JET D’EAU (WATER JET)

The emblem of Geneva. Located on the left bank in the Eaux-Vives district. Genevans worry about its absence when it's not there! Standing 140 m high, the jet d'eau dominates the surrounding area. Originally, in 1886, it served as a safety valve for the Coulouvrenière hydroelectric plant on the Rhône. It spurted 30 meters into the air when craftsmen closed the taps on their machines, creating excess pressure. The craftsmen worked for "La Fabrique", the watchmaking industry and its derivatives. In those days, they made parts in their small workshops. In 1891, the town's administrative council came up with the idea of transforming this giant fountain into a tourist attraction. The fountain was moved to the Rade, where it first operated in July 1891, reaching a height of 90 meters. The following month, plans were made to illuminate the fountain, which was immediately done to celebrate 600 years of Confederation. Since 1951, the jet has been powered by an autonomous system, a feat of engineering at the time. The two electric pumps that drive it today deliver 500 liters per second (1,000 kW, 16 bar pressure). Its appearance is determined by the outlet nozzle, which projects a hollow column of water. The speed of the water at the outlet is 200 km/h, and its flow rate is 500 l/sec. the equivalent of filling three bathtubs per second. Each drop takes 16 seconds to fall, and 7 tonnes of water are suspended in the air.

The water jet is subject to the vagaries of the weather. It does not work in very cold weather or when the breeze is too strong.

A footbridge has been built to reach the water jet, which is now accessible to all. Worth 4.5 million Swiss francs, partly financed by donations from a private foundation. A luxurious promenade for Geneva's jewel!

La Banquise is a new winter activity on the Quai des Eaux-Vives next to the Jet d'Eau, with a wellness zone featuring a traditional Mongolian yurt for relaxation and massages, a sports zone and a refreshment area. DJ Friday and Saturday evenings from 6.30pm to 10pm, from January 18 to March 26, 2023.

If you'd like to take a look at it before your trip, or if you're feeling nostalgic on your return, it now has its own webcam: www.sig-mobile.ch/_jet_deau/jet_deau.php

To discover all the secrets of Geneva's iconic giant, free guided tours are available from April¹ to October 31. Information at: www.sig-ge.ch