The Jet d’eau: a symbol rich in history

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

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 live

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Admire the Jet d’Eau in video via the webcam installed on site!

 

OBSERVE THE WATER JET LIVE

Key figures

  • 140 mètres de hauteur

  • 200 km/h vitesse de sortie de l'eau

  • 500 litres/s débit du Jet d'eau

  • 1891 année de la création du Jet d'eau

  • 13 projecteurs dans la cabine d’éclairage et 8 sur la rotonde, tous équipés de LED

Jet d’Eau working hours

  • From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (to 10:30 p.m with lighting on request)

  • From Monday to Thursday : from 10 a.m to sunset (to 10:30 p.m with lighting on request)

    From Friday to Sunday : from 10 a.m to 10:30 p.m (with lighting)

  • From 9 a.m. to 11.15 p.m. (with lighting)

  • From Monday to Thursday : from 10:00 a.m to sunset (to 10:30 p.m with lighting on request)

    From Friday to Sunday : from 10 a.m to 10:30 p.m (with lighting)

  • Shutdown of the Jet d’Eau for maintenance work

  • From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (to 10:30 p.m with lighting on request)

Jet d'eau Arc en ciel

Next illuminations

2 septembre : Mois du cancer de l'enfant - jaune
10 septembre : Journée mondiale de prévention du suicide - orange
15 septembre : Journée mondiale de la santé de la prostate - bleu
17 septembre : Journée mondiale de la sécurité des patients - orange
19 septembre : 10 jours contre le cancer de l'ovaire - vert
22 septembre : 25 ans de Broken Chair de Handicap International - bleu
26 septembre : Forum public de l'OMC " vers une reprise durable et inclusive : de l'ambition à l'action" - rouge, bleu et vert
29 septembre : Journée mondiale du cœur- rouge

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