Mouette Boat Ride On Lake Geneva

The Mouettes genevoises are small yellow boats that cross the harbour of Geneva, and they have become one of the city's most recognisable sights. The name means seagulls, and the boats do dart back and forth across the water, linking the two shores of the lake at the point where it narrows into the Rhône. They are part of the city's public transport network, not a tourist cruise, which means they are cheap, frequent and used by commuters, shoppers and students as well as visitors. For anyone who wants a short, authentic trip on the water, they are hard to beat.

Geneva sits at the south-western tip of Lake Geneva, and the lake's outflow, the Rhône, runs through the city. The old town lies on the left bank, on a hill above the water, while districts such as Pâquis lie on the right bank, close to the station and the international organisations. The Mouettes run between the two banks on several lines, which link points such as Pâquis, the quays near the Jardin Anglais and the Eaux-Vives district. They are operated by a local company, the Société des Mouettes Genevoises Navigation, and they run on regular timetables, with frequent departures during the day. Services and routes can change by season, so check the current timetable before you plan the trip.

A crossing takes only a few minutes, but it gives a good view of the Jet d'Eau, the famous fountain that shoots water high into the air at the mouth of the harbour, and of the lakeside promenades and the buildings along the quays. On a clear day the mountains behind the city come into view, and in summer the boats are a pleasant way to cool down. The boats are small and open to the air in places, and they suit families, cyclists and people with prams, although capacity is limited and they can fill up at busy times.

The Mouettes are integrated into Geneva's public transport ticketing, so standard tickets are valid, and visitors staying in local hotels often receive a transport card that includes them. This makes it easy to hop on without a separate payment, and it means a trip can be combined with a day of sightseeing at no extra cost. Check that your card or ticket is valid for the boats before you board, and have it ready, since inspections do occur.

A ride suits first-time visitors, families with children and photographers, and it works well as a link between the sights on either side of the water. For example, you can visit the Bains des Pâquis on the right bank, take a boat across, and continue to the old town and the Bastions Park on the left bank. A round trip takes less than an hour, so it fits easily into a day. Hold on to the rail when boarding, since the boats move with the swell, and avoid peak commuting times if you prefer a quieter ride.