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From 9 to 11 October 2026, La Nuit est Belle! returns to the Greater Geneva area for its sixth edition, inviting residents to experience the night in a different way. This year, water is at the heart of the programme, with a focus on the Rhône, Arve and Lake Geneva and the importance of these waterways for nocturnal wildlife and biodiversity.
From 9 to 11 October 2026, La Nuit est Belle! returns to the Greater Geneva area for its sixth edition, inviting residents to experience the night in a different way. This year, water is at the heart of the programme, with a focus on the Rhône, Arve and Lake Geneva and the importance of these waterways for nocturnal wildlife and biodiversity.
The event aims to raise awareness of light pollution and encourage communities, businesses and residents to think about how we use artificial lighting at night. Reducing unnecessary lighting can help protect wildlife, preserve the night sky, reduce energy consumption and create a more natural nighttime environment.
The event aims to raise awareness of light pollution and encourage communities, businesses and residents to think about how we use artificial lighting at night. Reducing unnecessary lighting can help protect wildlife, preserve the night sky, reduce energy consumption and create a more natural nighttime environment.
What are Geneva's communes doing?One of the most interesting aspects of La Nuit est Belle! is that it is not simply one event in one location. Communes across the canton of Geneva are taking part in different ways, organising activities that allow residents to discover their local environment after dark while learning about the importance of darkness for biodiversity.
Chêne-Bougeries, Chêne-Bourg and Thônex – Les Trois-ChêneOn 9 October, the three communes of Les Trois-Chêne are joining forces for a particularly atmospheric activity: Immersion au fil de l’eau, an evening sensory walk along the river Seymaz.
Starting at the Passerelle des Écureuils at 19:30, the walk invites participants to experience the river at night – or, more precisely, to listen to it. As darkness reduces our reliance on sight, our other senses become more important. Participants are encouraged to notice changes in temperature, the sound of flowing water and rustling branches, the presence of animals and even the texture of the ground beneath their feet.
The walk finishes at Place Favre at 20:15, offering an alternative way to discover the Seymaz and the life that becomes active when night falls.
The activity is free, but registration is required by email or telephone with the Chêne-Bougeries Transition écologique et Mobilité service.
Lancy – Discovering nocturnal wildlife along the AireFor this sixth edition, the City of Lancy is offering two different opportunities to discover the nocturnal biodiversity of the Aire.
The first activity on 9 October, “Balades à la découverte des animaux nocturnes”, consists of two guided evening walks led by the association Cycle de Vie. Starting from the Espace Quartier de Pont-Rouge, participants will walk towards the Passerelle des Vignes before continuing to the Passerelle de la Colline.
Along the way, participants will learn about the important role rivers play as nocturnal biological corridors and discover the wildlife that uses these natural routes after dark. The walk will provide an opportunity to observe or listen to animals becoming active at dusk, including bats, nocturnal birds of prey and other fascinating species. Particular attention will be given to bats and their remarkable ability to navigate in the dark.
The walks are free but require registration via the City of Lancy. In case of rain, they will be replaced by a conference.
Lancy is also hosting a second activity on 10 October, “Avec les chauves-souris, le long de l’Aire”, organised by Chauves-souris Genève in collaboration with the State of Geneva.
This special evening walk invites participants to discover the “corridors noirs” created by waterways and to explore the hidden nocturnal life along the Aire. Using specialist equipment, experts will help participants detect bats that would normally be difficult to see or hear, including the Daubenton’s bat, the common noctule and the Nathusius’s pipistrelle.
With the help of these devices, participants can learn more about these remarkable animals and their role in the nocturnal ecosystem.
There are three times to choose from: 18:30, 19:30 or 20:30, and registration is required.
Meinier - listening to the batsIn Meinier, the focus is on one of the most fascinating creatures of the night: the bat.
On 9 October, the commune is organising an evening walk with Chauves-Souris Genève. Participants will be able to use ultrasonic detectors to hear the sounds of bats and learn how different species navigate and find their way around.
The evening will also provide an opportunity to learn more about nocturnal wildlife and the effects of light pollution, followed by a drink at the Bois de Tournafou.
Registration by email is required.
City of Geneva – A full programme of night-time discoveriesThe City of Geneva is offering several activities for La Nuit est Belle!, giving residents different ways to explore the night – from wildlife and the Arve to the night sky, light pollution, music and theatre.
A night at the Museum of the History of ScienceOn 9 October from 18:00 to 22:00, the Museum of the History of Science is hosting a free evening centred around the theme of water and the night. Rivers, lakes, streams and wetlands provide a starting point for discovering the natural and cultural richness of the night.
The programme includes activities for both children and adults. Visitors can draw and colour animals from the Rhône and Arve, take part in a sensory yoga workshop exploring the night and sleep, discover the stories and lights of Lake Geneva, and play a giant board game about helping animals find their way.
There will also be an opportunity to discover night-time butterflies and the effects of light pollution, enjoy a musical journey through the night, have a portrait taken beneath a starry sky and observe the stars with the Société Astronomique de Genève. Readings of children's books around the theme La Nuit est Belle! will also be offered.
