Jet d'Eau

At the end of the Eaux-Vives pier in Geneva's harbour, a water jet shoots approximately 500 litres of water per second to a height of 140 metres at a speed of around 200 km/h. It was created in 1886 as a pressure-relief valve for a hydraulic plant, and was relocated to its current position in the harbour in 1891. It was raised to its present height of 140 metres in 1951, when it was given its own pumping station on the lake. A stone pier leads right up to the jet, making it possible to see it up close — though be aware that the wind carries the spray. In strong winds or low temperatures, the jet is switched off.