Jet d'eau

In 1891, the City of Geneva decided to promote the Jet d'eau to the position of tourist attraction by installing it at the end of the Eaux-vives pier at the heart of the bay. The Jet d'eau has been illuminated on a regular basis since 1930.

Practical info

Operating hours

The operating hours and illumination of the Jet d'eau can be viewed on the SIG website.

Acces

The Jet d'Eau is accessible by public transports:

• lines 2, E, G, 6, Rue du Lac stop
• lines E, G, Vollandes stop
• Mouettes Genevoises, Eaux-Vives stop

 You can plan your journey from your position on the TPG website

Lighting system

It is at night that the Jet d’eau can be seen in all its splendour, thanks to a sophisticated lighting system. Its snowy appearance, resulting from the presence of millions of minute air bubbles, is in complete contrast with the surrounding darkness, lending the monument a magical aura.

Illuminations of the Jet d'Eau

The Jet d'Eau is regularly illuminated in a variety of colours on the occasion of different days and celebrations, to show that Geneva and SIG are associated with these events.

• 15 October: Global Handwashing Day - blue
• 16 October: World Food Day - blue
• 17 October: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - cyan blue
• 18 October: Geneva Caregivers' Day - brown, red and yellow
• 22 October: International Phelan McDermid Syndrome Day - green
• 29 October: Peace Week - purple

How it works

Projecting half a cubic metre of water per second 140 metres into the air requires two powerful motor pumps weighing more than 16 tonnes in total and supplied with some 2,400 volts, generating almost 1,000 kilowatts of power. The water, drawn from a circular basin, is pushed towards the outlet nozzle where it reaches a speed of 200 km/h.

Drops blown by the wind sometimes reach the Bains des Pâquis, considered by many as the best vantage point to admire the Jet d’eau from the other shore. Some like to watch the show from one of the towers of the Cathedral Saint-Pierre. Others prefer the nearby Jardin anglais. Visitors who don't mind getting wet can take a much closer look from the jetty only a few metres from the base of the outlet nozzle.

Coulouvrenière hydraulic factory to the harbour

In 1886, a Geneva-based company pumped and distributed pressurised water for use by craftsmen’s machines. In the evening, demand would fall and to reduce the pressure in the pipes, there was an opening at the very end of the Coulouvrenière pumping station. A water jet would spout a few metres into the air.

In 1891, the City of Geneva decided to install this water jet in the harbour, accompanied by electric lighting. However, it was only from 1930 that it was illuminated on a regular basis.

The Jet d'eau in figures

• 140 metres high;
• the water is projected skywards at a speed of 200 km/h;
• half a cubic metre of water gushes our per second;
• two powerful pump units weigh more than 16 tonnes in total and generate a power output of almost 1,000 kilowatts;
• millions of minute air bubbles create the snowy appearance of the Jet d'eau when lit up at night.

Activities

• Admire the Jet d'eau from the Bains des Pâquis, located on the other shore. Drops of water carried on the wind sometimes reach as far as this haven of relaxation.
• Climb the numerous steps of Saint-Pierre Cathedral to benefit from a 360° panorama over the city, the lake and the Jet d'eau.
• For anyone who isn’t frightened to get wet, walk along the pier that leads to within a few metres of the base and the outlet pipe.
• Walk along Quai Gustave-Ador in the evening: the sophisticated lighting shows the Jet d’eau off in all its splendour. A fairytale atmosphere guaranteed.