NATURE RESERVES

The Canton is home to many wonderful nature reserves, offering peaceful sanctuaries where nature thrives in its purest form.

These areas protect the region’s biodiversity. Nature enthusiasts can explore these reserves on well-maintained trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility of unspoiled landscapes.

BERNEX

Bois de Mouilles Bois de Mouilles (Mouilles Woods) is an 11-hectare woodland that has been modified over time, particularly with the expansion of the pond in 1986 during the construction of the motorway.
The pond now spans over one hectare, with a depth of up to 4 metres. The site is equipped with paths and observation platforms to allow visitors to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna.
Parking: Chemin de Mennesy, 1233 Bernex and Route de Loëx, 1233 BernexLocation: Google Maps

Nant de Borbaz et des Picolattes Nature Reserve The oakwood forest within the massif du Bois de Châtillon (Châtillon woods massif) and several streams comprise this nature reserve, which covers an area of almost 17 hectares.
It has been classified a nature reserve since 2012.
Parking: Chemin de Mennesy, 1233 Bernex and Chemin Fabri, 1233 BernexLocation: Google Maps

CARTIGNY

Moulin de Vert Nature Reserve The Moulin de Vert reserve lies downstream from the Verbois dam on the left bank of the Rhône, occupying a former Rhône meander once used for mills.
There are a series of ponds in this nature reserve - Etang Robert Hainard, Etang des Iles and Etang Ouest with an imposing cliff in its background. Head to the top of the cliff - the incredible view from this point looks out over the reserve and beyond.
Parking: Rue du Trabli, 1236 CartignyNearest bus stop: 'Cartigny, Moulin de Vert'Location: Google Maps

CHANCY

Les RacleretsThe Raclerets is a military zone and shooting range located in the Laire Valley, a protected area of high natural value. The valley's significance and rich biodiversity lies in its alluvial ecosystem, shaped by the free-flowing Laire river.
Floods, erosion, and sedimentation have created a diverse yet fragile environment, with many areas too delicate for frequent disturbance.
It is forbidden to enter during shooting or in the event of occupation of the square by the military or other approved users.
Refer to the shooting notices posted at the entrance. Visitors must follow safety rules, especially during shooting periods, and respect the local wildlife, plants, and natural habitats.
Location: Google Maps

CHOULEX

Les Marais de SionnetLes Marais (marshes) de Sionnet, Choulex, La Carre and Corsinge are filled by the river Seymaz, which has its source in the woodlands of Jussy.
It meanders its way through the surrounds of Meinier and Choulex before reaching Chêne-Bourg then finally converges with the river Arve at Pont de Sierne (Sierne bridge).
The Seymaz is the only river having its course entirely situated within the Canton of Geneva.
Location: Google Maps

COLLEX-BOSSY

Foretaille Nature Reserve Classified a nature reserve in 2009, this site covers almost 7 hectares.
A natural wetland enhanced by the creation of a pond in the 1980s and further restored through renaturation efforts in 2011. This marshy, open forest is home to species such as the agile frog, European oriole, and wild boar.
Although there are no marked paths around this reserve, visitors are free to explore the site on foot. Note that dogs are forbidden in this area.
Parking: Route de La-Bâtie, 1290 Collex-BossyLocation: Google Maps

COLLONGE-BELLERIVE

La Pointe à la Bise Nature Reserve This nature reserve covers 8.8 hectares, with 2.7 hectares on land. Home to the last significant lake reed bed in Geneva, it supports diverse fauna, including 164 bird species, 5 amphibians, and 18 dragonfly species. The reserve is crucial for migratory birds and amphibians. Open to the public since 1998, it offers an educational trail and observation tower. Managed by Pro Natura Genève, it is also a "Nationally important amphibian breeding site" and waterbird reserve.Parking: Chemin de la Réserve, 1222 Collonge-BelleriveNearest bus stop: 'Vésenaz, Pointe à la Bise'Location: Google Maps

DARDAGNY

The Large Roulave Woods Nature ReserveThe grand bois de roulave (the Large Roulave Woods) occupies just over 20 hectares of land and has been classified a nature reserve since 2012.
Among the diverse flora and fauna found here are the wild boar, spotted salamander and barn owl.
Nearest bus stop: 'Dardagny, Le Roulave'Location: Google Maps

