Introduction
The Eaux-Vives district, on the left bank of Lake Geneva, embodies both Geneva’s history and its modernity.
The Eaux-Vives district in Geneva is a lively, dynamic neighbourhood, both residential and close to the lake.
It is often associated with the Jet d’eau, the Eaux-Vives beach and large parks such as Parc des Eaux-Vives and Parc La Grange, places for relaxation and leisure.
It is also a neighbourhood with a rich cultural offer, shops, restaurants and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Here are four perspectives: those of an architect, a historian, a financier and a business owner.
The architect: a balance between heritage and innovation
In Eaux-Vives, the urban layering is obvious: 19th-century buildings stand alongside contemporary projects such as the Nouvelle Comédie (FRES Architectes & Atelier Bonnet) and lot BC (Bonhôte Zapata). The CEVA station, designed by Jean Nouvel and opened on 15 December 2019, embodies this modern ambition: it rests on a metal structure and “glass bricks” that bring light and transparency to the underground spaces. The challenge is to combine conservation and renewal, while redesigning the public space around a cutting-edge regional hub.
Find the project here www.ovives-geneve.ch. Photo credit: www.ovives-geneve.ch
YEAR 2000 YEAR 2025
The historian: memory of a former village
Until 1931, Eaux-Vives was an independent municipality, home to fishermen and craftsmen. Since joining Geneva, it has kept traces of this history: place names, architecture, the La Grange and Eaux-Vives parks. The Parc des Eaux-Vives hotel, founded in 1750, is one of the witnesses of this past
Photo credit: https://www.bge-geneve.ch/iconographie/oeuvre/vg-1189
The financier: a dynamic banking and property district
Today, Eaux-Vives is home to several bank headquarters and branches: CBH Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique SA, Bonhôte Banque Privée, Société Générale Private Banking, and asset management firms such as Mirabaud ou Decalia.
It also hosts family offices such as Stonehage Fleming.
On the property side, players such as Naef Immobilier, Grange & Cie, Privera, SPG-Rytz, Domicim ou Losinger Marazzi are actively involved in transforming the neighbourhood, with the CEVA station and the new buildings around lot BC.
The district is also becoming a strategic investment hub for developers and real estate funds.
The business owner: a strategic location and services
For us business leaders, Eaux-Vives offers a favourable environment: close to the city centre, CEVA access, and coworking spaces such as SeedSpace Eaux-Vives.
Many Geneva SMEs in law, finance, real estate, consulting and digital have their offices here.
The range of services is complete: La Mobilière, Migros, the shopping centre and well-known restaurants such as Café Lyrique or the Auberge des Eaux-Vives.
The district also benefits from renowned private banks and estate agencies, which make things easier for investors and business owners.
The gym, the Nouvelle Comédie and the new residential and commercial buildings also help make the area more attractive.
In addition, the neighbourhood atmosphere, between Geneva tradition and international openness, helps retain talent and partners.
