Hidden behind the polished lake-facing buildings hosting now private banks and luxury shops, in a small street called “Rue des etuves”, you can find La Bretelle. This historical bar is worth a stopover, as it is one-of-a-kind in Geneva’s city centre.

Celebrating 40 years exactly this year (2019), La Bretelle still remains an alternative spot where you can have a relaxed drink with friends while enjoying some live music by local artists. 

Originally founded in the 70s by a well-known accordionist from Geneva, Marie-Claire (the place is called La Bretelle after the accordion instrument, also known in French as “piano a bretelles”), the bar is now managed by an association called “les amis de la Bretelle”.

This tiny bar hosts a friendly and heterogeneous crowd, a great mix of locals, expats, artists, musicians etc. With its very chilled and easy-going atmosphere, vintage décor and friendly bartenders, it is a remarkable place to visit if you wish to escape from the very expensive and fashionable bars along the Geneva quays.

Before heading there, have a look at their cultural events calendar, some surprises might wait for you.