Plaine de Plainpalais

The Plaine de Plainpalais

The Geneva audio-guided tour takes you to the Plaine de Plainpalais, one of the largest esplanades in Switzerland and one of the most lively squares of the city.

From a marsh to a lively esplanade

Diamond-shaped, the plain today hosts a skatepark, children's games and shaded alleys. It was formerly a marshy area wedged between the Rhone and the Arve, the two watercourses that cross the city. This is where it gets its name: Plainpalais does not refer to a palace, but to the Latin plana palus, which means marshy plain. Long used as pastures, the place became suburbs in the Middle Ages, before hosting, from the seventeenth century, a much-prized mall playground. Over the centuries, the esplanade saw markets, circuses, funfairs and cultural and sporting events pass over its reddish mineral ground. One also discovers there an astonishing polished steel sculpture representing the Moon. Still today, it is one of the most lively places in Geneva.

What there is to see

The Plaine de Plainpalais offers a vast open space, animated by its markets, its festivals and its skatepark, in the shade of many trees. One comes across the polished steel sculpture of the Moon and the daily effervescence of Geneva residents. It is a lively and convivial square, ideal for grasping the popular atmosphere of the city.

Practical information

The Plaine de Plainpalais is in the heart of Geneva. An esplanade in free access at all hours, it hosts markets and events throughout the year, according to a programme to be consulted on site.

Where does the name Plainpalais come from?

From the Latin plana palus, which means marshy plain, in memory of the wetland that once occupied the place.

What can one do on the plain?

Enjoy the skatepark and the games, stroll under the trees and discover markets, festivals and events that follow one another there.