The confluence where the clear-blue Rhône meets the grey-brown Arve, visible side by side for a few hundred metres. A small park and riverside banks sit alongside.
The Pointe de la Jonction is the tip of land in Geneva's La Jonction district, Switzerland, where the Rhône and the Arve rivers meet. The two rivers are strikingly different: the Rhône leaves Lake Geneva as clear blue water, while the Arve carries glacial silt from the Mont Blanc massif and runs grey-brown. For a few hundred metres downstream the two currents flow side by side without mixing, creating a visible line of contrasting colour that is the main reason to visit. A small park with lawns and trees sits at the point, with stairs and banks leading down to the water's edge, and a footbridge and nearby paths allow viewing from several angles. The best vantage points are the end of the promontory, the railings on the upstream side and the bridge crossing the Rhône nearby, where photographers can capture both colours in one frame. Water levels and silt load change with rainfall and snowmelt, so the contrast is strongest in late spring and summer when the Arve is swollen with meltwater. A typical visit takes 30 to 45 minutes, though many visitors stay longer for a picnic. Late afternoon in summer is the favoured time, when locals gather on the grass and the light is soft. The area is open at all hours and free, and quiet in the morning. Nearby, the Bois de la Bâtie and the Plainpalais district can be reached on foot, and the walk from Plainpalais takes about 20 minutes. Tram 14 or 15 stops at Jonction. Swimming at the point is not advised because currents and cold water can be dangerous, and visitors should keep to the marked paths and mind children near the bank.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open access 24 hours |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Late afternoon in summer, with a picnic |
| Getting there | Tram 14 or 15 to Jonction, or walk 20 minutes from Plainpalais |
| Address | Pointe de la Jonction, 1205 Genève, Switzerland |
Location
Pointe de la Jonction, 1205 Genève, Switzerland
46.2020, 6.1294 View on map
Highlights
- Visible line where blue Rhône water meets grey Arve water
- Small park at the promontory with picnic lawns
- Multiple viewpoints including nearby bridges
- Quiet riverside walking paths
Tips for visiting
- Visit in late spring or summer when the Arve carries most glacial silt.
- Bring a picnic for late afternoon on the lawn.
- Use the nearby bridge for the clearest view of both colours.
- Avoid swimming, as currents are strong and the water is cold.
- Reach it by tram 14 or 15 to Jonction.
When to visit
Late afternoon in summer is best for light and atmosphere. Contrast is strongest when the Arve is swollen with meltwater.
Accessibility
The park paths are mostly level, but access down to the water's edge involves steps and uneven ground, which limits wheelchair use. The upper viewpoints are easier to reach.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About 30 to 45 minutes, longer if picnicking.
Why do the rivers look different?
The Rhône leaves the lake clear and blue, while the Arve carries glacial silt, so the two stay visibly separate for some distance.
Is it good for kids?
Yes as a short outing with open lawns, though children should be supervised near the riverbank.