Head to Bastions Park to experience Geneva at its most relaxed. This park features wide-open spaces and more than 50 varieties of rare trees. Rest on a park bench with some fine local chocolate and enjoy the passing parade of families, couples and rollerbladers. Look out for statues of notable characters from Geneva’s history, let the kids run around in the public playgrounds or spread out a picnic blanket and soak up the summer sun.
Stroll down the wide, shady pathways of this popular park, which was once a botanical garden. It was founded in 1817 and its promenade features several monuments, fountains and statues. Today, it is very popular with students and is a great place to mingle with locals.
Bastions Park is sometimes known as Reformation Park for its striking Reformation Wall Monument. Visit this stone walkway and wall, a memorial to the founders of the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. The monument honors John Calvin and his contemporaries in dramatic statue form. Look out for the engraved name of Martin Luther, the man who sparked the Reformation in 1517.
Challenge a friend or some of the local enthusiasts to a game of chess on one of the life-sized chessboards located at the northern end of the park.
Enjoy a meal under the park kiosk’s glass rotunda it offers delicious dining options with panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty. This charming building and its intricate roof pay tribute to Geneva’s traditional architectural style and is well worth a visit.
Bastions Park is located on the southern side of Lake Geneva and is just a short walk south of Geneva Old Town. Access the park via frequent bus or tram routes.