Vita Trail of Grand-Saconnex

A free sports loop in Sarasin Park

The Parcours Vita of Grand-Saconnex is one of those small health circuits found all over Switzerland, sponsored by Zurich. Located in Sarasin Park, it offers a loop of about 1.9 kilometers, punctuated by exercise stations to be done at your own pace. The elevation gain is minimal (about ten meters), making it an accessible, free outing open to all, without reservation or entry ticket.

What your children will discover

The concept is very appealing to children: at each station, a small sign illustrates an exercise to perform, such as jumping, climbing, balancing on a beam, doing pull-ups or adapted push-ups. You move from post to post like in a big sports treasure hunt. Between the stations, you walk or run in the park, in the shade of the trees. It's a nice way to move without feeling like you're exercising, and to channel the energy of the more active ones.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is relaxed and local: you meet families, neighborhood runners, and groups coming to train in peace. Everyone does the course in their own way, either in full or in segments, stopping at the stations that entertain the children. Sarasin Park also offers spaces to catch your breath between efforts: lawns, shady spots, and nearby recreational facilities (table tennis, playgrounds). You can easily turn the sports outing into a quiet afternoon in nature.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from about 6 years old, when children can follow a loop of nearly 2 km and enjoy the stations; younger ones can follow part of the course.
• Duration: from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the pace and the number of stations completed.
• Reservation: none, the course is freely accessible all year round.
• Stroller: the terrain is generally flat, but it is a forest path partly on natural trails; an all-terrain stroller can manage the walking loop, but less so on the edges of the stations.
• Transport: several TPG bus lines serve the Grand-Saconnex and Sarasin Park area (notably line 53 towards Ferme Sarasin); parking is available near the park. Check the nearest stop on the TPG website.
• To bring: sports shoes, a water bottle, and clothing suitable for the day's weather.
• Ideal season: accessible all year round; spring and autumn are particularly pleasant, and the shade of the park is appreciated in summer.

Parents' tips

• Turn the course into a challenge: each child chooses the exercise to do together at the next station.
• No need to do it all in one go: do a half-loop with the younger ones and save the rest for next time.
• Bring water and a small snack, as there isn't always a refreshment point on site.
• Combine effort with a moment of free play in Sarasin Park to extend the outing.

Useful information

• Address: Chemin Sarasin 43, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex (Sarasin Park)
• Official website: https://www.zurichvitaparcours.ch/fr
• Hours: free access outdoors; details and course conditions can be checked on the official website
• Price: free
• Access: TPG bus to the Sarasin Park area (including line 53, stop Ferme Sarasin); parking available near the park

Why we recommend it

Because it's a sports outing without constraints: free, outdoors, no reservation, and open all year round. The playful format of the stations encourages children to move, and the setting of Sarasin Park allows for alternating effort and relaxation, just steps away from Geneva.

In a nutshell

A free health loop in Sarasin Park, with exercise stations like a treasure hunt: ideal for moving with family in the fresh air, all year round, near Geneva.