Jet d'Eau, Fountain at Lake Geneva waterfront, Switzerland
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.
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.
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.
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.
The white plume comes from a 16 cm nozzle that fills the water with air bubbles, which is why the jet looks white rather than clear. The two pumps are named after nearby mountains: Salève and Jura.
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