Jet d'Eau, Fountain at Lake Geneva waterfront, Switzerland
Description
The Jet d'Eau is a tall fountain on Lake Geneva that rises from the end of a long pier extending into the water and remains visible from both shores. The water column climbs straight into the sky and often forms a rainbow in sunlight, while spray drifts across the surrounding water surface.
History
The installation appeared at the end of the nineteenth century as a technical solution for a hydroelectric plant and moved to its current location shortly afterwards. The height increased several times over the decades until it reached its present form.
Culture
This large fountain bears a name meaning water jet and now marks the city's image around the world. Visitors come to the lakeshore to take photographs and feel the fine spray when the wind carries falling droplets across the promenade.
Practical
The installation operates daily in good weather and shuts down temporarily during strong wind or frost. The pier is reachable on foot and offers a close view of the rising water column from its end.
Did you know?
The jet consumes roughly the amount of water an average household uses in one day every second. The droplets fall back into the lake water over a wide area around the pier after their climb.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Eaux-Vives).
European fountains have been central features of city squares, gardens, and palaces since the 16th century. These water features display scenes from mythology, religion, and history through carefully crafted sculptures and flowing water. Each fountain tells a story about the place where it stands...
Geneva offers a diverse heritage combining history, science, and nature on the shores of Lake Geneva. The city houses institutions such as the Palace of Nations and CERN, religious buildings like Saint Pierre Cathedral where Calvin preached, as well as cultural spaces like the Patek Philippe Museum...
Beau-Rivage Geneva
511 m
Jardin Anglais
481 m
L'horloge fleurie
519 m
Bains des Pâquis
356 m
Pierres du Niton
228 m
Mont Blanc Bridge
578 m
Centre islamique de Genève
446 m
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
542 m
Phare des Pâquis
303 m
Calvinium
517 m
Jardin des Alpes
552 m
Gallery Brulhart
502 m
Maison Royale, Genève
399 m
La Brise
551 m
Immeubles rue Pierre Fatio, Genève
464 m
Quai Wilson
535 m
Phare des Eaux-Vives (Genève)
62 m
Fontaine du Jardin Anglais
452 m
Immeubles
354 m
Construction in the Third and Fourth Dimension
581 m
Quai du Mont-Blanc et mobilier urbain de 1896
435 m
Fontaine de la Place Plantamour
605 m
Fontaine de la Place du Port
590 m
Fontaine de la place Métropole
547 m
Fontaine de la place du Port
592 m
Du Paon residential building
577 m
Fontaine de la place des Florentins
524 m
Fontaine de la rue de l'Avenir
494 mReal people, real opinions — but not verified.
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes