Carouge
South of the centre of Geneva, you will come across the city of Carouge which was built by the King of Sardinia in the 1700s, bordering the south side of the Arve river. It is one of the most populated communes after Geneva, well-known for its charming Old Town and bohemian vibe.
Carouge is loved for its well-preserved small streets and historic buildings which offer lively cafés, restaurants and open terraces in the summertime. In addition, the neighbourhood is home to artisanal boutiques, chocolateries, a variety of other small shops and art galleries. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the square comes to life with the Carouge Market, offering a range of local products such as cheese, wines and flowers. Numerous events are hosted by the commune throughout the year, including the popular Christmas Market and ice-skating rink in winter.
Carouge has always been known for being particularly open and welcoming. New residents who move to the commune are offered an aperitif and a walking tour to get to know their new neighbourhood. However, be warned! There is a saying amongst residents that goes: once you move to Carouge, you will never want to live elsewhere again!
Highlights
Close-knit commune with a bohemian vibe
Wide range of small restaurants, cafés, shops and art galleries
Carouge Market every Wednesday and Saturday offering local products
Carouge is listed as a Swiss Heritage Site
Statistics
270
Surface area (hectares)
22768
Population (2019)
84.43
Population density (inhabitants/hectare)
63%
Swiss 2018
37%
Foreigners 2018
65%
% of residents between 20-60 years old
89%
% of total built surface (including infrastructure)
16%
% of stand-alone properties