JET D'EAU

Emblematic and majestic on Lake Geneva, the jet d'eau, at 142 m high, is the most charismatic of Geneva's monuments.

One of the emblems of Geneva. This 140 m water jet is the most famous "postcard" of Geneva. Located on the left bank in the Eaux-Vives district, it is a lively spectacle. It is not the largest in the world, but its panache is unrivalled! Moreover, it could not go higher because it is in an urban area. Originally, in 1886, it acted as a safety valve for the hydraulic plant at La Coulouvrenière, on the Rhône. It gushed out 30 meters high when the craftsmen closed the taps of the machines and an overpressure was created. The craftsmen worked for "la Fabrique", i.e. the work of the watchmaking industry and its derivatives. At that time they made the parts in their small workshops. It was in 1891 that the town's administrative council had the brilliant idea of transforming this giant fountain into a tourist attraction. It was therefore moved to the Rade and operated there for the first time in July 1891, reaching a height of 90 metres. The following month, the idea of illuminating the fountain was considered, which was done immediately to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the Confederation. Since 1951, the jet has been operated by an autonomous system, a small technical feat for the time. The two electric pumps that power it today deliver 500 litres per second (1,000 kW, 16 bar pressure). Its appearance is determined by the outlet nozzle, which projects a hollow column of water (a full column would almost pass through.

The speed of the water at the outlet is 200 km/h, its flow rate is 500 l/sec, the equivalent of three filled bathtubs per second. Each drop takes 16 seconds to fall back and 7 tons of water are suspended in the air.

Did you know that? The speed of the water at the outlet is 200 km/h, its flow rate is 500 litres/second, the equivalent of three bathtubs filled per second. Each drop takes 16 seconds to fall back and 7 tons of water are suspended in the air.

A new footbridge was built in 2016 to join the water jet, which is now accessible to everyone. The value of such a structure? 4.5 million Swiss francs, partly financed by donations from a private foundation. Luxurious promenade for the jewel of Geneva!

To contemplate it before your stay or for the nostalgic on your return, he now has his webcam: www.sig-mobile.ch/_jet_deau/jet_deau.php

To learn all the secrets of this emblematic giant of Geneva, it is possible to follow free guided tours from¹ April to 31 October. Information on: www.sig-ge.ch