The Jet d’eau – a symbol steeped in history Revenir en haut de la page Invented almost by chance, the Jet d'Eau embodies the ambition, dynamism and international renown of a city that is respectful of its environment. Discover the history of this symbol of Geneva through guided tours organised by SIG. Watch in sign language History History Since 1891, the Jet d'Eau has been enlivening the heart of Geneva. As the owner of this water monument, SIG ensures its ongoing operation and maintenance. At the end of the 19th century, Geneva craftsmen used to the energy generated by a hydraulic plant located on the Rhone to operate their machinery. To release the excess pressure that built up during the evening time when any activity had ceased, it was decided to create a valve – and this is how the Jet d’Eau was born, which only measured a “mere" 30 metres. A few years later, the City of Geneva decided to turn it into a tourist attraction. The Jet was then moved to the end of the Eaux-Vives wharf, in the centre of the bay. It was not until 1951 that the Jet d’Eau reached its current size of 140 metres. This technical feat was made possible by building an autonomous pumping station. To celebrate awareness-raising, humanitarian or promotional events of international Geneva, the Jet is adorned with the most beautiful colours that light up the heart of the bay. Today, five volunteer SIG retirees watch over it to ensure its proper working order and to shut it down when weather conditions require it, be it when temperatures drop to around zero degrees, when the wind is too strong, etc. The Jet d’Eau in images Webcam Admire the Jet d’Eau in video via the webcam installed on site! OBSERVE THE WATER JET LIVE Key figures Key figures 140 metres maximum height 200 km/h speed of the water upon exit 500 litres/second flow rate 1,891 year in which the water jet was created 13 projectors in the lighting booth and 8 on the rotunda, all equipped with LEDs Jet d’Eau working hours Working hours From Friday, 1 January to Wednesday, 10 March 2021 From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From Thursday, 11 March to Sunday, 2 May 2021 From Monday to Thursday : from 10 a.m to sunset From Friday to Sunday : from 10 a.m to 10:30 p.m (with lighting) From Monday, 3 May to Sunday, 12 September 2021 From 9 a.m. to 11.15 p.m. From Monday, 13 September to Sunday, 31 October 2021 From Monday to Thursday : from 10:00 a.m to sunset From Friday to Sunday : from 10 a.m to 10:30 p.m (with lighting) From Monday, 1 november to Wednesday, 17 November 2021 Shutdown of the Jet d’Eau for maintenance work From Thursday, 18 November to Friday, 31 December 2021 From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (to 10:30 p.m with lighting) JET D’EAU ILLUMINATIONS Illuminations To support awareness, humanitarian and promotion events for international Geneva, the Jet d'eau is adorned with the most beautiful colours and illuminates the heart of the harbour. Tour information Tour information Target audience These guided tours are suitable for companies, schools, organisations and public bodies. They are organised for groups from 10 to 12 peoples. Recommended age: from 10 years old Please note: Visits are unsuitable for persons with reduced mobility. Tour information From 1 April to 31 October: every day of the week except Tuesdays. Tours take place in the morning, one hour before the Jet is switched on (see schedules). Duration : 1h00 Languages : French and English Price Tours are free for schools, organisations and public bodies. For companies, the price is CHF 300 per guide (20 people). Registration is mandatory. Registration Once you have filled out our form, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. For more information, contact us via visites.sites@sig-ge.ch, or at 022 420 85 81. Read the visiting rules Where to find us Find us