Parc de Vermont

How fitting that a park dedicated to tranquility finds its home amidst the bustling heart of international activity! Parc de Vermont, tucked away behind the Gare Cornavin in Geneva’s Montbrillant quarter, offers a verdant escape from the city’s energy. Don’t let its modern appearance fool you! This park holds deep roots, stretching back to the mid-18th century and the sprawling estate of the Cazenove family. These French Protestants, seeking refuge in Geneva after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, left their mark on this land. One descendant, Jean-Antoine Cazenove, embarked on a journey to America, eventually founding “New Geneva” in the forested state of Vermont. Years later, Antoine Aubert, a family member with ties to both continents, christened his Geneva estate “Vermont” in honor of this American legacy. While the estate saw significant development in the 1950s, transforming into the residential area you see today, the heart of Parc de Vermont remained a green oasis. Today, it stands as a testament to clever urban planning – a place where mature trees, some dating back to the Cazenove era, stand sentinel over playful children and offer shaded respite to those seeking a moment of peace. The park serves as a vibrant link between the Montbrillant and Varembé neighborhoods, proving that even in the midst of a bustling city, a touch of Vermont’s tranquility can thrive.