The Jet d’Eau provides a welcome sighteach time visitors in Geneva look towards the harbour. Take in thebreath-taking sight of this glistening column of water by day or night whileenjoying a harbour-side meal, wandering nearby parks or using the city’sbathhouse.
The Geneva Water Fountain was originallybuilt in the 18th century for a practical purpose. The jet served as a safetyvalve for a hydraulic system that pumped water to the city’s artisans andcraftsmen. The city folk soon appreciated its visual beauty and it was moved toits current central location to be a monument to Swiss Confederation. Admirethe Jet d’Eau today: this mammoth fountain, powered by twin pumps, spurts waterat 200 kilometres (124 miles) per hour to a height of 140 metres (450 feet). Andit does this almost continuously.
This Geneva spectacle can be viewed froma number of locations around the city. Visitors to the Bains de Pâquis will seethe fountain close up. Watch the jet shoot water towards the sky as you take adip in the lake. Float on your back for a particularly special view. As thefountain is affected by wind changes, be prepared for an assault by fallingwater droplets at any time.
Some of the most photogenic views of thefountain can be found from the spire of the St. Pierre Cathedral. Bring yourcamera and capture this birds-eye panorama. Otherwise, wander the wide paths ofthe Jardin Anglais, which boasts clear views of the fountain from a peacefullocation. While here, visit the Horloge Fleurie, a clock made of flowers.
In the evenings, look to the Jet d’Eauto see it lit up by 12 spotlights. These beams of light refract through thecolumn, giving it a mysterious aura. Sample a traditional fondue along the lakefrontwhile you admire its beauty.
The fountain operates year-round exceptin exceptional cases of heavy winds or freezing temperatures.
