Attractions and Places To See around Collonges - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Collonges include a variety of natural landscapes and historical points of interest. This region, situated near the Rhône River and the Swiss border, features significant geological formations and man-made landmarks. Visitors can explore deep river gorges, admire expansive views, and discover historical markers. The area offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Collonges
- The most popular attraction is Pertes de la Valserine, a waterfall and river gorge where the Valserine River has carved deep ravines into limestone rock. This site showcases the power of nature, with the river disappearing into potholes.
- Another must-see spot is Border Marker No. 1 – Westernmost Point of Switzerland, a man-made monument marking the westernmost point of Switzerland. This legendary marker, dating from 1816, bears the crests of Geneva and Piedmont-Sardinia and was a reference for early topographical maps.
- Visitors also love View of the Rhône, a river viewpoint offering expansive vistas of the Rhône and the Etournel Marshes nature reserve. The narrow gorge below the viewpoint creates a natural fortification, making the Rhône resemble a small reservoir.
- Collonges is known for its natural river features, historical landmarks, and scenic viewpoints. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from geological formations to significant border markers.
- The attractions around Collonges are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 200 upvotes and 35 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
View of the Rhône
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Border Marker No. 1 – Westernmost Point of Switzerland
Highlight • Monument
The most western point of Switzerland is there, between the trees and the rocks, marked by the legendary border marker n° 1 dating from 1816, the first of the 6638 markers along the Swiss border. On one of its sides, it bears the coat of arms of the Canton of Geneva, and on the other, that of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia. It was used as a reference point by the engineer Guillaume-Henri Dufour to establish the topographic maps of Switzerland in the middle of the 19th century. (source: ezv.admin.ch/ezv/fr/home/actualites/forumd/nah-dran/chancy.html)
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Pertes de la Valserine
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Verbois Dam
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Moulin-de-Vert Nature Reserve
Highlight (Segment) • Natural
A series of ponds make up this nature reserve, one of the 52 reserves in the canton of Geneva.
English:
A series of ponds make up this nature reserve, one of the 52 reserves in the canton of Geneva.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Collonges.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Other adventures around Collonges
Tips from the Community
The trail along the Rhone from Dardagny has reopened - better option than walking through the village. Friendly coffee/food at Cafe Cartigny and excellent goats cheese from Gribi-Wible Farm (courtyard fridge/honesty box)
1
0
Prepare to go with your bike directly over the dam from where you will have a view of the Rhône. If the inhabitants of Geneva have electricity, even during peak consumption, it is thanks to the Verbois dam! This site produces 15% of the canton's consumption, which does not prevent it from being exploited in such a way as to preserve the fauna and flora that surround it. (source: ww2.sig-ge.ch)
1
0
Here you will have the view of the dam. If the inhabitants of Geneva have electricity, even during peak consumption, it is thanks to the Verbois dam! This site produces 15% of the canton's consumption, which does not prevent it from being exploited in such a way as to preserve the fauna and flora that surround it. (source: ww2.sig-ge.ch)
1
0
If the inhabitants of Geneva have electricity, even during peak consumption, it is thanks to the Verbois dam! This site produces 15% of the canton's consumption, which does not prevent it from being exploited in such a way as to preserve the fauna and flora that surround it. (source: ww2.sig-ge.ch)
0
0
Nature reserve prohibited by bicycle. He walks and pushes his bike, but it's beautiful!
0
0
Slightly difficult to access but not to be missed
1
0
The Valserine dug deep gorges in the limestone rock and bears witness to the power of nature. Deep potholes and ravines were cut into the rock until the river disappeared into a deep pothole.
2
0
La Valserine has carved gorges into the limestone rock and bears witness to the power of nature. Potholes and deep ravines were carved into the rock until the river disappeared into a quagmire.
4
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular natural attractions around Collonges?
The most popular natural attraction is Pertes de la Valserine, where the Valserine River has carved deep gorges into limestone rock, creating impressive potholes and ravines. Another highly regarded spot is the View of the Rhône, offering expansive vistas of the river and the Etournel Marshes nature reserve.
Are there any significant historical landmarks to visit near Collonges?
Yes, you can visit Border Marker No. 1 – Westernmost Point of Switzerland. This legendary monument, dating from 1816, marks Switzerland's westernmost point and bears the crests of Geneva and Piedmont-Sardinia, having served as a key reference for early topographical maps.
What kind of views can I expect to see around Collonges?
You can enjoy expansive views of the Rhône River and the Etournel Marshes nature reserve from the View of the Rhône. The area's natural river features and geological formations also provide scenic vistas, particularly along the Valserine River gorges.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Collonges area?
Yes, the Verbois Dam is considered family-friendly, offering a viewpoint over the Rhône. Additionally, the village of Russin is noted as a family-friendly historical site.
What outdoor activities can I do near Collonges?
The region around Collonges is excellent for outdoor activities. You can explore various hiking trails, including challenging routes like the 'Fort l'Écluse to the banks of the Rhône' or moderate options such as the 'Fort l'Écluse – View of Léaz loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous gravel biking and mountain biking trails, with options ranging from moderate to difficult. You can find more details on routes in the Hiking around Collonges, Gravel biking around Collonges, and MTB Trails around Collonges guides.
Are there hiking trails near the attractions around Collonges?
Yes, there are several hiking trails. For example, you can hike near the Pertes de la Valserine, where the river has carved deep gorges. The wider area offers trails like the 'Crêt de la Goutte – Fort l'Écluse loop' from Collonges. For more options, consult the Hiking around Collonges guide.
What is the Verbois Dam and what can I see there?
The Verbois Dam is a significant man-made monument and viewpoint on the Rhône River. It's a hydroelectric dam that produces a substantial portion of Geneva's electricity. Visitors can enjoy views of the dam and the river, and it's also a popular spot for cyclists to cross.
Is the village of Russin worth visiting?
Yes, Russin is a historical village in the canton of Geneva, mentioned in texts around 1100. It's considered a family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible historical site, offering a glimpse into local heritage.
What geological features are prominent in the Collonges area?
The most prominent geological features are the deep gorges carved by the Valserine River into limestone rock at Pertes de la Valserine. These formations showcase the power of nature, with potholes and deep ravines where the river sometimes disappears.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Collonges?
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural beauty, such as the powerful river formations at Pertes de la Valserine and the magnificent vistas from the View of the Rhône. The historical significance of sites like Border Marker No. 1 also draws considerable interest.
Are there any attractions around Collonges that are wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the village of Russin is noted as being wheelchair accessible, making it a suitable historical site for all visitors.
Most popular routes around Collonges
Most popular attractions around Collonges
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
