An Elegant Poem at Villa La Grange

Villa La Grange

A Timeless Dance of Elegance

A dance is like a poem—silent, yet brimming with emotion.

«Dance is an elegant poem, a tribute to refined simplicity. »

GENEVA, Parc de la Grange

Dance, like poetry, needs little explanation, few anecdotes, and allows us to focus purely on sensation.

Maurice Béjart

An Ode to Elegance

In this setting steeped in history and beauty, we invite you to experience “An Elegant Poem at Villa La Grange.” This event encapsulates the graceful blend of art, nature, and history, much like the silent poetry of dance. Join us as we pay homage to the art of simplicity and refinement, set against the backdrop of Geneva’s most enchanting park.

Villa La Grange: A Hidden Gem of Geneva

The magnificent Villa La Grange, nestled within the lush expanse of Parc de La Grange, is a symbol of both natural beauty and architectural grandeur. This stately home opens its doors to the public once a year, offering a rare opportunity to admire its historic interiors—its grand library, opulent bedrooms, and exquisite reception halls. With limited spaces available, guided tours organized by the City of Geneva allow visitors to step back in time and experience the villa’s timeless charm.

Uncovering History at Parc de La Grange

The Parc de La Grange has a rich and storied history, revealed through numerous archaeological excavations. These digs uncovered traces of human settlements dating back to approximately 4500 BC, alongside relics from the Bronze Age and a Gallo-Roman palace from the 1st century AD, which once stood on this very site. Even today, two ancient standing stones, now resting horizontally, bear witness to this park’s ancient past.

The estate itself dates to the 1660s when it was established by Jacques Franconis. It was later transformed into a French manor by the sons of the banker Marc Lullin, who purchased the property in 1706. By the turn of the 19th century, it came into the possession of François Favre, a prominent Geneva shipowner who had made his fortune in Marseille through trade with the East. Passed down through generations, the estate remained a private sanctuary until 1918, when William Favre bequeathed it to the City of Geneva.

Today, Villa La Grange is home to Geneva’s largest public rose garden, established between 1945 and 1946. In 1947, the Société Horticole de Genève initiated an international competition for new rose varieties, showcasing the finest roses from around the world at the top of the park’s scenic grounds.