Rue du Rhône

Leaving the river and the edges of Eaux-Vives Park behind, Rue du Rhône — which is set back from the lake and runs for 1.2 km — offers a beautiful collection of shops. Here, major global brands and legendary watchmakers ensure that opulence and elegance reign.

Long ago, the shoreline was just steps away and the area was home to animal feed warehouses and marine carpenter workshops. Next came the local pubs, the Hôtel de l’Ecu, the first large shops and the cut-stone bank buildings.

Today, the UBS building (no. 8) sets the tone, with its lofty lions and its bas-relief featuring a winged Zeus carrying Ganymede. Across the street, Boucheron (no. 13) and Christian Louboutin (no. 17), with crossed legs and red-soled shoes in the windows, opens the way for shopping. Between them is L.Raphaël (no. 15), a spa unlike any other. Armani sits at no. 19, with Tiffany & Co. at no. 21, in stunning metal and glass near Rhône Square’s never-ending circular bench, which is 60-metres long, double-sided, and overlooks the river.

Watchmaking, jewellery, fashion: the Rue du Rhône trilogy
Bvlgari is across the street (no. 30), diagonal to Blancpain, Breguet and Piaget (no. 40), leading the way to the street’s luxury watchmaking. Longines follows, then Chopard at no. 27, Omega at no. 31, IWC at no. 48 and Jaeger-Le-Coultre at no. 56. The ultra-exclusive Chez Graff (no. 29) boasts sparkling diamonds, precious gems and only the finest trimmings — competing with Van Cleef & Arpels at no. 31. No matter where you go, expect proper Genevan service, complete with a warm welcome, full discretion and the luxury of being able to take your time. Here, most sales consultants are driven by passion.

Everything at the heart of Rue du Rhône shines and sparkles in ultimate luxury. French brands take the stage here:

Vuitton (no. 33), Cartier (no. 35), Hermès (no. 39) and Chanel (no. 43) — all built side-by-side in the 2000s, costing millions. Let’s not forget Saint-Laurent (no. 84) or Fendi (no. 62). Dior (no. 60) explodes on the scene in a burst of windows, with its 2024 flagship store designed as six enormous petals by Christian de Portzamparc — complete with private lounges on the two upper levels.

Watchmaker Richard Mille’s flagship store is at no. 78, facing Patek Philippe (no. 41), which was built in 1892 and serves as the ultimate Haute Horlogerie reference, with its theatre-style velvet, chandeliers and large lounges. There may even be hors d’oeuvres… At no. 45, Bucherer, one of the planet’s largest watch distributers, brings their touch to the scene. And then there’s Hublot (no. 46), near Longemalle Square — which was home, long ago, to cattle markets and grain storage. Here, other circular benches surround the plane trees, with the bay and the Ferris wheel on one side, and Geneva’s Old Town on the other.

Next up are some Italian maisons: Versace (no. 90), Gucci (no. 92) and Prada (no. 49). In between is the sleek, contemporary Céline (no. 47), Montblanc and watchmaker F.P.Journe — which is also home to a luxurious starred restaurant led by Chef Dominique Gauthier. It’s a large bistro with retro wooden panelling, serving up seasonal dishes and relaxed-chic vibes during the week (only). It’s a perfect place to unwind after extravagant shopping. Unless, of course, one prefers a drink on the rooftop lounge of the nearby Hôtel Métropole — which overlooks the foliage of the Jardin Anglais, the lake and the Jet d’Eau.