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Ever wondered how many bridges cross the Rhône in Geneva canton?
From the Pont du Mont-Blanc, where the Rhône flows out of Lake Geneva, to the Pont de Chancy at the French border, the river travels about 28 km through the canton. Along this stretch, it is crossed by 16 bridges and footbridges, plus the crossing at the Verbois Dam in Russin (and an unnamed footbridge that links Promenade des Lavandières to Quai des Forces Motrices in Geneva city).
Below you’ll find a complete list of all 16 bridges along this section of the Rhône, along with an interesting fact about each one!
1. Pont du Mont-Blanc
Built: first bridge 1862; present structure rebuilt in 1965.
Type: road bridge.
Interesting fact: It stands exactly where the Rhône flows out of Lake Geneva, marking the transition from lake to river. It is one of Geneva’s busiest traffic axes and is decorated with the flags of the 26 Swiss cantons. It is 252 metres long.
Built: 1881.
Type: pedestrian and bicycle bridge.
Interesting fact: Connects the banks via Île Rousseau, making it a scenic crossing and an important pedestrian route in central Geneva.
Built: original wooden bridge 1843–1844, current iron structure 1884–1887.
Type: pedestrian bridge.
Interesting fact: It is the oldest surviving bridge structure over the Rhône in Geneva’s urban area. It stands next to the historic hydraulic installation that once regulated water flow from the lake.
Built: various reconstructions over centuries.
Type: road bridges crossing two arms of the river around Île Rousseau.
Interesting fact: Historically this was a strategic crossing inside Geneva’s medieval fortifications.
Built: 1876.
Type: pedestrian bridge.
Interesting fact: Built to improve pedestrian access between the island and the city centre.
Built: first bridge 1857; current bridge 1896.
Type: road and tram bridge.
Interesting fact: Named after a nearby artillery training field (“couleuvrine”). It is one of the most important traffic bridges after Mont-Blanc.
Built: 1995.
Type: pedestrian bridge.
Interesting fact: It sits near the Seujet hydroelectric dam, linking walking routes along the Rhône.
Built: 1968.
Type: road bridge.
Interesting fact: Connects the districts of Saint-Jean and Jonction, relieving traffic in the city centre.
Built: 1941–1945.
Type: railway viaduct.
Interesting fact: Built to link the railway from Cornavin station to freight yards and now part of the Léman Express network.
10. Pont Butin
Built: 1927.
Type: road bridge.
Interesting fact: A large concrete bridge linking Geneva with Vernier, designed to improve access to industrial zones. It is 269 metres long.
Type: pedestrian bridge.
Interesting fact: Connects the Lignon district to the opposite bank, near the long Lignon housing complex.
If this article is sparking your interest in the bridges along the River Rhône, consider following our suggested riverside walk from La Jonction to Loëx and Bernex, where you’ll pass several of the bridges mentioned here.
Built: 1950.
Type: pedestrian bridge.
Interesting fact: Named after the nearby Chèvres area and power installations.
Built: 1985–1987.
Type: motorway bridge (A1).
Interesting fact: Part of Geneva’s motorway bypass, consisting of two parallel bridges crossing the Rhône.
14. Pont de Peney
Built: 1942.
Type: road bridge.
Interesting fact: Located near the Verbois hydroelectric dam, an important industrial energy site.
Built: 1968.
Type: road bridge.
Interesting fact: Connects the village of La Plaine with the countryside on the opposite bank.
16. Pont de Chancy
Built: 1907.
Type: road bridge with steel truss structure.
Interesting fact: It is the westernmost bridge in Switzerland and marks the border between Switzerland and France (Chancy–Pougny).
Article date: 19 March 2026
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