Course autour du Phare

In 1857, the city of Geneva underwent a radical transformation when its ancient fortifications were demolished to make room for a growing population. The resulting stone and earth debris were not discarded but reclaimed to construct the moles and embankments that define the Rade de Genève today. This artificial shoreline now serves as the stage for the Course autour du Phare, an annual event hosted by the Association d'usagers des Bains des Pâquis. Swimmers enter the water at the historic baths, navigating a course that turns around the Phare des Pâquis, a lighthouse that has monitored the harbor entrance since 1894.

Historical landmarks on the water

As you pace your strokes, the architecture along the quay reveals the city’s international legacy. You will glide past the Palais Wilson, a structure built in the 1870s that housed the League of Nations for sixteen years, its grand facade reflecting directly into the lake. Further along the circuit, the Brunswick Monument stands as a silent sentinel, its design inspired by the 14th-century Scaliger Tombs in Verona and guarded by marble chimeras. While the Île Rousseau marks the spot where the lake transitions into the Rhône, the backdrop remains dominated by the distant massifs of the Alps, with the peak of Mont Blanc often visible during clear August mornings.

Lake dynamics and race logistics

Navigating the Rade involves more than just endurance; it requires an awareness of the water's kinetic energy. Nearby, the famous Jet d'Eau fountain operates with enough force to eject 500 litres of water per second at 200 km/h, a technical marvel powered by a dedicated megawatt of electricity. The race, scheduled for August 16, 2026, offers distances of 100, 400, and 750 metres, catering to a range of abilities in a setting that contrasts the calm of the lake with the industrial power of its landmarks. This event is a different experience from the high-intensity UltraSwim 33.3, focusing instead on the local community spirit of the Bains des Pâquis. Whether you are building toward a winter challenge like the Coupe de Noël or simply testing your speed in the harbor, the course offers a unique perspective on the city's maritime heart.