Bâtiment des Forces Motrices

Your expert local city guide will show you the city's best parts, including hidden secrets you can’t find easily on your own. On this walking tour will be able to see a lot of sightseeing points within a short timeframe. Apart from explaining the sightseeing points your guide can provide insight into the history and culture of the city and the country in general. The focus of this tour is to see the city like a local. However, this private tour can be customised according to your wishes. Sightseeing points to visit can be agreed upon in advance or discussed when meeting up. ITINERARY: STANDARD Sightseeing places we can easily visit during the tour are: • Jet d’Eau: Large fountain and one of the city’s most famous landmarks. • Jardin Anglais: The English-inspired landmark park features an 1862 fountain, a flower-clock sculpture & lake views. • Geneva Flower Clock: It is an outdoor flower clock that has around 6,500 plants and shrubs used for the clock face. Several plants open and close their flowers at different times of the day. • Geneva’s Old Town: Switzerland’s largest historical city, dominated by St. Peter’s Cathedral. Historical buildings, mysterious museums and famous secret passageways are well kept by the residents. • St. Pierre Cathedral: It was a former Roman cathedral that was converted to a reformed protestant church during the Reformation. • La Tour de l’Horloge (Tour du Molard): This clocktower was mentioned as early as the 14th century, it was part of the fortified enclosure of the lower town. • L’Ancien Arsenal: A small compact artillery museum with a collection of vintage canons and colourful battle-themed mosaics. • Place du Bourg-de-Four: A fortified city and a lovely old square with restaurants and shops. • Reformation Wall: This stone wall monument honours the Protestant Reformation & its founders, including John Calvin. • Promenade de la Treille: Elevated promenade that boasts one of the longest benches in the world & scenic city views. • Palace of Nations: The Palace of Nations is the home of the United Nations Office at Geneva. Some examples of HIDDEN SECRETS we can visit include: • Île Rousseau: The Île Rousseau is an island and park in Geneva, situated in the middle of the Rhone. It was named after the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. On the island is a statue of Rousseau. • Bain des Paquis: Popular public bathhouse on a pier in Lake Geneva that turns into a sauna during winter. • Bâtiment des Forces Motrices: French for “Power plant building” is the powerhouse of a former hydropower plant. • Musee d’Art et d’Histoire: Largest art museum in Switzerland with monumental art pieces. Please note that it is not guaranteed to visit all the sightseeing places listed here. How many places you can visit depends on the length of the tour booked and how much time you spend at each place. After booking you can discuss the detailed itinerary with your guide.

Step with a passionate historian on this immersive tour and discover the secrets of Geneva. Start your walking tour at Batiments des Forces Motrices, the most important hydraulic factory of Geneva. Stroll the path of the mighty Rhône River, pass the Old districts of the washwomen. Next, arrive at Halles de l’Île, once the heart of Geneva’s meat industry, now transformed into a trendy bar and brasserie. As you wander along the scenic waterfront, hear fascinating tales about Geneva’s deep connection to its rivers, hidden water tunnels, and the critical role the Rhône played in shaping the city’s history. Uncover the hidden history of Geneva’s Bel-Air district, once known as the “Machine” district—a now-forgotten area that has transformed into the heart of Geneva’s renowned private banking sector. Explore the city’s secret underground channels, its unique relationship with the Rhône, and the ingenious ways water once powered an entire industry. Before Geneva became synonymous with luxury watches and diplomacy, it was a powerhouse of innovation, using the force of the Rhône to compete with industrial giants like Zurich and Basel. Make your way to the mysterious Machine Cordier, before finally arriving at Geneva’s iconic Jet d’Eau. Hear the fascinating stories behind this famous landmark, from its unexpected origins to the legends that continue to surround it. To wrap up this fascinating journey, join the guide at a welcoming office for a convivial apéritif featuring delicious local products. Relax and unwind as you savor Geneva’s finest regional flavors—artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and a selection of local wines—while sharing your impressions of the tour in a warm and friendly atmosphere.