Parc Barton

Parc Barton stretches along Lake Geneva with paved walkways running through groves of giant sequoias and European trees. The grounds include a historic villa and open green spaces available around the clock.

Daniel Fitzgerald Pakenham Barton acquired the estate in 1892, and his widow later donated it to the Swiss Confederation. The gift included specific conditions regarding maintenance and preservation.

The villa within the grounds houses a graduate research institute and shapes Geneva's identity as a center for international scholarship. The place blends private heritage with public academic purpose.

The park is open around the clock with designated pedestrian paths and areas where bicycles are permitted. Plan your visit according to the season, as the trees look different throughout the year.

The grounds contain approximately 30 California giant sequoias growing for over a century, creating an unexpected North American forest in the Swiss landscape. These massive trees often go unnoticed by visitors despite being a rare botanical treasure.

Location: Geneva

GPS coordinates: 46.22222,6.15111

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:45