CULTURAL & NATURE VISITS

Experience the best of both culture and nature in the rural canton of Geneva.

Fascinating museums for history enthusiasts, art galleries for art lovers, visits to nature centres, farms, and gardens for nature seekers, there’s a wealth of experiences to explore.

BARDONNEX

The Order of Malta MuseumThe Museum is located in the Commandery of Compesières, and its collections showcase the hospital and military history of the Sovereign Order of Malta and its current activities.
Visitors can explore uniforms, paintings, manuscripts, decorations, and a significant numismatic collection, highlighting the Knights' role as the "shield of Christendom" in the Mediterranean, while serving the sick.
The Museum also features items related to Compesières, including a Baroque monstrance and a 15th-century painted cross from an old dependency of the Commandery.
The Museum offers guided tours in French, lasting approximately 60 minutes, and is open by appointment only.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

BELLEVUE

Bioparc GenèveThis small zoo was created in 1991 when it was know as Parc Challandes. In 2020, the name of the park changed to its current name.
The zoo is home to almost 250 animals from around 85 different species such as monkeys, goats, boars, birds, lemurs and wallabies.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

COLLONGE-BELLERIVE

Pointe à la Bise Nature CentreThe Nature Centre at Pointe à la Bise is located in the heart of a unique nature reserve along Lake Geneva.
This exceptional natural space is home to a beautiful reed bed, teeming with both exuberant and secretive wildlife. It is one of the last significant lakeside reed beds in the canton and represents one of the few natural shores of the Petit Lac.
The Nature Centre features a shop, a naturalist library, and a lab space. Outside, an observation tower allows visitors to observe birds, and a nature trail provides additional information about local fauna and flora. Numerous activities for all ages are also offered.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

Photo credit: © Laurent Guiraud

CONFIGNON

Halle aux Tracteurs exhibitionA man passionate about vintage tractors and agricultural equipment opened a hall/museum to showcase a significant portion of his collection, reflecting a lifetime of dedication. Many of the items were in poor condition when acquired.
The museum also features old tools once commonly used on Geneva farms for generations, where farming, viticulture, and cereal agriculture were vital to daily life.
Open Thursday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. All other days of the week, including Sunday, by appointment at: jjmfoex@bluewin.ch.
Location: Google Maps

CORSIER

Galerie Le Clin d'Oeil Exhibition and cultural space in Corsier village where artists share their work and emotions with the public, becoming a key meeting place for both locals and visitors.
This gallery has gained increasing success, attracting artists and craftsmen from diverse backgrounds for years.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

DARDAGNY

Vallon de l'Allondon Nature CentreThe Vallon de l'Allondon Nature Centre, located in Dardagny by the Allondon River, opened in 2015.
It offers various educational, fun, and relaxing activities focused on the region’s unique wildlife and flora.
The centre has an educational trail with panels highlighting the area’s biodiversity. Inside, it features a naturalist reception, a shop, and rooms for nature education and seminars. Outside, visitors can enjoy a teaching garden and access educational materials like binoculars and spotting scopes on open days.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

ETREMBIERES (FRANCE)

Mont Salève Located just over the Suisse border near Veyrier is this iconic landmark that can be seen from almost everywhere in the Geneva Canton.
Reaching a height of 1,379 metres, the Salève mountain offers a spectacular panorama over the Geneva Canton, Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), the Jura mountains, Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc.
Accessible by the Téléphérique du Salève (cable car), by car or if you are feeling sporty, various hiking routes lead up the mountain.
There is the Vertiges restaurant, Café 1100 and a climbing wall, all at the top station, and further along the plateau, the Tibetan Temple and l'Observatoire restaurant.
Location: Google Maps

GENEVA

Léman DégustationA unique way to explore the Geneva vineyards: enjoy a welcoming snack, take a carriage ride with a brief stop in the vines, and finish with a wine tasting at a local winery in the canton.
Website: Link

Tuk Tuk ToursDiscover the picturesque Geneva countryside in comfort aboard an electric Tuk Tuk and explore some of the region's most beautiful villages. Take a scenic ride through the heart of the Geneva vineyards, visiting charming villages such as Bourdigny, Choully, and Satigny, the largest wine-producing municipality in Switzerland.
You can also visit a local winery to taste one of Geneva’s iconic wines.
Make the most of your outing by savouring an authentic half-and-half fondue or a seasonal dish.
Make your reservation online.
Website: Link

Photo: Tuk Tuk Tours

GENTHOD

Franck Muller Watchland Franck Muller Genève is located in Genthod, the same village where Franck began his work in 1983.
Watchland, a unique watchmaking concept, brings together all stages of watchmaking in one location: design, crafting, assembly, case manufacturing, engraving, and after-sales service.
Open to the public by appointment, visitors from around the world come to experience and learn about the art of fine watchmaking. To arrange a visit, fill out the contact form on their website.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

Photo: ワールド通商

JUSSY

Collection du Crest Presented chronologically, the collection traces the history of art in Geneva from the 18th century to the mid-20th century, primarily focusing on the lake and surrounding mountains.
Views of Lake Geneva, the most numerous, are accompanied by scenes from the Valais. The collection also includes a range of figures and nudes, still lifes, and a few historical subjects.
The museum is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 5am (except on public holidays).
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

