Best Parks & Gardens

1. Parc Floraire (Chêne-Bourg)

A unique park built around an alpine garden created by botanist Henry Correvon. Known for its rock gardens, diverse plant species, and long water basin, it’s especially beautiful in spring when vegetation comes to life. There is also an adjoining maze to explore.

Practical info: 

• Address: Chemin de Floraire 23-25, 1225 Chêne-Bourg

• Open daily, free access. 

• Easily reached by TPG tram 12 or 17 from tram stop ‘Peillonex’; then a short walk from there. 

• Limited street parking nearby.

2. Pré Byron (Cologny)

This open green space offers stunning panoramic views over Lake Geneva. Linked to the nearby Villa Diodati, it has literary significance tied to Lord Byron and Mary Shelley.

Practical info: 

• Address: Chemin Byron 30, 1223 Cologny.

• Open access year-round. 

• Best reached by TPG bus A from stop ‘Cologny Mairie’.

• Limited street parking nearby.

3. Parc de la Mairie (Vandœuvres)

A calm village park surrounding the municipal building, with a kids' playground, fountains, mature trees, and benches.

Practical info: 

• Address: Route de Vandoeuvres 104, 1253 Vandoeuvres.

• Open year-round. Free access.

• Accessible by TPG bus 33 from Geneva (Rive) and bus 38 from Thônex.

• Limited street parking nearby.

4. Jardin Alpin (Meyrin)

A charming alpine garden showcasing mountain plants and rock features. In spring, it becomes particularly colourful with seasonal blooms.

Practical info: 

• Address: Chemin du Jardin Alpin 9, 1217 Meyrin.

• Free entry, open daily 8.30am-6pm (1 Oct-30 Apr), 8.30am-9pm (1 May-30 Sep). 

• Accessible by TPG tram 14 and 18 from stop ‘Jardin Alpin Vivarium’.

Best Wildlife Spots

5. Bioparc (Bellevue)

A small animal park dedicated to Swiss and European fauna, with a focus on rescued and protected species. Set in a natural environment, it offers an educational and family-friendly experience close to nature.

Practical info: 

• Address: Route de Valavran 33, 1293 Bellevue.

• CHF 10.- for adults, free for children up to 16 years old. Open daily year-round 9.30am-4pm. 

• Easily reached by TPG buses 20, 50, 52 and 53 from stop ‘Valavran’; then a short walk from there. 

• Free parking at the Sports Centre located opposite.

6. La Gavotte Farm (Onex)

La Gavotte is a farm and educational space combining agriculture, nature, and community activities. It is home to goats, rabbits, and turtles, among others, offering a peaceful and authentic rural atmosphere within distance of the city.

Practical info: 

• Address: Chemin des Verjus 138, 1212 Lancy.

• Open daily 8am-7pm. Free entry. 

• Accessible by TPG tram 14 to stop 'Onex Le Rolliet'; short walk to the farm.

• Car parking at the Cherpines Sports Centre located nearby.

Best Walks

7. Promenade de l’Aire

A beautifully designed riverside walk along the Aire river combining nature and modern landscaping. The flowing river, sculpted terrain, and several picnic areas make it especially enjoyable in spring.

Practical info: 

• Address: the starting point is where Chemin de Mourlaz (1232 Confignon), meets Promenade de l’Aire.

• Accessible all-year-round

• Take TPG tram 14 to stop ‘Confignon Croisée’ for connection with bus 48 to stop ‘Confignon Mairie’. Then a short walk to the promenade.

8. Les Berges de Vessy

A peaceful riverside walk along the Arve, which passes the former water pumping plant the Berges de Vessy (the Vessy Riverbanks). It is also possible to follow the river until Carouge. Its highlight is the semi-circular river cascade near the site, where the water flows over rocks, as well as a riverside beach.

Practical info: 

• Address: the starting point is the trail that leads off Route du Pas-de-l'Echelle, 1255 Veyrier.

• Open access year-round. 

• Reachable by TPG buses 8, 20 and 41 to stop ‘Pont de Sierne’; limited parking available nearby. 

9. Vallon de l’Allondon

One of Geneva’s most stunning natural valleys, with its wild landscapes, winding trails, and the flowing Allondon River. This river eventually flows into the River Rhône in La Plaine, Dardagny. Spring brings lush greenery and wildflowers.

Practical info: 

• Address: this walk can be started from the Centre Nature du Vallon de l'Allondon, Route de l'Allondon 150, 1283 Dardagny.

• Accessible year-round. 

• Best reached by car to the Centre Nature du Vallon de l'Allondon.

• Or take TPG bus 74 to stop 'Dardagny Malval Centre Nature'.

10. Teppes de Verbois

A protected natural area near the Rhône, known for its biodiversity and open landscapes. Several observation points are dotted around the reserve. A walk from Russin to the Teppes de Verbois is detailed here.

Practical info: 

• Address: Chemin des Teppes-du-Biolay, 1281 Russin.

• Open access. 

• Accessible by car - a car park is located on Chemin des Teppes-du-Biolay, 1281 Russin.

• Reachable by train to Russin train station then a short walk from there.