Bathing at the Bains des Pâquis, an institution in Geneva

The Pâquis baths have been in existence since 1872. Initially built of wood, they were enlarged in 1889 on stilts and rebuilt in 1931-1932. In 1890, the Bains became public and municipal. Admission was charged from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and free on Sundays and public holidays. A few free hours were reserved for women to avoid promiscuity.

The city of Geneva decided to rebuild the baths in 1932. The simple wooden huts were demolished to make way for a complete development of the pier in reinforced concrete. The project chosen was that of engineer Louis Archinard and architect Henry Roche, which offered perfect equality between men and women and a surface area of 6,500 m2. The first of the 448 piles was planted on 20 January 1932.

The Bains des Pâquis normally offers 2 mixed saunas, 1 mixed Turkish bath, 1 mixed steam room and 1 steam room reserved for women. On Tuesdays, all facilities are reserved exclusively for women. If you want to combine bathing with relaxation, you can opt for a massage given by professionals on site.

If you're feeling sporty, you can also practise yoga, every Saturday from October to April, from 10am to 11am, and also from June to September, from 9am to 10am. The sessions, which are caring, regenerating and accessible to all, invite you to connect with your inner state, take care of yourself and recharge your batteries. During your session, you'll have a view of the lake, between the plane trees of the lighthouse.

If you're feeling peckish after relaxing in the hammam or sauna, head to the buvette des bains, which you reach by walking along the Quai du Mont Blanc on the right bank of Lake Geneva. It serves breakfasts, salads and daily specials. On the menu: simple, original cuisine that changes with the seasons. Mushroom omelette, lamb curry, linguine bolognaise... each dish is also available for vegetarians. In winter, you can enjoy the famous fondue au crémant at 11am in the buvette des bains. Reservations are strongly recommended for the evening.