ETREMBIERES (FRANCE)

Les Iles d'ArveThe Iles d'Arve - a protected natural zone of ponds, along with the Bois de Vernaz (Vernaz woods), make up this nature reserve and covers an area of 35 hectares.
The Eurasian beaver, the green frog and 17 species of dragonflies can be found here.
The nature reserve is located on the French side of the border with Veyrier.
Parking: Route du Pas-de-l'Echelle 110, 1255 VeyrierNearest bus stops: 'Pont de Sierne' and 'Veyrier Village'Location: Google Maps

Prés Bordon Nature ReserveThis nature reserve has series of ponds that serve as a sanctuary for nature, nestled within the network of conserved environments of the Prés-de-Villette reserve.
The Prés Bordon site is a lush, forested wetland featuring a variety of water bodies and thriving riparian vegetation. Well-connected to other nearby natural areas, it offers a refuge for rare and sometimes unexpected species.
This site provides an ideal setting for family-friendly explorations and discoveries.
Parking: Allée du Chambet, 1251 GyLocation: Google Maps

JUSSY

Les Arales Nature ReserveSituated in Jussy woods, this nature reserve covers almost 25 hectares.
The Arales ponds were dug in 1973 in order to diversify the natural environments present in this area and to encourage the discovery of nature by visitors, particularly by young people. They also ensured the supply of water in the event of a forest fire.
In 2009-2010, the wetlands of the reserve were enlarged and diversified thanks to renaturation work.
Parking: Chemin des Gresevaux, 1254 JussyNearest bus stop: 'Jussy Châtaignières'Location: Google Maps

LACONNEX

Réserve Naturelle de LaconnexIn 1960, gravel extraction began on the site, leading to colonization by rare pioneer species, attracting naturalists.
After mining ended in 1968, the land became an illegal dump. Seven years later, the owner sold it to the State of Geneva, with Pro Natura Geneva helping purchase it. The Laconnex nature reserve was created, featuring pioneer zones, but these quickly became overgrown.
To preserve marshland species, ongoing management keeps the reserve open, ensuring it remains a refuge for diverse wildlife in the Geneva Champagne.
Nearest bus stop: 'Laconnex, Mollaz'Location: Google Maps

MEYRIN

Marais des Crêts de Mategnin This is one of about 20 remaining marshes in the Canton of Geneva.
The land was purchased by the ProNatura association in 1951 and the association which manages the marches.
The reserve includes some rare habitats and it is thought that 13 of its 136 species of vegetation are under threat of extinction.
As well as flora, it is home to many species of animals. Recorded at the reserve so far have been 54 different species of spiders, 13 species of orthoptera (grasshoppers, locust, crickets, etc.), 19 species of butterflies, 20 species of dragonflies, seven species of amphibians, and 48 species of birds.
Nearest tram stop: 'Meyrin Gravière'Location: Google Maps

MIES (VAUD)

Gouille Marion Nature ReserveSituated in the Bois de Veytay (Veytay Woods) is the nature reserve Gouille Marion, which includes a large pond and is surrounded by woodland - the whole area covers approximately 14 hectares.
A well-defined trail borders the pond. Although there are little paths leading off the main trail, taking you to the edge of the pond, it is forbidden to leave the main trail between March 1st and August 1st as this is the nesting period for some of the wildlife with habitats in the reserve.
In 1972, work was carried out which resulted in the creation of two small islands and a moat to regulate the water level. In 1973, Gouille Marion was classified a nature reserve.
113 species of birds, 5 species of amphibians and 17 species of dragonflies have been observed at this pond as well as the collar snake. The pond is also a water point for deer, wild boar, foxes and squirrels.
Location: Google Maps

ONEX

Onex Forest This 33-hectare forest is a vital refuge for various species of wild animals.
Positioned around the forest are several didactic boards which are there to teach visitors about the richness and treasures of the forest.
The forest is traversed by numerous walking trails, including one that follows the river Rhône's edge.
Parking: Route de Loëx, 1233 Bernex and Rue du Vieux-Moulin, 1213 OnexNearest bus stops: 'Onex, Marché' and 'Onex Maison Onésienne'Location: Google Maps

