Custom Walk in Geneva, Switzerland by marco_jensen_278c3 created on 2025-11-14

Guide Location: Switzerland » Geneva
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Share Key: 5TJTB

How It Works


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1
Place du Molard (Molard Square and Tower)

1) Place du Molard (Molard Square and Tower)

Once described as Geneva's “economic lung, urban matrix, and political arena”, Molard Square is one of the city's oldest commercial areas since the 16th century. The first mention of it as a port dates back to 1271. The word "molard" is the Latin for levee of earth and probably refers to a riprap, a dyke, that used to protect the port. In 1309, the first hard hall was built in the area, making it a commercial and customs port.

In the 16th century, the area around Molard became an economic center of the city fitted with warehouses, customs and foreign exchange offices, hotels, numerous craft shops, public writers and notary benches, printers, etc. Eventually, there appeared a fish and poultry market with new halls established in 1690.

At the center of the square is the Molard Tower (aka Clock Tower) which is a remnant of the defensive wall that used to protect the port of Molard in the Middle Ages. In 1906 it was adorned with a painted frieze taken from the demolished house of Rolle. The frieze features the coats of arms of the key actors in the Reformation history and a sculpture, called “Geneva city of Refuge”. Some find the male character depicted on the sculpture to bear a striking resemblance to Vladimir Lenin, although there is no proof that the author used Lenin as a model.

In addition to that, the square hosts a myriad of small boutiques and big brand stores, plus a number of excellent souvenir shops. Twice a week, Molard Square transforms into an open-air flea market organized by local authorities.
2
Cathédrale de St. Pierre (Saint Peter Cathedral)

2) Cathédrale de St. Pierre (Saint Peter Cathedral) (must see)

The locale of the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Geneva has been the site of a cathedral and the seat of a bishop since the 4th century. The present cathedral was the work of the Prince-Bishop of the diocese, Arducius de Faucigny, in 1160. It was begun in the Gothic style, and there have been some changes since then.

The Cathedral of Saint Peter combines styles with a Neo-Classical Roman temple portico adjoined to a high-steepled Gothic edifice with a tall mullioned window. In 1535 French theologian John Calvin and the Reformation arrived in Geneva. Calvin adopted the cathedral as his home church, ushering in an age of architectural iconoclasm.

The cathedral was mostly stripped. The altars, all of the statues, and most paintings were destroyed or removed. The pulpit and some paintings were spared. The interior is spacious and plain, illuminated by hanging chandeliers. There are rows of benches and a few chapels. The aisles hold tombstones of 15th and 16th-century church dignitaries.

At the highest point of the Old Town, there is a stunning panorama for visitors hardy enough to brave the 157 steps of the north tower. The cathedral is often a venue for concerts. There is an archeological site in the crypt with artifacts of a 4th-century basilica. The 14th-century Chapel of the Maccabees should not be missed.

An enormous pipe organ is situated above the main entrance. It has the appearance of a red and gold crown. Loudspeakers are installed to magnify the already sonorous sound. If that is not enough, another, smaller organ is in the front on the left side. John Calvin's triangular stool is still next to the pulpit.

On the north side of the cathedral is the International Museum of the Reformation. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. A five-minute walk away is the Museum of Art and History. It has historical artifacts from the cathedral and the Saint Peter altarpiece painted by German artist Konrad Witz.

The Tower clock strikes every hour, followed by a tune on the glockenspiel, sometimes it's the Swiss National Anthem.
3
Mur des Réformateurs (Reformation Wall)

3) Mur des Réformateurs (Reformation Wall) (must see)

Inaugurated in 1909, the Reformation Wall celebrates persons and events of the Protestant Reformation using bas-reliefs. On the grounds of the University of Geneva, the Reformation Wall marks the 400th anniversary of French reformer John Calvin's birth and the 350th anniversary of Calvin's founding of the University.

The wall is built into the Old City walls, emphasizing the role the city and its fortifications played in the drama of the Reformation. The monument was the result of a worldwide competition. Seventy-one designs were submitted. Four Swiss architects were picked: Charles Dubois, Alphonse Laverrier, Eugene Monod, and Jean Taillens.

