Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Western Europe. Located at an altitude of 372 m, it lies between France and Switzerland. Many remarkable sites are worth a visit.
Geography and history of a great alpine lake
Shaped like a crescent, this great alpine lake is dominated by the Alps. At its southern end, you will find Geneva with its cobbled old town, luxury department stores, and the United Nations. On the 53 km of French shore, Thonon-les-Bains and Evian-les-Bains are renowned spa towns. The Swiss Riviera stretches from Lausanne to Montreux on the northern shore, crossing the cantons of Vaud and Valais.
The name “Léman” means lake. It is therefore a pleonasm that has existed since the Romans and Julius Caesar, who called it “lacus lemanus”. Geographically, the lake is 72 km long and 14 km wide. Fed by the Rhône flowing from east to west, it was formed about 16,000 years ago, during the retreat of the Rhône glacier following the last ice age. Its maximum depth is 300 meters. The fauna of the lake consists of perch, whitefish, pike, trout, and char.
The tour of the lake by the most beautiful sites
During your vacation, you can enjoy small typical villages, beautiful beaches, and large cities while touring Lake Geneva.
Geneva
This large Swiss city at the gates of France deserves a visit. Many museums, such as the Natural History Museum and the CERN museum, are fascinating. You can also visit the United Nations site and stroll near the famous water jet. For shopping enthusiasts, numerous high-end brand stores are located in the city.
Lausanne
This dynamic city is located in the canton of Vaud. It is the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee. You can start with a walk along the lake, then visit the Aquatys water park and head towards the hilly old town. The latter consists of medieval alleys and a Gothic cathedral dating from the 12th century.
The Lavaux Terraces
This remarkable natural site is located between Nyon and Lausanne. It consists of gentle slopes that descend to the lake’s shores. The Lavaux Terraces are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A panoramic bus offers a 4-hour tour of the wine region, followed by a tasting of world-renowned grand cru wines.
Montreux
Continuing the loop, we arrive in Montreux. It is known for its casino, jazz festival, and Christmas market. Cruises on the lake are organized from the port. A statue of Freddie Mercury, located by the lake, reminds us that the Queen singer recorded an album in this city.
The Château de Chillon
This oval-shaped building was constructed in the Middle Ages on an island. The museum allows you to discover period furniture, weapons and armor, paintings, and archaeological objects. The dungeon and the treasure room are connected to the living quarters by the ramparts. From the cellars to the banquet halls, a dive into the past awaits you.
Evian-les-Bains
The town of Evian-les-Bains is a renowned spa town that produces the mineral water of the same name. We recommend taking the funicular to visit the Pré Curieux Botanical Garden, the Palais des Lumières, and to stroll along the quays. A cruise on the sailing boat “Le Savoie” is a rare moment. It is a reconstruction of a ship from 1896.
Yvoire
The pearl of Lake Geneva is a remarkable medieval town, entirely pedestrian. Its superb castle gives a unique charm to this visit. The Garden of Five Senses offers a chance to discover a magnificent flora. A passage by the port allows you to admire the paddle boats departing for Lausanne. We recommend tasting the perch fillets.
The 10 most beautiful hotels
We have selected the ten most beautiful hotels around Lake Geneva that offer excellent value for money and receive very good reviews from customers. These establishments are presented in the geographical order of the tour of the lake that we followed above.
Royal Manotel in Geneva
This good standard hotel is a 5-minute walk from Geneva-Cornavin station, the old town, and Lake Geneva. The rooms are decorated with period furniture. The hotel includes a sauna, a hammam, and a gym. The restaurant has a Michelin star.
From €159 per night.
The Ritz-Carlton Hôtel de la Paix in Geneva
This prestigious 5-star hotel is located a 5-minute walk from the old town and major attractions. The rooms are decorated in the style of early 20th-century palaces. You have valet service, concierge service, and 24-hour room service.
From €690 per night.
Agora Swiss Night by Fassbind in Lausanne
This beautiful modern hotel is a 3-minute walk from the train station and a 15-minute walk from the beach. It has a spa and a gym. The dining room offers a panoramic view of the lake, the Jura, and the Alps. Good deal: a card is provided to enjoy public transport in Lausanne.
