The Island “de La Harpe” was created in 1838. A 13-meters obelisk was erected on the island in honour of a political leader, named Frédéric César de La Harpe. At night, sophisticated lights on the trees provide the island with a unique and mysterious atmosphere.
Back in 1835, a group of local merchants decided to create an island in order to protect the harbour situated on the west side, where the wood, which was cut in the Jura, used to be embarked on ships and carried to Geneva.
In 1838, the politician Frédéric César de la Harpe’s died and the artificial island was given his name. After a public vote, a committee decided to erect an obelisk in his honour, designed by Veyrassat, an architect from Lausanne. The medals on the monument were sculpted by Pradier.
