriotic songs, and period speeches across the squares and alleys of the Old Town. The atmosphere is infused with the energy and enthusiasm of costumed participants who proudly embody the characters of the era. Both young and old can marvel at demonstrations of forging, weaponry, and craftsmanship while savoring Geneva specialties, like the traditional hot soup, offered in tribute to the heroism of Mère Royaume.
On Sunday, festivities culminate with the Grand Historical Parade of the Escalade, an emblematic tradition that concludes the celebration.
For a complete experience and a detailed program of the parades, activities, and ceremonies throughout the weekend
Check out the information available hereSpecial
“Escalade” Activities
From historical facts to local traditions, this is a visit that will take you back in time. Be guided through the cobbled streets of the Old Town and discover the Escalade that cemented Geneva’s independence. With the help of your guide, you’ll relive this unique event as if you were there !
Dreamscape is a new storytelling medium, combining the emotional power of cinematic storytelling with the thrill of theme-park rides to create the ultimate destination for virtual reality entertainment. Share the wonder of Dreamscape with your family and friends, and together you’ll be transported to fantastic worlds beyond imagination. Explore our website to learn…
L'Escalade:
Geneva's Historic Celebration
of Courage & Chocolate
During the night, Geneva was stormed by the troops of the Duke of Savoy who sought to annex the city to France, but the Savoyards never succeeded in breaking through the ramparts thanks to the energy of Geneva’s citizens, and in particular the famous Mère Royaume (“Mother Kingdom”), whose story we will tell you a little later.
Thus, for more than 400 years, Geneva has been celebrating this victory with sumptuous parades and period demonstrations that transport you for three days to the dawn of the 17th century.
All generations come together to enjoy the historical traditions, and great characters roam in every corner of the city, dressed in unique medieval costumes, parading on foot and on horseback. Children proudly carry their torches to the sound of drums and the great choir, where the whole town sings historical songs around a gigantic bonfire.
L’Escalade is THE top festival of living traditions in Geneva and takes place early December every year!
Chocolate makers get busy for the Escalade festival as it is customary for Geneva’s residents to break a chocolate pot with family and friends and to gobble up the mouth-watering chocolate and the little vegetable-shaped marzipan sweets inside. But where does this tradition come from?
On the night of the attack in 1602, once the alert was given, Geneva’s citizens did their utmost to defend themselves and a certain Mère Royaume who was cooking a large pot of soup spilled her pot on the ramparts to prevent the enemies from climbing. This tradition pays tribute to her bravery and is enjoyed by young and old alike who delight in the delicious chocolate.
You will find the famous pot in various sizes at all the best chocolate shops in Geneva. Before breaking yours, don’t forget to recite the ritual phrase of L’Escalade: “Thus perish the enemies of the Republic”! You are now a true Genevois!
Throughout the city, you can also drink bowls of steaming-hot soup to warm up.
Welcome to Geneva, the heart of Europe, where ease of access meets the stunning backdrop of mountains and lakes. Whether you’re arriving by car, bus, plane, train, bike, or even on foot, Geneva is...
Explore our curated selection of Geneva hotels, filtered by star rating, location, and amenities, to find the perfect stay tailored to your needs.
Anyone staying in approved accommodation in Geneva is entitled to a free transport card.
A season of magic, warmth, and tranquility, winter envelops Geneva, transforming the city into a fairytale landscape. Streets and parks glow with festive lights, while snow-dusted peaks line the horizon, beautifully contrasting with the calm waters of the lake.
Winter invites you to soothe and comfort your body. In Geneva, there’s no shortage of magical and relaxing places and we’ve prepared a small list of suggestions to help you make the most of them!
Wellness centres & spas
Switzerland's largest historical city, the Old Town of Geneva is dominated by St. Peter's Cathedral, the centre of the Reformation. The small cobblestone streets tell its story through small squares,...
The Old Town
A pass to savour! Visit Geneva at your own pace and push open the doors of Geneva’s greatest chocolate makers to taste their...
Read more
With no less than 13 starred establishments, Geneva has turned into a true destination for haute cuisine and features exceptional restaurants, whose fame has now spread beyond our borders. Come and...
Starred restaurants
In summer as in winter, fondue brings people together and delights all foodies…
Whether it’s “half-and-half,” with mushrooms, tomatoes, truffles or champagne, or a traditional fondue, it’s the...
Cosy, heart-warming cafés that smell of hot chocolate and cappuccino… Here’s our selection of seasonal venues for a comforting and yummy coffee.
Cosy cafés
