Located in the heart of Geneva, Parc des Bastions is a lush green park, spreads across an area of 64,968 square meters. Parc des Bastions or Bastions Park is one of the most-visited places in Switzerland. The park houses the world-famous Reformation Wall, the Palais Eynard, a great up-scale restaurant, a playground for kids, former botanical garden and the first University of Geneva along with its library.
Accessing the park from Place Neuve is a breeze through a magnificent wrought-iron gate. Beyond it, a striking black and white chessboard draws attention, a lively hub where enthusiasts engage in games or capture moments with the giant pieces. Alongside this playful setting, a distinguished restaurant, formerly a bandstand, beckons visitors. Nestled within a greenhouse illuminated by sparkling chandeliers, the restaurant offers a delectable range of dining options. As you explore this vibrant locale on your Switzerland tours, savour the unique blend of leisure, recreation, and gastronomic delights.
Behind the Restaurant des Parc des Bastions, a big playground awaits you to play with kids. The green-coated adventurous area with its big trees as well the sandpit, the small fountain, are all you could demand in your summer holidays here. Apart from spending time with your kids and families, you can also check out several musical and cultural events that happen in the park.
Walking along the park, you will find the main attraction, a 100-metre long monument, Mur Des Réformateurs or Reformation Wall. It was built back in 1909 as a memorial of the protestants of the European reformation movement.
1. By Bus: You can reach Parc des Bastions from Geneva airport via a direct bus service, line 5, that departs every 15 mins every day. The journey takes around 24 to 30 mins. Operated by Transports Publics Genevois, you can catch the bus from the Genève Aéroport station.
2. By Train: A direct train service operates between Geneva Airport and Parc des Bastions. The line 15 train departs from the airport station every day, every 15 minutes. It takes approximately 30 mins to reach Place de Neuve, which is at a 4-min walking distance from the park.
3. By Car: This is the fastest way to get in Parc des Bastions. A car takes around 10 mins to cover the distance. There is also a rideshare facility, which you can find as the cheapest way to travel. However, it only operates twice a day.
1. Peak Season: Summer is usually the peak season to visit the Parc des Bastions. During June to August, the weather is found pleasant, in which the tourists can enjoy while wandering the park. Moreover, you can enjoy a number of cultural and musical events that happen here throughout this time.
Besides, you can stop by the cafe-restaurant in the park to enjoy a cup of coffee on the elegant terrace soaking in the summer sun.
2. Low Season: The snowy winter, from December to February, when the temperature falls to one digit and below(-4 to 8 ℃), the park becomes an adventurous spot. The blanket of snow covering the park is used as an ice rink for skating and other activities.
In addition to this, the Christmas market in the park or Noël aux Bastions is another attraction to step in during December.