The event is free and open to everyone, subject to available places.
What is a “dark corridor”?On 10 October from 18:00 to 21:00, the City of Geneva and Carouge will come together at Place de l'Octroi for an informal discussion about trames noires, or dark ecological corridors, and light pollution.
The Arve and its banks form an important route for wildlife, from fish and water birds to land mammals. For many bat species, the river acts as an important nocturnal route for movement and hunting.
Specialists from the Canton of Geneva, Chauves-souris Genève, the Botanical Garden, the City of Carouge and the City of Geneva will explain what a trame noire is, why it matters and how it can help protect nocturnal wildlife. Visitors will also have the opportunity to observe bats at close range.
The activity is free, open to everyone and does not require registration.
A night-time walk along the ArveAlso on 10 October, a guided walk along the river Arve will begin at Place de l'Octroi at 18:30 and finish near the Pont de Saint-Georges at around 20:00.
The approximately 2-kilometre walk combines local history with nocturnal wildlife. A professional heritage guide will share stories about the area, while a specialist in bats will introduce participants to the different species living along the Arve.
Participants may even have the chance to hear or detect Daubenton's bats, part of a colony near the Pont des Acacias that has been able to reclaim sections of the riverbanks following the removal of direct lighting over the Arve.
The walk is free but registration is required, with places limited to 30 participants. Good walking shoes are recommended, as the route may include the riverbanks.
“Quoiqu'il arrive. Respire.” – Theatre after darkFor something completely different, the City of Geneva is also presenting “Quoiqu'il arrive. Respire.”, a performance created by the Théâtre du Loup, on 10 October at 20:30.
The performance explores questions around women, the night and public space. The central character, Joana, is a woman in her thirties who teaches women's-only MMA classes. Following a fight in which she is injured, she reflects on what it means to fight, stand one's ground and occupy public space as a woman.
The performance is intended for audiences aged 14 and over, lasts approximately one hour including discussion, and is free with registration. It takes place at the Muzoo, next to the Théâtre du Loup.
Chêne-Bougeries, Chêne-Bourg and Thônex – Les Trois-ChêneOn 9 October, the three communes of Les Trois-Chêne are joining forces for a particularly atmospheric activity: Immersion au fil de l’eau, an evening sensory walk along the river Seymaz.
Starting at the Passerelle des Écureuils at 19:30, the walk invites participants to experience the river at night – or, more precisely, to listen to it. As darkness reduces our reliance on sight, our other senses become more important. Participants are encouraged to notice changes in temperature, the sound of flowing water and rustling branches, the presence of animals and even the texture of the ground beneath their feet.
The walk finishes at Place Favre at 20:15, offering an alternative way to discover the Seymaz and the life that becomes active when night falls.
The activity is free, but registration is required by email or telephone with the Chêne-Bougeries Transition écologique et Mobilité service.
Lancy – Discovering nocturnal wildlife along the AireFor this sixth edition, the City of Lancy is offering two different opportunities to discover the nocturnal biodiversity of the Aire.
The first activity on 9 October, “Balades à la découverte des animaux nocturnes”, consists of two guided evening walks led by the association Cycle de Vie. Starting from the Espace Quartier de Pont-Rouge, participants will walk towards the Passerelle des Vignes before continuing to the Passerelle de la Colline.
Along the way, participants will learn about the important role rivers play as nocturnal biological corridors and discover the wildlife that uses these natural routes after dark. The walk will provide an opportunity to observe or listen to animals becoming active at dusk, including bats, nocturnal birds of prey and other fascinating species. Particular attention will be given to bats and their remarkable ability to navigate in the dark.
The walks are free but require registration via the City of Lancy. In case of rain, they will be replaced by a conference.
Lancy is also hosting a second activity on 10 October, “Avec les chauves-souris, le long de l’Aire”, organised by Chauves-souris Genève in collaboration with the State of Geneva.
This special evening walk invites participants to discover the “corridors noirs” created by waterways and to explore the hidden nocturnal life along the Aire. Using specialist equipment, experts will help participants detect bats that would normally be difficult to see or hear, including the Daubenton’s bat, the common noctule and the Nathusius’s pipistrelle.
With the help of these devices, participants can learn more about these remarkable animals and their role in the nocturnal ecosystem.
There are three times to choose from: 18:30, 19:30 or 20:30, and registration is required.
Meinier - listening to the batsIn Meinier, the focus is on one of the most fascinating creatures of the night: the bat.
On 9 October, the commune is organising an evening walk with Chauves-Souris Genève. Participants will be able to use ultrasonic detectors to hear the sounds of bats and learn how different species navigate and find their way around.
The evening will also provide an opportunity to learn more about nocturnal wildlife and the effects of light pollution, followed by a drink at the Bois de Tournafou.
Registration by email is required.
