Marronnier de la Treille

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The first bud announces spring

Every year in Geneva, the administrative secretary of the State Council and Great Council announces the arrival of spring. Since 1818, this official figure has observed, communicated and recorded the opening of the first leaf of a chestnut tree located on the Promenade de la Treille.

Initiated by an inhabitant of the Rue des Granges who, as early as 1808, was in the habit of observing the foliation of a young tree opposite his house, this custom is very dear to all the inhabitants of Geneva.

An event broadcast far and wide

The appearance of the first leaf on the chestnut tree is an event broadcast far and wide by the press. An observations board, covered in parchment and enclosed in a pyx, or wooden box, records all the dates since 1818. It is on show in the State Council room. 

Which tree?

The current official chestnut tree, designated as such in 1929 following the disappearance of its three predecessors, is located at the very eastern end of the promenade.

The official chestnut tree in figures

Number of official chestnut trees

There have been 4 official chestnut trees. 

Hatching dates since 2000

2000: 28 February - 2001: 15 February - 2002: 7 February - 2003: 29 December - 2004: 21 February - 2005: 19 March - 2006: 14 March - 2007: 2 March - 2008:19 February - 2009: 6 March - 2010: 15 March - 2011: 28 February - 2012: 13 March - 2013: 21 March - 2014: 5 March - 2015: 13 March - 2016: 16 March - 2017: 11 March - 2018: 24 March - 2019: 12 March - 2020: 8 March - 2021: 12 March - 2022: 10 March - 2023: 9 March. 

Activities

A celebration of spring

Every year on the Promenade de la Treille, the First Leaf Festival is organised to celebrate the arrival of spring.

Banc de la Treille

Nearby is the famous 'banc de la Treille', said to be the longest bench in the world. It is 120 metres long.

A green monument

Along with the Horloge fleurie, the Jet d'eau and the Jardin anglais, the Treille chestnut tree is one of those "green monuments" that recall the long botanical tradition of the people of Geneva.  The first chestnut trees appeared on La Treille in the 18th century, a period marked by a return to nature. It was the time of botany and naturalism, represented in Geneva by Horace-Bénédict de Saussure and Augustin Pyrame de Candolle.