Due to the close connections to Protestantism, the individuals most prominently depicted on the Wall were Calvinists; however, key figures in other theologies are also included. The sculptures were created by French artists Paul Landowski and Henri Bouchard. At the center of the monument stand four statues, each over 16 feet tall, representing the prominent figures of Calvinism: William Farel, John Calvin, Theodore Beza, and Kohn Knox. They wear scholastic robes and carry small bibles.

On the left of the group are three 10-foot figures of Fredrick Willam of Brandenburg, Willam the Silent, and Gaspard de Coligny. On the right are the figures of Roger Williams, Oliver Cromwell, and Stephen Bocskai. A motto declares in Latin: "After darkness, light."
4
Place du Bourg-de-Four (Bourg-de-Four Square)

4) Place du Bourg-de-Four (Bourg-de-Four Square) (must see)

"Place du Bourg-de-Four" is the French translation for the Latin term "Forum of the Burgundians." The reference is also to the Castle of Gomdebaud, king of the Burgundians, who died in 516. From its beginnings, the square has been a venue for markets and fairs. Today it is also a tourist magnet.

Unlike most city squares having a large open space, the Bourg-du-Four is shaped more like an hour-glass. The north side, dominated by the Palace of Justice, ultimately divides into Fountain Street (Rue de la Fontaine) and Verdaine Street (Rue Verdaine). Between these two is the Lutheran Church.

The south side looks more like a city square. The fountain and surrounding buildings form a harmonious grouping, bordering a small, tree-lined promenade and a minute square ("placette") at the start of the Town Hall Street (Rue de l'Hotel-de-Ville).

From the marble fountain, looking east, one can see the Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice). Facing the police station is Saint Peter's Cathedral, the largest church in Geneva. Around the square are gelaterias, cafes, book shops, galleries, bars and bistros. Once a cattle market, the square now offers high-end shopping.

Another point of interest is the Passage des Degres-de-Poules ("Chicken Coop Walkway"), a narrow passage on the north side. It is a staircase of 67 steps leading up to Saint Peter's Cathedral. It is a bit wider than two chickens walking abreast.
5
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (Museum of Art and History)

5) Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (Museum of Art and History) (must see)

The Museum of Art and History in Geneva, constructed in the early 20th century, houses a remarkable collection of fine art spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. This collection features works from various schools of art, including Italian, Dutch, French, English, Genevan, and Swiss. Among its notable pieces is 'The Miraculous Draught of Fishes' (1444) by Konrad Witz, a part of Witz's Saint Peter Altarpiece.

The museum also boasts works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Cézanne, Modigliani, and the sculptor Rodin. Notable contributions can also be found from artists like Jean-Étienne Liotard, Ferdinand Hodler, Félix Vallotton, and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. The collection of works by Genevan Neoclassical painter Jean-Pierre Saint-Ours (who passed away in 1809) is considered one of the museum's most exceptional offerings.

In addition to its fine art holdings, the museum houses an Applied Art section, which includes diverse collections of Byzantine art, icons, medieval and Renaissance weaponry, silverware, tinware, musical instruments, and textiles. The museum also showcases the complete interior furnishings and wood paneling from several rooms of the Lower Castle Zizers, dating back to the late 17th century.

The Archaeology section of the museum presents a wide array of artifacts, including findings from European prehistory, ancient Egypt (featuring a mummy from the 9th century BC), the Kerma culture of Sudan, the Near East, ancient Greece, as well as Roman and pre-Roman Italy. Additionally, there is a numismatic cabinet displaying a collection of coins and currency.
6
Jet d'Eau (Water-Jet)

6) Jet d'Eau (Water-Jet) (must see)

The Water-Jet (Jet d'Eau) is a prominent fountain located in Geneva and stands as one of the city's key attractions. Originally established in 1886, its primary function was to act as a safety release for a hydraulic power network. Positioned initially at a different site, the fountain was later moved in 1891 to its current location as a part of the celebration for the Federal Gymnastics Festival and the Swiss Confederation's 600th anniversary. The current version of the Water-Jet was installed in 1951, housed in a partly submerged pumping station.