Photo: Collection du Crest

Les Jardins de La GaraLa Gara, a winery in Jussy, offers guided tours of its restored garden, which are followed by a wine tasting of their wines.
Over the past 20 years, the gardens have been carefully recreated, maintaining their 18th-century dual purpose of beauty and utility. In 2000, Erik Dhont, alongside Verena Best, transformed the courtyard, park, vegetable garden, and orchard.
The estate practices permaculture, and in 2015, the 18th-century canal, the only one of its kind in Switzerland, was restored.
Reservations should be made through their site. Limited dates available from May to October. Tickets are CHF 25 each.
Website: Link Location: Google Maps

LANCY

La Gavotte FarmLa Gavotte is a non-profit association focused on helping children learn about animals.
The farm houses various animals, with the larger ones living together in a meadow, where children can interact with them and learn how to care for them. Children can also explore the nearby woods and fields during walks.
Pony rides are available for children as young as 2.
Additionally, La Gavotte organizes ten one-week camps annually for kids aged 5 to 12, focused on ponies, farm animals, and nature, with camps held during Easter, autumn, and summer.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

MEINIER

La Galerie Le Coin du Centre The Gallery's mission currently focuses on enhancing exhibitions with related events (such as interviews, lectures, screenings, and workshops) that complement the artwork on display, depending on the theme.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

MEYRIN

CERNThe European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) operates the world's largest particle physics laboratory. Its primary role is to provide particle accelerators and infrastructure for high-energy physics research, leading to numerous experiments through international collaborations.
CERN is home to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the largest and most powerful particle collider globally.
CERN offers a wide range of interactive and immersive exhibitions, lab workshops, science shows, and guided tours making a visit here a truly memorable and enjoyable experience.
See website for opening hours and prices.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

E-Bike Wine TourEnjoy a panoramic e-bike wine tour starting from Meyrin Village (Meyrin Roule bike shop), exploring Geneva’s largest wine district, with a friendly wine-tasting stop along the way.
The tour includes an e-bike, helmet, a certified English-speaking guide, and tastings of 6 to 8 wines.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

Photo: E-Bike Tour

Jardin Botanique Alpin de Meyrin The Alpine Botanical Garden of Meyrin pursues several missions of collection, promotion, and raising awareness about alpine fauna and flora.
Throughout the year, various activities are organized for the public in this location.
The Garden features several areas of interest: rock gardens, arboreal heritage, the 'Maison du Jardin' (the site for scientific activities and conservation of the Garden, such as classification, seed sorting, and plant inventory), the 'Cairn' (dedicated to contemporary creation and cultural mediation, offering workshops, artist residencies, and exhibitions), and a small animal enclosure.
Location: Google Maps

Vivarium de MeyrinDiscover over 200 animals from around the world, representing about 50 species.
The 70 landscaped terrariums are planted and decorated to replicate the natural habitat of their inhabitants.
The vivarium is open from Monday to Friday 2pm to 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm. During school holidays, is it open 10am to 5pm.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

PLAINPALAIS

Welo vineyard toursThis vineyard tour, led by an expert guide, takes you through stunning vineyards to explore the region's rich viticultural heritage, winemaking traditions, unique grape varieties, and innovative techniques.
Travel by tuk tuk with the chauffeur-guide (feel free to suggest a vineyard) or bike (pickup is at Plainpalais, tram stop 15).
The tour includes a guided wine and/or fruit juice tasting, Swiss cheeses and dried meats, and a guided visit to the wine cellars.
Reserve online.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

Photo: Welo Taxi Bike

PREGNY-CHAMBÉSY

Geneva Military Museum The museum features carefully crafted mannequins that bring soldiers from ancient times to life. It emphasizes the relationship between objects and images, with periods depicted through not only artifacts but also paintings, engravings, and photographs showcasing weapons and equipment.
Key pieces include a 1810 officer from the 'National Guard' of the Léman Department, colorful Restoration militia uniforms, and attire from the 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 mobilizations. The museum also highlights Swiss army rockets and the influential figures of Generals Dufour and Guisan.
Open Wednesday to Sunday 1.30pm to 5.30pm. Exhibit labels are in French only. Free entry.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

Photo: Musée Militaire Genevois

SATIGNY

Galerie François FontaineArt gallery in the village of Choully. Check their website for the latest exhibitions and opening times.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

Photo credit: Galerie François Fontaine

Biogaz MandementThe Biogaz Mandement project produces 'green' electricity and heat from agricultural waste through biomethanization.
In 2012, Biogaz Mandement received the 'Canton of Geneva Sustainable Development Award'.
During a visit of the site, guests can discover how agricultural waste can be transformed into clean energy, as an alternative to non-renewable energy sources.
Reservations necessary. Length of visits start from 1.5 hours and costs CHF 150 for up to 12 people. The visits are conducted in French. Other packages available.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

Escape Game A fun way to discover Geneva’s vineyards and countryside! Whether with friends or colleagues, teamwork will be key to solving the puzzles.
After 50 years of rivalry, an older vintner challenges his younger counterpart to find the 'golden harvest knife,' entrusted to him by his late father. Help Bernard find it to honor the challenge and preserve the family legacy.
Use your wits and sense of direction to succeed. Afterward, enjoy an authentic experience with a tasting of five wines and grape juice in the heart of the Satigny vineyard.
The game takes place from June to August, lasts 1.5 hours, and is for 4-10 people. Costs CHF 50 per person. Reservation required.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

VERSOIX

Boléro Gallery Boléro de Versoix combines the Municipal Library, Exhibition Gallery, Hall, and Bistro.
The Gallery showcases exhibitions frequently highlighted internationally and in the media. Its Studio space hosts screenings and conferences. The Hall is dedicated to promoting local sociocultural activities.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 3 pm to 6pm. Entry is free.
Website: LinkLocation: Google Maps

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