Ferme de la Gavotte in Lancy

A real farm at the city gates

Just outside Geneva, you find yourself in the midst of meadows, goats, and donkeys. The Ferme de la Gavotte, in Grand-Lancy, is one of those simple and precious places where children can approach animals for real, at their own pace and without barriers. Access is free and open every day of the year, making it an easy outing, whether you have an hour to spare or an entire afternoon.

What your children will discover

The farm is home to a beautiful diversity of animals to observe up close: ponies and horses, donkeys and zebu, llamas and alpacas, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, and chickens. For the little ones, it’s often the first time they pet a goat or offer a handful of grass to a donkey. Here, they learn, without realizing it, about gentleness, patience, and respect for living beings.

On Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons, pony rides are offered: an opportunity for children to get in the saddle and discover the contact with these animals, supervised by the farm team.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is that of a real countryside farm, without artifice. You stroll along the enclosures, stop in front of the sheep, and observe the ponies in the pasture. Tables are available for picnicking on site, and you can easily combine the visit with an outdoor snack. Dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash.

It’s a place to experience at a leisurely pace: no imposed route, no timer. Children are allowed to take their time to get to know the animals, and that’s precisely what families love.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 2-3 years old to observe and pet the animals; pony rides are available from 2 years old (without saddle). Older children also find enjoyment here.
• Duration: expect 1 hour to an entire afternoon depending on your desire.
• Reservation: none for the free visit of the farm. For pony rides and holiday camps, inquire directly with the farm.
• Stroller accessibility: the outdoor paths are easily navigable; wear appropriate shoes in wet weather.
• Transport: tram 15, stop Le Rolliet; TPG bus 22 or 42, stop Les Bruyères. A free parking lot (blue zone, 3h) is nearby.
• What to bring: shoes that can get dirty, a picnic, and a small snack. Hand sanitizer is useful after touching the animals.
• Ideal season: all year round, with a special mention for spring and autumn, which are mild and bright.

Parents' tips

• Come in the middle of the afternoon on Wednesdays, Saturdays, or Sundays to enjoy the pony rides.
• Bring a picnic: the tables on site make the break very pleasant.
• Remind children to stay calm and gentle with the animals, especially the smaller ones.
• Wear clothes that can get dirty; this is a real farm.
• On hot summer days, prefer the morning or late afternoon, which are cooler for the animals and for you.

Useful information

• Address: Chemin des Verjus 138, 1212 Grand-Lancy (canton of Geneva)
• Official website: https://gavotte.ch
• Hours: free access every day of the year; check the official website for details (pony rides, camps, room).
• Access: tram 15 (stop Le Rolliet) or TPG bus 22/42 (stop Les Bruyères); free parking nearby.

Why we recommend it

Free, open all year round, and easy to access, the Ferme de la Gavotte checks all the boxes for a lovely nature outing with family near Geneva. It’s a return to the essentials: the simple pleasure of watching a child marvel at a pony or burst into laughter at the touch of a goat.

In two words

A small farm full of animals at the gates of Geneva, free and accessible all year round, perfect for a tender and nature-filled outing with children.