Today, it's recognized as one of the world's tallest fountains and is a distinct feature of the Geneva skyline, even visible from up to 10 kilometers (about 33,000 feet) in the air. The fountain propels 500 liters (132 gallons) of water per second to a height of 140 meters (459 feet) at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour). At any moment, approximately 7,000 liters (1,849 gallons) of water are in the air.

Visitors can access the fountain via a stone pier on the lake's left bank. However, they should be wary of sudden wind shifts that can lead to an unexpected soaking.

Since 2003, the Water-Jet has been operational during daylight hours throughout the year, weather permitting, and also functions in the evenings from spring to autumn, enhanced by 21 lights.
7
Horloge Fleurie (Flower Clock)

7) Horloge Fleurie (Flower Clock) (must see)

Geneva is renowned worldwide for its rich watchmaking heritage, often referred to as the epicenter of high-end timepieces. In 1955, as a tribute to this time-honored tradition and a dedication to nature, the Flower Clock was introduced on the western side of the English Garden in Geneva.

This remarkable clock boasts a diameter of 5 meters (approximately 16 feet) and features a second hand measuring 2.5 meters (around 8.2 feet) in length. Crafting the clock face required the use of approximately 6,500 flowering plants and shrubs. For several decades, Geneva's Flower Clock held the distinction of being the world's largest outdoor clock composed of flowers. However, in 2005, it ceded this title to a 15-meter (approximately 49-foot) counterpart in Tehran, Iran.

What's truly remarkable about this Swiss masterpiece is that it has faithfully operated for over half a century without ever experiencing a moment of downtime. Even more fascinating is the fact that it undergoes a perpetual transformation, as it is constructed using various types of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year. With each passing season, the plants are changed, ushering in a fresh palette of colors and making the Flower Clock a truly distinctive sight. It's worth noting that the entire mosaic is created and maintained in an environmentally friendly manner, without the use of harmful chemicals.
8
Pont du Mont Blanc (Mont Blanc Bridge)

8) Pont du Mont Blanc (Mont Blanc Bridge)

The Mont-Blanc Bridge stands as the farthest upstream bridge along the Rhône River, positioned right at its exit point from Lake Geneva, essentially serving as the endpoint of the lake. This bridge connects two major thoroughfares within the city, namely rue du Mont-Blanc on the right bank and Quai Gustave-Ador on the left bank. It tends to experience heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, but is typically less crowded at other times.

In December 2001, an underground pedestrian crossing was inaugurated beneath the first arch of the bridge on the right bank, allowing pedestrians to travel between quai des Bergues and quai du Mont-Blanc without navigating the road junction. This passage consists primarily of a unique steel floating pontoon.

The Mont Blanc Bridge features fixed flagpoles on both sides throughout its length, and on Swiss National Day, the flags representing the 26 cantons of Switzerland can be seen flying proudly.

This bridge holds special significance as a prime location for witnessing the fireworks displays during the Geneva festivals and serves as a route for the Lake Parade. It offers stunning panoramic vistas of Lake Geneva and the iconic Water Jet.
9
Le Scandale

9) Le Scandale

Le Scandale, a renowned cocktail bar in Geneva, has been a local favorite and a popular destination for international guests since its inception in the 1990s. Known as the coolest hangout in downtown Geneva, this vibrant spot has carved out a unique identity, drawing in a diverse crowd with its captivating charm and an extensive cocktail menu.

The interior of Le Scandale is as memorable as its drinks. Dominated by bold shades of red, the decor creates an atmosphere that's both inviting and electric, perfectly encapsulating the bar's name. This color scheme sets a tone of excitement and allure, making it an ideal backdrop for both lively conversations and intimate moments.

At the heart of Le Scandale's appeal is its remarkable selection of cocktails. With more than eighty different concoctions available, it's a paradise for cocktail enthusiasts. Among these, the Margarita stands out as a crowd favorite, renowned for its perfect balance and exceptional taste. This variety ensures that every visit to Le Scandale offers a new flavor experience, catering to all palates, from the classic to the adventurous.
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