News 
The artist-watchmaker François-Paul Journe and the Michelin-starred chef Dominique Gauthier
A veritable jewel in the crown of the city’s bistro heritage, as well as the last remaining example of the grand late-19th century cafés and restaurants on the Rue du Rhône, the Bavaria has been reborn as the “F.P. Journe Le Restaurant”, after a lengthy period of renovation and upgrading.
The ground floor of the 49 Rue du Rhône edifice, built in the latter half of the 19th century, originally housed a bank branch before Adolphe Neiger opened a brasserie specialising in German beers. Hence its name: Bavaria, which evokes the atmosphere of a Bierstube, with wood panelling, large mirrors and panels depicting small birds, country scenes or drinking bouts.
After the World War I, it quickly became a favourite place for members of the fledgling League of Nations, founded in 1919, who held their meetings in the Salle de la Réformation, just a block away. Given that the latter had no refreshment facilities, ministers, heads of state and other journalists used to meet up afterwards at the Bavaria to quench their thirst.
Derso and Kelen, two Hungarian caricaturists who had taken refuge in Geneva, regularly sketched these great figures. Among their drawings were regular customers such as Frenchman Aristide Briand, President of the Council; Neville Chamberlain, British Chancellor and Minister of Health; and Gustav Stresemann, German Minister of Foreign Affairs. Over the years, almost 200 sketches have adorned the walls of the Bavaria and they now form part of the private collection of banker Ivan Pictet.
After several renovations, the establishment was renamed “Le Relais de l’Entrecôte” in 1982. In 2006, however, this landmark became the scene of several legal battles, until the Geneva authorities saved the location in 2012 by giving historical listed status to the bistro’s decor – from woodwork to ceiling, including the chairs, tables and mirrors.
In 2015, the former Bavaria became “49 Rhône” and then in 2018 “Marjolaine” when the owners called in Philippe Chevrier, who turned it into a high-end trattoria. Closed in March 2019, the establishment then underwent lengthy renovation to become “F.P. Journe Le Restaurant”, headed by Michelin-starred chef Dominique Gauthier and artist-watchmaker François-Paul Journe, an epicurean and lover of fine wines.
November 23, 2023