Geneva Parks and Gardens

(Geneva, Switzerland)

Wooded areas, natural scenery, parks and established gardens are all fairly commonplace in the Geneva area and some of the most popular even offer spectacular views across Lake Geneva itself. Close to the city, the Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques is worth finding if you have the time and boasts an extraordinary array of plant and animal species, along with a leading research centre, library and herbarium.

Plenty of wildlife can also be enjoyed at Geneva's Bois de la Bâtie woodlands, which covers approximately 20 acres / 8 hectares and even contains its very own zoo, with free admission. The city is particularly famous for its enormous floral clock, (L'Horloge Fleurie), which is around 5 metres / 16 feet in diameter and is covered with almost 7,000 different annual plants and flowers, making it one of the city's top photo opportunities.

Parc des Bastions

Address: New Place, Geneva, CH-1200, Switzerland, CH
The Parc des Bastions is perhaps best known for its enormous outdoor chessboards, and locals regularly come here for a game, often watched by crowds of spectators. Many local celebrations and festivities take place year, often based around the onsite Town Hall, appealing to residents and tourists alike.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parc de la Grange

Address: Avenue William Favre, Geneva, CH-1208, Switzerland, CH
During the summer months, people come to the Parc de la Grange for one thing and one thing only, its spectacular rose garden, which is known locally in Geneva as 'La Roseraie'. With well over 100 different rose varieties growing within the famous gardens, you can expect quite a show and some rather pleasant smells. The views across the lake's shore are also impressive and various vantage points make the most of the panoramas offered.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parc Bertrand

Address: Avenue Peschier, Geneva, CH-1206, Switzerland, CH
Situated just outside of Geneva city centre and within the district known as Champel, Parc Bertrand offers a good place to escape from the traffic and crowds. Plenty of attractions are here for all ages, including a paddling pool, springtime bulbs, summer flowerbeds and shaded seats.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parc Geisendorf

Address: Rue de Lyon 50-56, Geneva, CH-1203, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 022 909 7000
A family friendly park with playground areas and plenty of space to run around, Parc Geisendorf stands in Geneva's La Servette area and is a great spot for a leisurely picnic. Plenty of seats are based around the main playground, so you can sit back, relax and watch your children enjoying themselves.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parc de Beaulieu et Serres de la Ville de Genève

Address: Rue Baulacre, Geneva, CH-1200, Switzerland, CH
The heart of the city's public parkland organisation, the Parc de Beaulieu et Serres de la Ville de Genève is where all of the summer floral displays around Geneva originate. The enormous specimens of trees, which include some particularly impressive examples of Cedar of Lebanon and other large species, create much of the park's charm and character.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parc des Cropettes

Address: Rue Baulacre, Quartier des Grottes, Geneva, CH-1202, Switzerland, CH
Close to Geneva's main train station, the Parc des Cropettes may be fairly small, covering only 8 acres / 3 hectares, but it offers an invaluable public space. First laid out in the middle of the 19th century, people come here to stroll, relax, picnic and enjoy the scenery. Seating areas are sprinkled around the park and around the large pond, where you are often able to feed the ducks.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parc des Franchises

Address: Avenue de Châtelaine, Quartier Châtelaine, Geneva, CH-1219, Switzerland, CH
With fragrant rose gardens and a significant horticultural past, the Parc des Franchises encompasses an area of approximately 14 acres / 6 hectares. The gardens are at their very best during the summer months, when all of the flowers are in full bloom. A playground, paddling pool and area for skateboarders complete the main attractions here.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Plaine de Plainpalais

Address: Geneva, CH-1211, Switzerland, CH
Brimming with recreational activities and fun for all the family, the historic gardens at Plaine de Plainpalais date back more than 150 years and are to be found within Geneva's central Plainpalais area. Boasting something for everyone, children will always enjoy the circus entertainment, while for the grown ups, it is the bustling flea market and large grassed areas that are the main draw card.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free