Viewpoint of Rousseau Island

The viewpoint over Rousseau Island

The Geneva audio-guided tour leads you to a small pontoon, under the Quai des Bergues, from where opens a pretty view over Rousseau Island and the city.

An islet dedicated to the philosopher

Before you stands Rousseau Island, a small islet of greenery set in the heart of the city, at the junction of the lake and the Rhone. Used in turn as a shipyard and a quarantine warehouse, it was laid out as a public promenade from the nineteenth century. As its name indicates, it pays tribute to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, one of the most famous Geneva philosophers and writers: his statue stands in the heart of the island, surrounded by poplars and weeping willows dear to the thinker. Connected to the Quai des Bergues by a suspended footbridge, Rousseau Island is much appreciated by Geneva residents for a little walk on the water. From the pontoon, the gaze embraces the bay, the Rhone and the centre of the city, in a peaceful setting.

What there is to see

The viewpoint offers a pretty perspective over Rousseau Island, its setting of greenery and its statue of the philosopher, as well as over the bay and the Rhone. Connected by a footbridge, the island invites a peaceful stop along the water. It is a charming and quiet corner in the heart of Geneva.

Practical information

The viewpoint is under the Quai des Bergues, in Geneva; Rousseau Island is connected to the quay by a suspended footbridge. In free access on foot at all hours, the island can be discovered during a short walk.

To whom is Rousseau Island dedicated?

To the Geneva philosopher and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau, whose statue stands in the heart of the island.

How does one reach Rousseau Island?

By a suspended footbridge that connects it to the Quai des Bergues, for a short walk on the water.