The Jet d’eau – a symbol steeped 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.
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
Illumination en couleurs du Jet d'eau
Calendrier des mises en couleurs du Jet d'eau pour novembre et décembre
Jeudi 14 novembre : Journée mondiale du diabète - couleur bleu
Mardi 19 novembre : 30ème anniversaire de la Convention sur les Droits de l’Enfant - couleur bleu
Mercredi 20 novembre : Journée mondiale du souvenir trans - couleur bleu, blanc, rose
Lundi 25 novembre : Journée internationale pour l’élimination de la violence à l’égard des femmes – couleur orange
Vendredi 29 novembre : Green Friday - couleur vert
Dimanche 1 décembre : Journée mondiale de lutte contre le sida - couleur rouge
Lundi 9 décembre : Conférence internationale de la Croix-Rouge - couleur rouge
Mardi 17 décembre : Forum mondial sur les réfugiés - couleur bleu
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
From Monday, 1 January to Wednesday, 6 March 2019
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From Thursday, 7 March to Sunday, 28 April 2019
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, 29 April to Sunday, 8 September 2019
From 9 a.m. to 11.15 p.m.
From Monday, 9 September to Sunday, 27 October 2019
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, 28 October to Wednesday, 13 November 2019
Shutdown of the Jet d’Eau for maintenance work
From Thursday, 14 November to Tuesday, 31 December 2019
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (to 10:30 p.m with lighting)
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 +41 (0)22 420 75 71.