With the arrival of the fine weather, snack bars, barbecue areas and deck chairs spring up in the city’s parks. From the different bathing sites to the summer events programme, find all the information you need to enjoy summer in Geneva to the full.
Our tips and ideas
Keeping a cool head in the heat
Let the music flow!
Summer festivals
With the summer months just around the corner, Geneva's music scene is bursting at the seams. Here's our selection of music festivals that will have you rocking to the rhythm of summer 2023.
Lake Parade
The Lake Parade is back, more festive than ever, for its 23rd edition. The programme includes two days of celebration and a new stage installed close to the beach in les Eaux-Vives.
Concerts and entertainment in the city
Several entertainment venues and summer bars offer concerts, DJ sets and dance evenings during the summer months.
Diving into the heart of summer
Places to swim
Whether in swimming pools, paddling pools, Lake Geneva or a river, there are plenty of opportunities to take a dip! Find all the practical information you need and a list of places to swim in Geneva.
Water sports and activities
Pedalos with a slide at the back or paddle surfing will give you a taste of the water of Lake Geneva and refresh you. For more thrills, head for the Arve, which you can raft or canoe down to discover the city in an original and fun way.
Getting into sport
Free sports classes
It's going to be a sporty summer!
- From 4 July to 21 August, 70 free of charge sports classes for all ages are organised around the city.
- La Canopée, an ephemeral relaxation area on the Quai Gustave-Ador, will be offering relaxation and wellness activities as well as a beautiful view over the harbour.
- As for l'Asphalte, it welcomes you from 1 June with its urban sports facilities.
Urbain golf | 3 July to 20 August 2023
During the summer, the City of Geneva is offering free golf in the city centre. The 7-hole, 4km-long course allows you to rediscover the city's most beautiful sites while enjoying a sporting activity.
Outdoor training facilities
To make the most of the sunshine and get some exercise at the same time, why not use one of the many sports infrastructures or facilities provided by the City, such as:
Summer sports schools for children
Summer sports schools give 4-18 year-olds the chance to try out over 50 original disciplines in a fun, relaxed atmosphere during the summer holidays.
Relaxing in town or in the parks
Ciné transat | 13 July to 20 August 2023
To make the most of the fine summer evenings, Ciné Transat is offering free screenings and entertainment from 13 July to 20 August 2023 (Thursdays to Sundays) in the Parc de la Perle du Lac.
Free deckchairs in the parks
It's the accessory of the summer! It's usually used with your feet up on the grass, thanks to the deckchair scheme, which is available free of charge to the public in several Geneva parks. Cultural activities, leisure activities and barbecues: there are plenty of fun activities on offer.
Urban oasis at Eaux-Vives
During the summer, the Municipal Libraries (BM) are going green and inviting you to join them outdoors for a host of events and nomadic cultural activities. These events, which combine art and nature, are designed to tie in with the history of the park or neighbourhood in which they take place.
Oasis urbaine aux Eaux-Vives
A garden atmosphere just outside the Eaux-Vives station: shade, tables, benches, flower, vegetable and berry tubs welcome the public, who can even help themselves as the planting progresses.
Tasting the summer
Summer snack bars
With the arrival of the fine weather, numerous snack bars spring up in the parks around Geneva. Run by young people and/or neighbourhood associations, they serve drinks and snacks at reasonable prices accompanied by activities and, in certain cases, music.
Festi'terroir | 18 to 20 August 2023
Tastings or purchases of craft beers, wines and other quality local products will be on offer at the Parc des Bastions, with Festi'terroir, a major festival devoted to direct sales and organic produce.
Barbecues
Barbecues areas have been specially set up in several Geneva parks and are available to the public free of charge. Every summer, barbecue parties are also organised in a number of the city's parks.
Bite into Geneva
From local restaurants and food trucks to local produce, regional wines and beers and tasty events, here are our suggestions for enjoying Geneva to the full:
Games and parties
Board games in the parks
L'Union fait le jeu is an activity offered in various City parks during the summer. A group of young girls, supervised by the Youth Department, play board games and outdoor games such as ball games and racquetball.
Street parties in the neighbourhoods
Workshops, world cuisine, garage sales and music take over the streets, which are pedestrianised for the duration of the event, at the various Ville est à vous events. Next summer dates:
- 10 and 11 June (Europe),
- 17 and 18 June (Dancet and Minoteries),
- 26 and 27 August (Baud-Bovy),
- 2 and 3 September (Plainpalais),
- 9 and 10 September (Grottes).
Ludobus summer tours
Two Ludobus stop off at around forty parks and playgrounds during the summer to offer games and activities for children and families.
Swiss National Day | 1 August
A special, festive day awaits the public during the festivities on 1 August.
The 2023 programme focuses on ecology and human rights.
1st August National day
Find out more about the programme
Geneva differently
Take a trip
Are you dreaming of the Mediterranean, exotic destinations or a journey to the far side of the globe?
With its walks through a North American forest, under shady palm trees or through volcanic landscapes, Geneva boasts a number of sites that will whisk you off on a journey and satisfy (almost) all your desires to visit distant destinations.
Nocturnes de Saint-Pierre
With Les Nocturnes de Saint-Pierre, Saint-Pierre Cathedral is offering access to the towers to admire the panorama on evenings when there is a full moon, between 9pm and 11.30pm. An opportunity not to be missed, on 5 June, 3 and 31 July and 28 August 2023.
The summer programme
Find all the events organised this summer in the City of Geneva’s online diary and via the free Geneva in summer mobile app, available for download from Google Play or the Apple Store
Article modifié le 29.02.2024 à 10:47