Before you stands the Tour de Champel a testament to Geneva’s intriguing past. This 17-meter-high tower wasn’t always a picturesque landmark. It began life in 1877. David Moriaud a promoter of the Arve therapeutic baths commissioned its construction. The baths themselves were a popular spot. They were connected to the train station by a tramway. This made the area an accessible spa resort.
The tower’s design is unique. It’s a blend of medieval and neo-gothic styles. Its stones came from a 14th-century Rhone riverside house. Moriaud envisioned it as a romantic ruin. It was designed to be an attractive feature for visitors to Champel-les-Bains. Guests could enjoy the panoramic views from the tower’s terrace. They could even sip tea there.
Sadly the tower’s glory days faded in the early 1970s. It fell into disrepair. Facing potential collapse it underwent a renovation in 1985. However only the exterior was restored. Access to the upper terrace was permanently closed. This terrace once offered breathtaking views of Carouge and the Arve river.
Today the Tour de Champel stands as a silent observer. It has witnessed centuries of Geneva’s history. From its early use as an elegant addition to the spa resort to its current status as a historical monument. The tower remains a beloved symbol of Champel’s unique character. It’s a reminder of the area’s transformation from a place of executions to a thriving neighborhood. Its neo-gothic style continues to fascinate and inspire. This little tower offers a glimpse into Geneva’s rich and varied past. A story waiting to be discovered.