Have you ever seen a fountain that shoots water up to 140 meters high, at a speed of 200 km/h, and with a volume of 500 liters per second? If not, then you need to visit the Jet d'Eau, the iconic fountain of Geneva that will blow your mind.
The Jet d'Eau is not only a spectacular sight, but also a symbol of the city and its history. It was originally created as a safety valve for a hydraulic power plant in 1886, but soon became a tourist attraction and a landmark of Geneva. Today, it is one of the most recognizable features of the city and a must-see for any visitor.
In this article, you will learn more about the Jet d'Eau's features, operation, and attractions, as well as how to see it from different perspectives and during special events. Whether you are a fan of nature, culture, or science, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate about the Jet d'Eau.
How to Visit the Jet d'Eau
The Jet d'Eau is located at the end of the jetée des Eaux-vives, a pier that extends into the lake from the left bank of the city. You can access the Jet d'Eau by various modes of transportation, depending on your preference and budget.
- By car:
You can drive to the jetée des Eaux-vives and park your car at the nearby parking lot. However, be aware that parking can be expensive and limited, especially during peak hours and seasons.
- By bus or tram:
You can take the public transport system of Geneva, known as TPG, and get off at the stop "Eaux-Vives". From there, you can walk for about 10 minutes to the jetée des Eaux-vives. You can also take the tram line 12 and get off at the stop "Terrassière", which is closer to the pier.
- By boat:
You can take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the view of the Jet d'Eau from the water. You can choose from different options, such as the mouettes genevoises, which are small yellow boats that connect the two banks of the lake, or the larger cruise boats that offer scenic tours and dining options.
- By foot:
You can walk along the lakefront and admire the Jet d'Eau from different angles and distances. You can also cross the Mont-Blanc bridge and see the Jet d'Eau from the right bank of the city.
The Jet d'Eau operates from early morning to late evening, depending on the season and the weather conditions. You can check the current status and schedule of the Jet d'Eau on the official website of the city of Geneva. The admission to the Jet d'Eau is free, but you should be careful not to get too close to the fountain, as the water pressure can be very strong and the wind can change the direction of the spray.
What to See and Do Around the Jet d'Eau
The Jet d'Eau is not the only attraction in the area. There are many other things to see and do around the Jet d'Eau, such as:
- The Bains des Pâquis:
These are public baths that are located on a small peninsula near the Jet d'Eau. You can swim, sunbathe, relax, or enjoy a massage or a sauna at the Bains des Pâquis. You can also taste some local delicacies at the restaurant or the snack bar, or join some cultural events and concerts that are organized throughout the year.
- The Jardin anglais:
This is an English-style garden that is situated on the right bank of the lake, opposite the Jet d'Eau. You can stroll, picnic, or play in the Jardin anglais, or admire some of the monuments and sculptures that are located in the garden, such as the famous flower clock, the national monument, or the bronze fountain.
- The Coulouvrenière:
This is a bridge that connects the two banks of the Rhone river, near the Jet d'Eau. You can cross the Coulouvrenière and enjoy the view of the river and the city, or visit some of the attractions that are located on the bridge, such as the Reformation Wall, the Parc des Bastions, or the University of Geneva.
- The Cathedral Saint-Pierre:
This is a historical and religious building that is located on the hill of the old town, overlooking the Jet d'Eau. You can visit the Cathedral Saint-Pierre and admire its architecture, its stained glass windows, and its paintings. You can also climb up the towers and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the lake, or explore the archaeological site and the museum that are located under the cathedral.
These are just some of the attractions and activities that are available near the Jet d'Eau. You can also discover many other places and experiences that are related to the Jet d'Eau and Geneva, such as the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, the Palais des Nations, the Patek Philippe Museum, or the Chocolate Factory.
How the Jet d'Eau Works and Why It Matters
The Jet d'Eau is not only a beautiful sight, but also a marvel of engineering and science. It works thanks to a complex system of water supply, pumps, nozzles, and valves, that are controlled by a computer and a team of technicians.
The water supply comes from the lake, which is filtered and treated before being pumped into the Jet d'Eau. The pumps are located in a building on the jetée des Eaux-vives, and they can generate a pressure of up to 16 bars. The water then passes through two nozzles, one of 10 cm and one of 8 cm in diameter, that create the shape and the height of the fountain. The valves are used to regulate the flow and the direction of the water, as well as to stop and start the Jet d'Eau.
The Jet d'Eau also has an environmental and social impact, as it plays a role in regulating the water pressure, generating renewable energy, and promoting tourism and civic pride.
- Regulating the water pressure: The Jet d'Eau was originally created as a safety valve for a hydraulic power plant, to prevent the pipes from bursting due to excess pressure. Today, it still serves this function, as it helps to balance the water pressure in the city's network of pipes and fountains.
- Generating renewable energy: The Jet d'Eau is powered by hydroelectricity, which is a clean and renewable source of energy. The water that is used for the Jet d'Eau is also used to produce electricity for the city, as it passes through a turbine before being released into the air. The Jet d'Eau can produce up to 1.5 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to power about 1,000 households.
- Promoting tourism and civic pride: The Jet d'Eau is one of the most popular and recognizable attractions of Geneva, as it attracts millions of visitors every year. It is also a symbol of the city and its identity, as it represents its history, its culture, and its values. The Jet d'Eau is often used to celebrate and commemorate various events and occasions, such as national holidays, international causes, or local festivals.
How the Jet d'Eau Celebrates and Illuminates
The Jet d'Eau is not only a fountain, but also a canvas for artistic and creative expressions. It is often illuminated and decorated for different events and occasions, such as:
- The illumination for national holidays: The Jet d'Eau is illuminated with the colors of the Swiss flag, red and white, for the national holidays of Switzerland, such as the Swiss National Day on August 1st, or the Escalade on December 12th.
- The illumination for international causes: The Jet d'Eau is illuminated with the colors of various causes and organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, or the International Committee of the Red Cross, to raise awareness and support for their missions and goals.
- The illumination for local festivals: The Jet d'Eau is illuminated with the colors and themes of various festivals and events that take place in Geneva, such as the Fêtes de Genève, the Geneva International Film Festival, or the Geneva Lake Festival.
The illumination of the Jet d'Eau is done by a sophisticated lighting system, that consists of 12 projectors and 9 spotlights, that can create different effects and patterns. The illumination is controlled by a computer and a team of technicians, who can adjust the colors, the intensity, and the duration of the lights.
One of the most spectacular and unique illuminations of the Jet d'Eau is the projection of the Geneva coat of arms on New Year's Eve. The coat of arms, which features a half-eagle and a key, is projected on the water column of the Jet d'Eau, creating a stunning and symbolic image. The projection is accompanied by a countdown and a fireworks show, that mark the end of the year and the beginning of the new one.
The Jet d'Eau is more than just a fountain. It is a symbol of Geneva, a marvel of engineering, a source of renewable energy, and a spectacle of light and color. In this article, you have learned everything you need to know about the Jet d'Eau, from its history and operation to its attractions and events. Whether you want to admire it from afar, get close to it on a boat, or see it illuminated at night, the Jet d'Eau will blow your mind with its impressive height, speed, and volume. If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Switzerland, don't miss the Jet d'Eau, the iconic fountain of Geneva.
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