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Île Rousseau

Geneva  >  Switzerland

Île Rousseau in Geneva is a small, tranquil island on the Rhône River, offering a green oasis with scenic views and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Ajouté* par Chris Taklis
Dernière actualisation 20 mars 2025

Description

Île Rousseau is a peaceful island in the heart of Geneva, surrounded by the Rhône River and connected to the city by a footbridge. The island’s mix of mature trees, shrubs, and riverbanks provides an excellent habitat for both waterbirds and songbirds.

Throughout the year, you can spot Cygne tuberculé, Canard colvert, and Héron cendré along the river, while Foulque macroule and Grand Cormoran rest on the water’s edge. In spring and summer, Rougequeue noir, Pinson des arbres, and Mésange charbonnière can be seen in the trees, along with migratory Martinet noir and Hirondelle de fenêtre darting overhead.

In winter, the island attracts Harle bièvre, Fuligule morillon, and various gulls seeking shelter on the Rhône. With its central location, scenic views, and abundant birdlife, Île Rousseau is a unique and accessible spot for urban birdwatching.

Exotic species are frequently encountered on the island, causing sometimes confusion: these are escapees (around a dozen species have been identified, most recently two White-cheeked Pintail). The geese that are sometimes reported as Oie cendrée are also domestic geese (anser cf. domestica). The rare Martinet pâle, which have recently started breeding in the vicinity, occasionally hunt over the island; they are easiest to identify after the depart of the very similar Martinet noir in autumn.

Détails

Accès

Île Rousseau is located in the center of Geneva, at the junction of the Rhône River and Lake Geneva, easily accessible on foot, by bike, or public transport. The island is connected to the city by a pedestrian bridge from Pont des Bergues. With public transport take tram lines 12, 14, or 18 or bus lines 6 and 8 to stops near Pont des Bergues or Bel-Air, both a short walk from the island.

By Car: Parking is limited in the area, but nearby options include Parking Mont-Blanc and Parking Saint-Antoine.

Île Rousseau is best explored on foot, as it is a small island with shaded benches and viewpoints along the river. A visit typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour, making it an ideal stop for a short but rewarding birdwatching experience in the city.

Terrain et Habitat

Lac

Conditions

Plat , Marécageux , Niveau d'eau élevé probable

Boucle

Oui

Avez-vous besoin d'une longue-vue?

Non

Saison idéale pour observer

Toute l'année

Meilleure période pour une visite

Hiver , Migration printanière

Itinéraire

Route pavée

Niveau de difficulté de l'itinéraire

Facile

Accessible via

A pied

Observatoire/hutte d'observation

Non

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Carte

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