Park history
THE SIGNAL DE BOUGY HOTEL GIVES WAY TO THE PARK
The Hôtel du Signal de Bougy opened in 1902 on a hill with a panoramic view of Lake Geneva and the Alps. In the early 20th century, it was described as a picturesque venue, accessible by an electric tram from Rolle.
‘At six kil. N. of Rolle, on a hill planted with vines, above the village of Bougy, is the Signal de Bougy (Alt.: 760 m. – Hotel), renowned for its admirable view of the lake, the Savoy mountains, and Mont Blanc. An electric tram runs from the port of Rolle to the Signal de Bougy station (Price: 60c; 1fr., return; journey time 31 min.). From this station, a road to the right leads (on foot: 25‘) to the Hôtel du Signal de Bougy, from where a wooded path to the E leads to the highest location (6’).
Jura & Suisse, Bernese Oberland, collection of ‘Regional road guides for cyclists and motorists’.
In 1961 and 1962, secret negotiations between the conflicting parties were organized in Switzerland and France by the Swiss diplomat Olivier Long. During the official rounds of negotiations in Evian, the members of the Algerian delegation stayed in Geneva and then at Signal de Bougy (VD).
The Swiss authorities ensured their safety, took care of their transport to the conference venue, and guaranteed them ‘unfailing discretion’. On 18 March 1962, following the signing of the Evian agreements, Krim Belkacem’s exclusive statement to the APS correspondent was taken at 6 pm at the Signal de Bougy.
In 1970, the Signal de Bougy site was coveted by a Swedish group to create a private clinic. An opinion movement was formed to save the site. Pierre Arnold, director of the Fédération des Coopératives Migros (FCM), proposed buying the site with funds from the Migros Culture Percentage and building a park like the one in Zurich-Rüschlikon. Finally, the ‘Pré-Vert Foundation’, independent of Migros, was set up to build and manage the park. The Hotel du Signal was demolished to make way for the park, which opened in 1971.
Inauguration of the park on 2 July 1971 in the presence of Adèle Duttweiler (co-founder of Migros in 1925 with her husband Gottlieb Duttweiler).
SUPPORT FROM THE MIGROS CULTURE PERCENTAGE
Since 1957, the Migros Culture Percentage has supported cultural and social initiatives and offered to the general public.
Created in 1970, the Pré vert du Signal de Bougy Foundation is supported by the Migros Culture Percentage. Its mission is to maintain and develop the park and keep it accessible to the public. Whether it’s children and families coming to enjoy themselves, or companies looking for moments of relaxation and exchange, the Signal de Bougy holds a special place in people’s hearts.
The Foundation could not achieve its aims without the financial support of the Federation of Migros Cooperatives and the companies in French-speaking Switzerland (Migros Genève, Migros Neuchâtel, Migros Fribourg, Migros Valais, and Migros Vaud). Each year, they all pay a subsidy of nearly 1.5 million francs to cover the operating deficit (park maintenance, staff, etc.).
SIGNAL DE BOUGY THROUGH THE YEARS
1971
Inauguration in the presence of Mrs Adèle Duttweiler
1972
Restaurant’s inauguration
1973
Opening of the “Jardin de Madame”
1976
Inauguration of Sandoz’ “ three donkeys” (which inspired the park’s current mascot, ‘Zack’)
1980
Inauguration of the bread oven
1991
Inauguration of the 6th pavilion (Rolle room), dedicated to the co-founder of Migros and honorary president of the foundation, Mrs Adèle Duttweiler, and to young people.
1991
Ceremony at which the French Ambassador bestows the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur on Pierre Arnold. Introduction of the Golden Bird Clock by the artist Loiseau, donated by Pierre Arnold to the Foundation. (Today, the clock is fixed to the front of the farmhouse).
1995
Celebration of the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Foundation. Inauguration of the Golden Bird Clock
2006
Inauguration of the Adventure Park
Inauguration of the Kid’z Land buggies and buoy boats
2016
Opening of the Malbine exhibition at the Jardin de Madame
2018
Inauguration of the pacifier tree
2020
Inauguration of the little train, the sand play area and a second car circuit at Kid’z land
2021
House of the Magical Animals’ inauguration
2023
Dinoworld Expo in the resting area
2025
Inauguration of Signal de Bougy Events
