A magnificent 18th-century mansion stands proudly atop a hill. This is the Parc des Eaux-Vives in Geneva. It’s more than just a pretty face though. This park holds secrets from centuries past.
The Parc des Eaux-Vives’ story begins much earlier than that mansion. In the 16th century the Plonjon family established a large estate on this very spot. This estate later changed hands. The banker Joseph Bouer acquired it in 1714. He added the impressive manor house in 1750. The building served as a boarding house in the early 1800s. Then Louis Favre purchased the entire property in 1866.
The Parc des Eaux-Vives wasn’t always a public space. It became one gradually. The Société de l’Industrie des Hôtels acquired Favre’s property in 1897. By 1898 public attractions were already being held here. Entry cost a mere 50 centimes. Imagine strolling through this elegant park over a century ago.
Around 1900 the manor house transformed into a luxurious restaurant. Landscape gardener Jules Allemand further developed the Parc des Eaux-Vives in 1907. He worked for the Société des Hôtels de Genève.
The Parc des Eaux-Vives reached its peak of extravagance in 1911. A “Luna-Park” opened. It featured an African village a water slide a skating rink and even a Venetian lake with gondolas. This was a truly unique blend of entertainment and science.
Geneva’s commune of Eaux-Vives officially purchased the Parc des Eaux-Vives in 1913. It then became the property of the city of Geneva in 1931 after the communes unified. The restaurant continued to flourish. It evolved into a high-end gastronomic establishment in the early 1960s.
Today the Parc des Eaux-Vives offers much more than just stunning views. It holds a small pond fed by a stream flowing from a cave. There are extensive plant collections. A noteworthy collection of rhododendrons was donated by the Netherlands. It was a thank you for Geneva’s humanitarian aid during World War II.
The Tennis Club of Geneva the city’s first tennis club calls this park home. It has been there since 1898. A clubhouse was built in 1928. The main court followed in 1958. It even hosted the Grand Prix ATP Tour de Genève in 1980 and 1991.
So as you stand here in the Parc des Eaux-Vives remember its rich history. From a 16th-century estate to a bustling Luna-Park to a sophisticated park today. It is a remarkable testament to Geneva’s evolution. The Parc des Eaux-Vives is a true gem. Enjoy the serene beauty and hidden stories it holds.