Living in Cité - Rues Basses: the quaint historical centre of Geneva

Walking the Rues Basses is like travelling back in time. From the main avenues by the lake shore, a maze of cobbled streets and narrow staircases rises up the hill. Geneva's commercial pulse has been beating in here since the Middle Ages. Its markets and craftsmen's workshops have gradually been replaced by art galleries, museums, shops, cafés and restaurants.

Located between St. Peter Cathedral and the lake, this district is a link between the very old and the new, where tall buildings light up the harbor every night. The countless terraces of the Rues Basses, as well as the small squares and even beautiful green spaces hidden in the Cité, make this lively district an unmissable meeting place for Genevans.

The Cité - Rues Basses district is where the name “Cité de Calvin” takes on its full meaning, as this area is so important in Geneva history ! Famous names such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Ferdinand Hodler were born here or have stayed here, and some of the most emblematic buildings attracting both tourists and locals are to be found here.

In the Parc des Bastions lies an imposing monument celebrating the pioneers and defenders of the Reformation. The Reformation Wall is leaning against the ramparts that once protected the city. It features 10 statues, the most famous being the four statues in the middle, standing 5 metres high. They show the four great preachers, in robes and with the Bible in their hands: Guillaume Farel, Jean Calvin, Theodore de Bèze and John Knox. The 100-metre long international monument of the Reformation was built for the 400th anniversary of Calvin and the 350th anniversary of the founding of the University of Geneva.

This large park is one of the most popular places in Geneva. You can go there to sunbathe on the beautiful lawns or study for last-minute exams: the University is not far away! The Bastions also host several events such as the Music Festival, the School Festival or the Course de l’Escalade. With giant chess boards and a much-appreciated playground, the famous restaurant in the old bandstand is the cornerstone of this magnificent park in the city centre.