A terrace café on Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in Geneva, good for coffee, lunch salads and an evening glass of wine.
La Clémence is a café-brasserie at Place du Bourg-de-Four 20 in the Old Town of Geneva, Switzerland, on the Bourg-de-Four, widely regarded as the oldest square in the city and a gathering point since Roman times. The terrace faces the square and its fountain, and the café is one of several establishments that make the square a social centre for students, lawyers from the nearby Palais de Justice, residents and visitors. The menu is light and casual, in the Swiss-French café tradition. Salads and tartines suit lunch, burgers offer a heartier choice, and the long café day also includes coffee and pastries in the morning and a glass of wine on the square in the evening. The room itself is simple and relaxed, with the terrace the main attraction in fine weather; the mood is easy-going, with a moderate level of conversation and passing foot traffic rather than an intimate dining ambience. There is no dress code. Drinks include espresso-based coffee, Swiss and French wines by the glass and beer, making it equally suited to a quick pause between sights or a longer afternoon. Prices are moderate (rated $$), typically around CHF 20 to 35 for a lunch dish, which is reasonable for a prime Old Town square. The café is generally open daily from morning until late, though hours should be checked. Terrace seating is walk-in only, and the most popular tables fill on sunny days, particularly at lunchtime and early evening, so arriving slightly before peak times helps. The location suits a break during an Old Town walk that includes Cathédrale St-Pierre, the Maison Tavel and the Promenade de la Treille.
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily from morning to late (check current hours) |
| Reservations | Walk-ins only on the terrace |
| Address | Place du Bourg-de-Four 20, 1204 Genève |
Signature dishes
- Salads and tartines
- Burgers
- Coffee and wine on the square
Good to know
- Known for
- Coffee and lunch on Bourg-de-Four
Location
Place du Bourg-de-Four 20, 1204 Genève
46.2002, 6.1488 View on map
Highlights
- Terrace on Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in Geneva
- Salads, tartines and burgers for a casual lunch
- Coffee in the morning and wine on the square in the evening
- Central Old Town position for a sightseeing break
Tips for visiting
- Terrace tables are walk-in only; arrive before noon or mid-afternoon on sunny days.
- A tartine or salad is the lighter and cheaper lunch option.
- Use it as a rest stop between the cathedral and the Maison Tavel.
- Evening drinks on the terrace are a quieter alternative to dinner.
When to visit
Sunny mornings and afternoons for coffee on the terrace; early evening for a glass of wine.
Accessibility
The square is cobbled and terrace seating is outdoors, which is generally manageable, but access to the interior has not been confirmed. Visitors with mobility needs should check ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reserve a terrace table at La Clémence?
No, the terrace is walk-in only, so arriving before peak lunch or evening times helps.
What does La Clémence serve?
Coffee, salads, tartines, burgers and wine, in a Swiss-French café style.
Is it expensive?
It is rated $$, with lunch dishes typically around CHF 20 to 35.
Where is it?
It is at Place du Bourg-de-Four 20, 1204 Genève, in the Old Town.