City of Geneva – A full programme of night-time discoveriesThe City of Geneva is offering several activities for La Nuit est Belle!, giving residents different ways to explore the night – from wildlife and the Arve to the night sky, light pollution, music and theatre.
A night at the Museum of the History of ScienceOn 9 October from 18:00 to 22:00, the Museum of the History of Science is hosting a free evening centred around the theme of water and the night. Rivers, lakes, streams and wetlands provide a starting point for discovering the natural and cultural richness of the night.
The programme includes activities for both children and adults. Visitors can draw and colour animals from the Rhône and Arve, take part in a sensory yoga workshop exploring the night and sleep, discover the stories and lights of Lake Geneva, and play a giant board game about helping animals find their way.
There will also be an opportunity to discover night-time butterflies and the effects of light pollution, enjoy a musical journey through the night, have a portrait taken beneath a starry sky and observe the stars with the Société Astronomique de Genève. Readings of children's books around the theme La Nuit est Belle! will also be offered.
The event is free and open to everyone, subject to available places.
What is a “dark corridor”?On 10 October from 18:00 to 21:00, the City of Geneva and Carouge will come together at Place de l'Octroi for an informal discussion about trames noires, or dark ecological corridors, and light pollution.
The Arve and its banks form an important route for wildlife, from fish and water birds to land mammals. For many bat species, the river acts as an important nocturnal route for movement and hunting.
Specialists from the Canton of Geneva, Chauves-souris Genève, the Botanical Garden, the City of Carouge and the City of Geneva will explain what a trame noire is, why it matters and how it can help protect nocturnal wildlife. Visitors will also have the opportunity to observe bats at close range.
The activity is free, open to everyone and does not require registration.
A night-time walk along the ArveAlso on 10 October, a guided walk along the river Arve will begin at Place de l'Octroi at 18:30 and finish near the Pont de Saint-Georges at around 20:00.
The approximately 2-kilometre walk combines local history with nocturnal wildlife. A professional heritage guide will share stories about the area, while a specialist in bats will introduce participants to the different species living along the Arve.
Participants may even have the chance to hear or detect Daubenton's bats, part of a colony near the Pont des Acacias that has been able to reclaim sections of the riverbanks following the removal of direct lighting over the Arve.
The walk is free but registration is required, with places limited to 30 participants. Good walking shoes are recommended, as the route may include the riverbanks.
“Quoiqu'il arrive. Respire.” – Theatre after darkFor something completely different, the City of Geneva is also presenting “Quoiqu'il arrive. Respire.”, a performance created by the Théâtre du Loup, on 10 October at 20:30.
The performance explores questions around women, the night and public space. The central character, Joana, is a woman in her thirties who teaches women's-only MMA classes. Following a fight in which she is injured, she reflects on what it means to fight, stand one's ground and occupy public space as a woman.
The performance is intended for audiences aged 14 and over, lasts approximately one hour including discussion, and is free with registration. It takes place at the Muzoo, next to the Théâtre du Loup.
Why does darkness matter?Artificial light at night can have consequences that go well beyond what we see with our own eyes. For many animals, natural darkness is an important part of their environment. Artificial lighting can interfere with their movements, feeding patterns and natural cycles.
This is particularly significant around rivers and waterways. The Rhône and Arve can act as ecological corridors, allowing animals to move between different habitats. Excessive lighting along these routes can make it more difficult for some species to use them.
This is why La Nuit est Belle! is also part of a broader effort to develop a cross-border dark ecological network throughout the Greater Geneva region.
This is particularly significant around rivers and waterways. The Rhône and Arve can act as ecological corridors, allowing animals to move between different habitats. Excessive lighting along these routes can make it more difficult for some species to use them.
This is why La Nuit est Belle! is also part of a broader effort to develop a cross-border dark ecological network throughout the Greater Geneva region.
Experience the Canton after darkPerhaps the best thing about La Nuit est Belle! is that it encourages us to experience places we already know in a completely different way.
A walk along the Arve or the Aire can feel completely different after sunset. Sounds become more noticeable, nocturnal animals emerge, and the familiar landscape takes on a new atmosphere.
With communes including Lancy, Meinier, Meyrin, Carouge and Geneva offering different activities, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, regardless of whether you are interested in wildlife, photography, astronomy, environmental issues or simply enjoying an unusual evening outdoors.
So, this October, why not switch off a few lights, head outside and discover what happens in Geneva when the sun goes down?
Find the full 2026 programme: La Nuit est Belle! – Programme 2026
A walk along the Arve or the Aire can feel completely different after sunset. Sounds become more noticeable, nocturnal animals emerge, and the familiar landscape takes on a new atmosphere.
With communes including Lancy, Meinier, Meyrin, Carouge and Geneva offering different activities, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, regardless of whether you are interested in wildlife, photography, astronomy, environmental issues or simply enjoying an unusual evening outdoors.
So, this October, why not switch off a few lights, head outside and discover what happens in Geneva when the sun goes down?
Find the full 2026 programme: La Nuit est Belle! – Programme 2026
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