Versoix facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Versoix
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 Versoix
Location in Switzerland
Versoix
Location in Canton of Geneva
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| Country | Switzerland | |
| Canton | Geneva | |
| District | n.a. | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 10.5 km2 (4.1 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 385 m (1,263 ft) | |
| Population
(Dec 2020 )
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| • Total | 13,281 | |
| • Density | 1,265/km2 (3,276/sq mi) | |
| Postal code |
1290
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| Surrounded by | Anières, Bellevue, Chavannes-des-Bois (VD), Collex-Bossy, Collonge-Bellerive, Corsier, Genthod, Grilly (FR-01), Mies (VD), Sauverny (FR-01), Versonnex (FR-01) | |
Versoix is a town in Switzerland. It is located in the Canton of Geneva. The town sits on the northwest side of Lake Geneva. It is just northeast of the city of Geneva.
Exploring Versoix's Location
Versoix covers an area of about 10.51 square kilometers (4 square miles). A large part of this land, about 38%, is covered by forests. Around 29% of the land is used for farming. The rest, about 32%, has buildings and roads.
The town is made up of several smaller areas or villages. These include Richelien, Creuson, Sauverny, and Port-Choiseul.
Versoix is the last town in the Canton of Geneva. It is on the road towards Lausanne. After Versoix, you enter the Canton of Vaud. The town is also a stop on the train line. This line runs between Coppet and Geneva.
The center of Geneva is only about 10 kilometers (6 miles) away. You can get there in about 15 minutes by train or car.
People and Population
Versoix has a population of about 13,000 people. Many people living here are from other countries. About 4 out of every 10 people are foreign nationals.
Most people in Versoix speak French. About 74% of the population uses French. English is the second most common language. About 7% of people speak English. German is spoken by about 4% of the population.
In 2008, there were slightly more women than men living in Versoix. About 52% of the population was female. The remaining 48% was male.
Many young people live in Versoix. About 28% of the population is under 19 years old. Adults aged 20-64 make up about 60% of the population. Seniors, those over 64, are about 11%.
The number of people living in Versoix has grown a lot over the years. In 1850, there were less than 1,000 residents. By 2000, the population had grown to over 10,000 people.
Important Historical Sites
Versoix has some very important historical places. One is called The Bourg. This was a settlement from the Bronze Age. It was built near the water. The Bourg is part of the Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps. This is a special place recognized by UNESCO.
Another important site is the Villa Bartholony. It is also known as Sans Souci. These sites are listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance. This means they are very important to Switzerland's history and culture.
Things to See and Do
Versoix is a center for many important groups. These include humanitarian organizations. It also hosts groups focused on the environment, science, and technology.
The University of Geneva has a part of its campus in Versoix. This includes the department of astronomy and its observatory. The International Committee of the Red Cross also has a training center here.
Versoix has its own music band. It is called the "Musique Municipale de Versoix". They also run a music school.
In winter, Versoix is known for its amazing ice formations. You can see huge icicles along the coastline.
Chocolate Fun
The famous Swiss chocolate company Favarger is based in Versoix. Their factory is also located here.
Since 2004, Versoix has hosted a chocolate festival. At this festival, you can try many different kinds of artisan chocolates. You can also visit the Favarger chocolate factory. The festival often includes fun activities like treasure hunts.
Sports and Hobbies
Versoix has a sports center called La Bécassière. It has two swimming pools. There are also soccer fields, basketball courts, and a beach volleyball court. The outdoor pools have a snack bar, a restaurant, and a playground.
There is also a fitness trail in the Versoix woods. It is about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) long.
Sports Clubs in Versoix
Versoix has many sports clubs for different interests:
- FC Versoix (Football/Soccer)
- Versoix Basket (Basketball)
- Badminton Club Versoix (BCV)
- Judo, Ju-Jutsu Club Versoix (JCV)
- Tennis Club Versoix (TCV)
- Nautical Club of Versoix (for water sports)
- Plastic Colorful Sabre Training School
- Bushido Club Versoix Genève (Jujutsu) (BCVG)
- Société de tir de Versoix (STV) (Shooting sports club, founded in 1881)
Working in Versoix
In 2010, the unemployment rate in Versoix was 7.2%. This means that about 7 out of every 100 people looking for a job could not find one.
Many people work in Versoix. In 2008, there were over 2,000 full-time jobs. These jobs were in different areas. Some were in farming and forestry. Many were in manufacturing and construction. A large number of jobs were in services. This includes sales, transportation, hotels, and restaurants. Education and healthcare also provided many jobs.
Many people who live in Versoix work outside the town. Also, some people from other places come to Versoix to work.
Learning and Schools
Many people in Versoix have a good education. About 27% of the population has finished high school. About 21% have gone on to higher education, like university.
In the 2009-2010 school year, there were over 3,000 students in Versoix schools. Children can attend two years of non-mandatory Kindergarten. After that, they go to six years of primary school.
Versoix has four public primary schools:
- Ami-Argand
- Bon Séjour
- École Lachenal
- Monfleury
These schools teach children from Kindergarten to 6th grade.
There is one public middle school, the Collège des Colombières. This school is for students in 7th to 9th grade. Students from Versoix and nearby towns attend this school.
Versoix does not have any public high schools. So, students go to high schools in Geneva.
There are also two private schools in Versoix:
- Collège du Léman
- Secondary Campus of Geneva English School
Versoix also has a public library. It is called the Bibliothèque Communale de Versoix. You can find it in the Bolero Building.
Weather in Versoix
The average temperature in Versoix is about 9 degrees Celsius (48 degrees Fahrenheit). The town gets about 930 millimeters (36.6 inches) of rain each year.
Famous People from Versoix
Many notable people have lived in or were connected to Versoix:
- Pierre-Joseph Ravel (1832–1908): A Swiss engineer and inventor. He was the father of the famous composer Maurice Ravel.
- Ignacy Mościcki (1867–1946): A Polish chemist and politician. He was the President of Poland from 1926 to 1939. He passed away in Versoix.
- Sir Sultan Muhammed Shah, Aga Khan III (1877–1957): The 48th Imam of the Nizari Ismaili religion. He also passed away in Versoix.
- Michael I of Romania (1921–2017) and Queen Anne of Romania (1923–2016): The last King and Queen of Romania. They lived in Versoix for 45 years, starting in 1956.
- Annemie Fontana (1925–2002): A Swiss sculptor and painter who was born in Versoix.
- Sébastien Chevallier (born 1987): A Swiss beach volleyball player. He competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Images for kids
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Population of Versoix from 1957 to 2007.
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Versoix as seen from Lake Geneva, 2008
See also
In Spanish: Versoix para niños
