Rhone and Arve River Banks

The Rhone and Arve rivers are the lifeblood of Geneva. The tour explores how these powerful waterways shaped the city’s development from ancient times to the present day. We’ll walk along the banks of both rivers, discovering their geographic importance, ingenious hydraulic systems, historic bridges and industrial heritage that made Geneva a center of trade and manufacturing.

From medieval water mills to 19th-century industrial complexes, you’ll learn how Geneva harnessed the Rhone’s power for manufacturing, especially in the watchmaking, jewelry and textile industries. We’ll also explore how the river provides water to the region and shapes modern Geneva’s commitment to sustainability.

Tour Highlights

• •  Historic bridges including the Pont de la Machine and Ponts de l’Ïle
• •  Historic Tour de l’Île (Tower on the Island)  13^th C. fortress and Julius Caesar plaque
• •  The Forces Motrices building and hydroelectric power station
• •  Geneva’s water management systems, sanitary and hygiene systems
• •  Dams and control of water level
• •  History of industrial Geneva and the watchmaking industry
• •  The history of the Jet d’Eau, its engineering and evolution
• •  The junction of the Rhone and Arve rivers