Is this walking tour Geneva suitable for people with mobility issues?

This specific route is moderate in difficulty due to steep inclines and historic staircases. While the views are worth it, those with limited mobility should stick to the main paved roads like Rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville to avoid the stairs.

What is the best time of day to explore the Vieille Ville?

Morning is best for a peaceful experience before the crowds arrive. Afternoon is great for seeing the boutiques open and enjoying a coffee at Place du Bourg-de-Four, while sunset offers beautiful light on the Jura mountains from the terraces.

Can I see the Swiss Alps from this walking route?

Yes, on clear days, you can see the Salève (the 'balcony of Geneva') and the French Alps from the Promenade de la Treille and Terrasse Agrippa-d'Aubigné.

Are there public restrooms in Geneva's Old Town?

Yes, there are well-maintained public toilets located at the Promenade de la Treille and near the Saint-Pierre Cathedral. Most cafes also have facilities for customers.

Is it worth visiting the Old Town on a Sunday?

Sunday is very quiet as most shops are closed, but it is a perfect time for photography and enjoying the architecture without the bustle. The Cathedral remains open for visitors between services.

Where is the best place to start a self-guided walk of Geneva?

Place Neuve is the ideal starting point. It sits at the base of the Old Town hill and is well-connected by trams and buses, allowing you to walk upward into the historic district.

What is the significance of the Passage des Degrés-de-Poules?

It is one of the last remaining 'secret' covered stairways that allowed medieval residents to move quickly and covertly through the city. It connects the lower streets directly to the Cathedral courtyard.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 15 min

Duration

6

Stops

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Tour

Step away from the polished glass of the United Nations and the luxury boutiques of the Rue du Rhône to discover the soul of Geneva. This self-guided walk through the Vieille Ville, or Old Town, peels back the layers of a city that was once a walled fortress and the 'Protestant Rome.' As you navigate this walking route, you will uncover the hidden-gems of the upper city, where narrow passages and secret staircases served as vital arteries for medieval residents and Reformation-era spies. The journey begins on the Rue des Granges, a street lined with aristocratic mansions that still whisper stories of the city's elite families. From there, you will traverse the highest points of the hill, finding quiet terraces that offer sweeping views of the Jura mountains and the distant Alps. This neighborhood stroll is designed for those who want to experience the atmosphere of ancient Geneva independently, without the constraints of a group. You will encounter the world's longest wooden bench, explore stairways hidden behind nondescript doors, and stand where the city's most influential thinkers once debated. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a photography lover seeking the perfect medieval backdrop, this walking tour Geneva offers a comprehensive look at the city's architectural evolution. By the time you reach the iconic covered staircases that connect the upper and lower towns, you will have experienced a side of Geneva that most visitors overlook. This is a chance to explore at your own pace, soaking in the centuries of history embedded in every cobblestone and limestone facade of this hilltop enclave.

Highlights

The aristocratic mansions of Rue des Granges
The record-breaking wooden bench at Promenade de la Treille
Panoramic views from Terrasse Agrippa-d'Aubigné
The secret 'Hen's Steps' passage to the Cathedral
The iconic 14th-century Escaliers du Marché
Hidden medieval courtyards and narrow alleyways

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Rue des Granges

Welcome to the Rue des Granges, arguably the most prestigious address in Geneva’s history. As you walk down this quiet, paved street, notice the imposing limestone facades. These are 'hôtels particuliers,' or private mansions, built mostly in the 18th century for the city’s ruling families. Unlike the bustling commercial streets below, this area was a sanctuary for the aristocracy. Look closely at the heavy wooden doors; many hide magnificent inner courtyards designed to allow carriages to turn around. This street represents the 'Old Money' of Geneva, where influential figures like the De Saussure family lived. It’s a perfect introduction to the architectural sobriety and elegance that defines the upper Vieille Ville. The lack of shops here is intentional, preserved to maintain the residential dignity of the neighborhood.

2

Promenade de la Treille

Follow the curve of the old city walls to reach the Promenade de la Treille. This elevated park offers a stunning vantage point over the Parc des Bastions and the mountains beyond. You are currently standing near the world's longest wooden bench, which stretches for 120 meters along the promenade. It’s a favorite spot for locals to soak in the sun. Also, keep an eye out for the 'official' chestnut tree of Geneva. Since 1818, a city official has recorded the appearance of its first bud to formally announce the arrival of spring. This promenade was originally part of the city's defensive ramparts, but today it serves as a peaceful retreat where the history of the city’s fortifications meets modern leisure.

3

Rue du Perron

As you descend into the heart of the Old Town, you enter Rue du Perron. This street feels distinctly different from the Rue des Granges; it is narrower, more intimate, and retains a medieval character. Historically, this was a hub for artisans and small-scale commerce. The buildings here are taller and packed more closely together, a testament to the days when Geneva was a crowded walled city with limited space to expand. Look up to see the traditional wrought-iron signs and the irregular rooflines. This street is a bridge between the grand administrative buildings of the Cathedral hill and the bustling markets of the lower city. It’s an ideal place to appreciate the layered history of Geneva’s urban development.

4

Terrasse Agrippa-d'Aubigné

Named after the famous Huguenot poet and soldier, this terrace is one of the Old Town’s best-kept secrets. It offers a unique perspective of the Saint-Pierre Cathedral’s side architecture and a view down toward the lake. Agrippa d'Aubigné was a close friend of King Henri IV of France and a staunch defender of the Protestant cause, finding refuge in Geneva during the religious wars. The terrace feels like a secluded balcony overlooking the city’s rooftops. It is a quiet spot that highlights the city's role as a haven for thinkers and refugees during the Reformation. The mix of stone walls and ivy makes it one of the most atmospheric corners of the Vieille Ville, perfect for a brief moment of reflection.

5

Passage des Degrés-de-Poules

Tucked away near the cathedral is the Passage des Degrés-de-Poules, or 'The Hen's Steps.' This narrow, steep, and covered staircase is one of the few remaining examples of the secret passages that once crisscrossed the hill. In the medieval era, these passages allowed residents to move quickly between different levels of the city for defense or to escape the weather. The name is a bit of a mystery, but some believe it refers to the short, quick steps one must take to climb the steep incline—much like a chicken. Climbing these steps today gives you a tangible sense of the physical layout of the ancient city and the hidden-gems that exist just behind the main thoroughfares.

6

Escaliers du Marché

Your walk concludes at the Escaliers du Marché, perhaps the most photographed spot in Geneva. This covered wooden staircase dates back to the 14th century and was built to connect the market square at Place du Bourg-de-Four with the Cathedral above. As you walk down, imagine the centuries of merchants, pilgrims, and citizens who have used these very steps. The surrounding buildings, with their colorful shutters and small boutiques, create a picturesque scene that feels frozen in time. At the bottom, you’ll find yourself in the vibrant heart of the Old Town, surrounded by cafes and galleries. It is the perfect end to your exploration of Geneva’s hidden corridors and historic heights.

Frequently Asked Questions

A focused walk takes about 60 to 90 minutes. This 1.5-kilometer route covers the main historical sites, though you may want extra time to visit the Cathedral or browse local galleries.