PLAN-LES-OUATES

Bois d'Humilly et des Etangs de la Bistoquette Humilly woods and Bistoquette ponds are rich in biodiversity and play a crucial ecological role. Since June 2013, much of the area has been a nature reserve, managed by the Canton of Geneva.
It includes both an "integral reserve" with minimal intervention and a "managed reserve" allowing limited human activity. The area features oak forests, reed beds, and willow groves, hosting various species, including amphibians like frogs and newts.
The reserve also supports mammals, birds, and insects, contributing to the region's ecological network.
Nearest bus stop: 'Plan-les-Ouates, Roday'Location: Google Maps

PREGNY-CHAMBÉSY

Ecrevisses Nature ReserveSmall woodland containing the Ecrevisses pond, a little body of water fed by several sources.
The area and pond offer a protected site for the aquatic flora and fauna.
Parking: Chemin de Valérie, 1292 Pregny-ChambésyNearest bus stop: 'Chambésy Fontaine'Location: Google Maps

RUSSIN

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

SATIGNY

Grand Bois de Satigny Nature ReserveClassified a nature reserve since 2012, this 23-hectare forest borders the right bank of the Allondon river.
Walking paths traverse the forest, and a viewpoint along one of these proffers a magnificent panoramic view of the Jura mountain range.
The tawny owl, European rose chafer and wild boar are some of the fauna that can be observed in this reserve.
Parking: Route de Moulin Fabry, 1242 Satigny and Route de l'allondon, 1283 DardagnyNearest bus stop: 'Dardagny, Malval Centre Nature'Location: Google Maps

VERNIER

Bois-des-FrèresThe Bois-des-frères adjoins the Bois de la Grille and the two woods are separated by a path.
The site is named after the Dominican Friars Preachers, who owned the land in the 1400s and exploited its quarry and trees for a century.
After the Reformation, the property was confiscated and given to the General Hospital. The City purchased it in 1874, and the forest was used as coppice, with trees cut every 25 years. Hodler frequently walked there and painted many scenes. Some areas, recreated as coppice, resemble his paintings.
A 'Parcours Vita' (outdoor exercise circuit), playground for children, restaurant and toilets are available for visitors.
Nearest bus stop: 'Château Bloch'Location: Google Maps

Bois de la GrilleThe 118,000 m² Bois de la Grille (Grille woods), which borders the river Rhône, features diverse natural environments, including rare pine forests and meadows, thanks to its dry, warm microclimate and south-facing exposure.
Over 270 plant species thrive here, including protected ones like the Martagon Lily and orchids.
The site is home to numerous insects, especially butterflies, and large mammals such as deer, wild boars, and badgers. Lizards and snakes, including the Asp Viper, also inhabit the area, which offers a Mediterranean atmosphere with seasonal sounds like the Little Cygale.
Nearest bus stop: 'Vernier Gare/Croisette'Location: Google Maps

VERSOIX

Combes Chapuis Nature ReserveThe Combes Chapuis nature reserve, which is situated in the north-west of the commune of Versoix, covers an area of 14 hectares and is home of several ponds, including Sauverny pond.
A site naturally marshy, almost half of the reserve is wetlands, and the reserve is also traversed by the river Versoix.
A species of frog known as the Agile frog can be found here; this reserve has the largest population of Agile frogs in the whole of the Canton.
Parking: Route de Sauverny, 1290 VersoixLocation: Google Maps

Les Douves Nature ReserveThis reserve is home to many species of amphibians and birds.
An information board displays a map of the trail around the reserve, and a boardwalk allows visitors to walk around the wetland comfortably.
Nearby, the Cabane des Bûcherons (cabin) is an area provided for visitors to picnic and barbecue.
Parking: Chemin des Douves, 1290 VersoixNearest bus stop: 'Versoix Stand de Tir'Location: Google Maps

Pré-Béroux Nature Reserve Situated in the northern part of the canton of Geneva, within the Bois de Versoix (Versoix woods), this reserve spans 13.9 hectares, over half of which consist of wetlands.
To maintain the peace for larger wildlife including roe deer, and wild boar, entry to the site is prohibited, though there are paths around the perimeter of the reserve that offer viewpoints.
Parking: Route de Sauverny, 1290 VersoixNearest bus stop: 'Versoix Stand de Tir'Location: Google Maps

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