A GUIDE TO

RUSSIN

About Russin:

Russin includes the hamelts of Verbois, La Chaumaz, and Les Baillets. Its history dates back to Roman times with significant Burundian burial sites.
The village belonged to the Saint-Victor Priory and later faced conflicts between Geneva and the Lords of Gex.
Russin was ceded to Geneva in 1749. It became a commune in 1798.
Initially Catholic, it became Protestant after the Reformation and returned to Catholicism in 1685. Today, the area remains primarily agricultural, with viticulture and arboriculture.

Things to see, do and discover in the commune of Russin:

HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Temple de RussinThe Temple de Russin is a historic church with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. Part of its surrounding enclosure dates from the 11th century, while a priory associated with the church was mentioned in 1217.
The building has been enlarged and restored several times, including major restoration work in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The temple is listed as a property of regional significance in the canton.
Location: Google Maps

NATURE RESERVES

Teppes de Verbois The protected zone of the Teppes de Verbois partially lies on areas which were once a part of the River Rhône. In the 1930s the river was canalised as part of the construction of the Verbois Dam, completed in 1944.
A nature reserve of 45 hectares, the site was historically exploited for its gravel until its redevelopment in 2001, but now it is a haven for a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife.
The names of the ponds pay tribute to Maurice Blanchet - responsible for the reintroduction of the Beaver in Switzerland, Jacques Burnier - one of the founders of what is now Pro Natura Geneva) and Paul Géroudet - an eminent ornithologist.
Parking: Parking du VillageNearest train station: RussinLocation: Google Maps

PARKS & PICNIC SPOTS

Picnic Area Picnic area located in the woods, next to the river Rhône.
Accessible on foot, several minutes' walk from the Teppes-du-Biolay car park, passing the SIG Power Station.
Location: Google Maps

POINTS OF INTEREST

Verbois Dam

The Verbois dam was built between 1938 and 1943, and is located on the river Rhône.
It replaces the former Chèvres dam, built by the Compagnie de l'industrie électrique (CIE) and the Geneva engineer René Thury, under the direction of Théodore Turrettini.
Standing 34 metres high, the dam has a retention volume of 13,000,000 m³ and a crest length of 410 metres. The reservoir covers an area of 131 hectares. It is operated by the Services Industriels de Genève.
Location: Google Maps

Echelle à PoissonsThe fish ladder (échelle à poissons) at the Verbois Dam, inaugurated in January 2000, spans 350 metres with a 20-metre elevation gain.
Comprising a series of stepped pools, it enables fish to bypass the dam, facilitating upstream migration.
This structure plays a crucial role in preserving aquatic biodiversity along the Rhône River.
Location: Google Maps

Fontaine couverte de RussinThe Russin fountain consists of two successive basins and a limestone pillar. The roof that shelters the fountain is supported by cast-iron columns with decorative wrought-iron brackets. The fountain is fed by natural spring water.
The partially buried position of the basins is typical of such structures found in rural regions.
The fountain is listed as an object of regional significance in the canton.
Location: Google Maps

Le Don statueThe statue Le Don (The Gift) by Sylvie Ramu, installed in school grounds in 2017, beautifully reflects the village’s wine-growing heritage.
Depicting a woman offering grapes to a child, it symbolizes transmission, generosity, and the passing of traditions between generations.
Location: Google Maps

RESTAURANTS

La ChaumazNestled in the picturesque surroundings of Russin, the establishment offers guests a chance to experience a serene and bucolic atmosphere.
During the summer, visitors can relax on the beautiful terrace and enjoy dinners under the stars, surrounded by a peaceful, verdant setting.
The establishment takes great pride in its signature dishes: succulent grilled meats cooked over vine shoots, delivering a burst of flavour. In addition, a carefully curated selection of fresh fish and fondue is available, ensuring a delightful experience for every palate.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

Le Panier de NicoleLe Panier de Nicole offers brunches in Russin from April to mid-December. Brunches are available every Saturday and Sunday (except for the first weekend of the month).
Opening hours are from 10am to 2pm (end of the buffet). Reservations are required by Thursday before the weekend.
On Saturdays, a minimum of 10 adults is required.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

Photo: Le Panier de Nicole

Café-Restaurant Vignoble DoréA cozy village bistro in the heart of the Geneva vineyards, featuring a spacious terrace with orange umbrellas, traditional cuisine, and rooms decorated in a charming, old-fashioned style.
The menu highlights the renowned longeole, a local IGP sausage.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

TEA ROOMS & CAFES

Chez TeresaCafé and grocery shop open daily.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

Photo credit: Chez Teresa

WINERIES

Domaine des MolardsIn a warm and authentic setting, visitors are invited to discover wines from the Geneva terroir, while learning about the history of the estate and vineyard.
The wine cellar features a 1719 kitchen renovated for tastings and a unique 11,000-litre barrel transformed into a cozy carnotzet for intimate wine moments.
The wine cellar is open for tastings Monday to Friday from 6 to 7pm, Saturdays from 11am to 12pm and 5 to 6pm, or by appointment.
Website: Link Location: Google Maps

Photo: Domaine des Molards

Domaine des RothisThe family on this estate has been working the vines to produce traditional wines in the Geneva region since the 1940s.
In 1985, Jean-Pierre Röthlisberger built a wine cellar on the family farm in Dardagny in order to vinify his own wines. In 2018, the second generation took over the wine estate.
Wine tastings are available from Thursday to Saturday
Website: Link Location: Google Maps

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