Jet d'Eau
Jet d'eau de Genève
A fountain shooting water about 140 m into the air above Lake Geneva. It is the city's emblem, and on sunny days it often forms rainbows.
The Jet d'Eau stands at the end of the breakwater on the south shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). It began as a pressure-release valve for a 19th-century water works, became an ornamental fountain in 1891, and has been in its current location since 1951. Pumps shoot lake water to about 140 m at roughly 200 km/h, with about 7 tonnes of water in the air at any time. You can walk along the breakwater to the base of the fountain. When the wind shifts you may get soaked by spray, which is part of the fun, so protect cameras and phones from water and watch your step on the slippery stones. The best viewpoints are the Quai du Mont-Blanc on the opposite shore or a ride on the yellow Mouettes lake ferries, which are covered by public transport tickets. The fountain is generally open during the day all year, and in summer it runs into the night with lighting. It pauses in strong winds, low temperatures or during maintenance. Admission is free.
Opening hours
Usually erupts daytime daily; extended into night in summer (suspended in strong wind or low temperatures)
Nearby sights
- Bains des Pâquis
- Flower Clock & Jardin Anglais
- Brunswick Monument
- Musée d'Art et d'Histoire
- St. Pierre Cathedral & Old Town
- Old Town & Place du Bourg-de-Four
- Maison Tavel
- Parc La Grange