Le campagnon – guide maps of the Geneva countryside and local heritage

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From 2004 to 2015, Le Campagnon published a map of green leisure activities and farm gate sales within the Canton of Geneva. Out of print for several years, the maps have been revisited by the association which has created a series of three French-English bilingual guide maps in pocket format, proposing easy walks exploring the history, heritage, nature and local specialities of the Geneva countryside.

These new guide maps propose three hikes taking in key sites and interesting activities, for example a village or historical building, observation of the flora and fauna, discovery of the particularities of a specific area or the chance to purchase local products. Farms and vineyards which sell their produce on site as well as restaurants carrying the “Ambassadeur du terroir genevois” label located in the area around the hiking trail are indicated on the maps and listed in detail in the side notes. For the most part, the circuits follow secured and way-marked footpaths and are connected to the Geneva public transport network. They take between four and six hours to complete and are intended for all local inhabitants as well as tourists visiting Geneva.

Support from several local operators and associations

These maps have been produced and financed thanks to the support of the Agenda 21 - Sustainable City department of the City of Geneva, the Genève Rando association, the Office for the Promotion of Agricultural Products of Geneva (OPAGE), the Genève Tourisme & Congrès Foundation and the State of Geneva (Office of Heritage and Sites and the Cantonal Office of Agriculture and Nature). Thanks to this funding, the maps are now available free of charge from the Information Centre of the City of Geneva (Boulevard Carl-Vogt 2, 1205 Genève), or at the kiosk of Geneva Tourism (located in the Jardin anglais). The circuits can also be found online on the Geneva local heritage map via the “Genève Terroir” app or on the Genève Terroir website.

Republication as part of the “Geneva, City of Taste” event

This map project is part of the “Geneva, City of Taste 2021” happening, a flagship event focussing on the promotion of sustainable food, taste education, universal access to healthy and quality food and the link between food and its impact on the climate. 

Description of the 3 hiking trails

1. Geneva’s agricultural heritage – the rural plain of Haute-Seymaz

We propose you set off in search of Geneva’s rural heritage. Take a walk through former estates and hamlets that have retained their rural character. You will discover farmhouses, the ruins of Rouelbeau Castle, recently reopened following archaeological excavations, and the wine-growing slopes of Choulex. You will cross the rich natural reserve of the Sionnet marshes along the banks of the re-natured Seymaz river before reaching Jussy, where majestic oak trees surround Le Crest Castle. The trail ultimately takes you to the heart of the village of Meinier and to the very foot of Switzerland’s oldest walnut tree. A true journey through local rural heritage. 

Trail: 15.6 km, 3 hours 45 of walking without a break.

Possibility of buying local products at farm gates along the circuit.

2. Geneva, between vineyards and rivers – around the Valley of the Allondon

Through vineyards, villages and valleys, we offer you the chance to immerse yourself in the wine-making tradition of Geneva and the rural heritage of the surrounding countryside. The circuit takes in the municipalities of Satigny, Dardagny and Russin, former lands of the Bishop of Geneva referred to as the Mandement, or mandamus. You will pass through hilltop hamlets (la Tuilière, Essertines, Malval) and make a detour to La Cabuche, a former guard post transformed into a refreshments bar with a panoramic terrace. Home to numerous plants and animals, the Valleys of the Roulave and the Allondon will offer you the chance to familiarise yourself with the local biodiversity. The hike finishes in the charming village of Russin, with its stunning views over the region.

Trail: 17.2 km, 4 hours 35 of walking without a break.

Possibility of buying local products at farm gates along the circuit.

3. The “Far West” of the Canton of Geneva – in search of the past in Chancy-Avusy

If you enjoy walking in the footsteps of history, we propose a hiking trail bearing witness to the rich past of the region of Chancy, an age-old crossing point on the Rhone along the road to Lyon. Exploring the most westerly part of Switzerland is like taking a journey back in time. In particular, you will come across boundary markers testifying to the situation of Geneva several centuries ago. And you will follow footpaths classified as being of national importance and leading to historical sites and villages, such as Avusy. All this at the heart of a lush, diversified and untamed natural setting of forests, fields and rivers. There is no doubt that the “Far West” of the Canton of Geneva is well worth the detour. 

Trail: 11 km, 3 hours of walking without a break.

Possibility of buying local products at farm gates along the circuit.