From €107 per night.
Moxy Lausanne City
A contemporary decoration for a hotel establishment that stands out. The location is ideal for visiting the city. You are located 1.4 km from the Beaulieu Palace. You can enjoy numerous shops, bars, and restaurants.
From €120 per night.
Eurotel Montreux
A magnificent view of the shores of Lake Geneva awaits you in this beautiful 4-star hotel. The restaurant serves refined cuisine. It is located just 300 m from the train station and the port of Montreux. Private covered parking is available for an additional fee.
From €173 per night.
Hôtel du Grand Lac Excelsior de Montreux
This very beautiful hotel enjoys a privileged location on the shores of Lake Geneva, quai des Fleurs. It was built in 1907 in the Belle Époque style. You can appreciate the real stained glass from the Art Deco period. The rooms open onto a balcony with a view of the Alps.
From €175 per night.
Hilton Evian-Les-Bains
This very beautiful 4-star establishment offers its guests the opportunity to stay on the shores of Lake Geneva. It has an indoor pool and a luxurious spa, access to which is included with certain rooms. The rooms are equipped with very nice marble bathrooms.
From €142 per night.
Hôtel Royal d’Evian
A 5-star palace to enjoy French luxury. Within a 47-hectare park, you have a golf course, two swimming pools, the Évian Source spa with hammam, aquagym, sauna, jacuzzi, and fitness room. A shuttle takes you everywhere in the city center.
From €340 per night.
Hôtel Ermitage d’Evian
This 4-star hotel is a haven of peace. It has two swimming pools, a spa, a jacuzzi, and fitness rooms. You will have access to a herbal tea room, two restaurants, and a piano bar. Children will enjoy a 4,000 m² play area. Private parking and shuttle service.
From €228 per night.
Hôtel Le Jules Verne in Yvoire
This beautiful 4-star hotel is located in the center of Yvoire, facing the lake. It features a large shaded terrace where you can enjoy famous perch fillets. The rooms are very spacious. Dinner cruises are organized with prior reservation.
From €129 per night.
The most beautiful beaches of Lake Geneva
In summer, with the heat, Lake Geneva allows you to swim on very beautiful beaches that offer shaded areas, recreational facilities, and parking. They are more numerous on the French side, as in Switzerland most of the lake’s shores belong to private owners. Here’s an overview of the best spots:
- The Tougues beach in Chens-sur-Léman: it has a large lawn with playgrounds for children, century-old trees for picnicking in the shade, and accessible facilities.
- The Messery beach: a large grassy esplanade with a gentle slope and a pebble bottom. The beach is not supervised and dogs are not allowed.
- The Excenevex beach: the only true white sand beach on Lake Geneva. Supervised in July and August, you can wade in 200 m. A wide choice of dining options is available, as well as the rental of paddles and pedal boats. Accessible facilities for immersion wheelchairs.
- The Châtaigneraie beach in Yvoire: this large 24-hectare estate has two beaches, one sandy and the other with small pebbles. Beautiful chestnut trees provide shade. A lakeside path allows for a nice walk.
- The Sciez beach: it is accessible for people with reduced mobility. Swimming is supervised in summer. You will find playgrounds, ping-pong tables, and pétanque courts. The water bottom is made of pebbles.
- Sechex Beach in Anthy-sur-Léman: a rather wild area with shaded zones. You can dine in the many establishments nearby.
- Rives Beach in Anthy-sur-Léman: it includes the beaches of Records and Corzent. Picnic tables, playgrounds, and a volleyball court are available. The customs path offers a nice walk to the Séchex port.
- The Pinède beach in Thonon-les-Bains: near the Château de Ripaille, it is a succession of pleasant small beaches with a pebble bottom. A path allows you to reach the next beach.
- The Saint-Disdille beach in Thonon-les-Bains: it was awarded the Blue Flag in 2010. Swimming is supervised, picnic tables are available, and a playground is accessible for the youngest. You may catch a glimpse of the Dragon Ladies Léman training for Dragon Boat on the lake from the beach.
On the other side of the border, beaches are rarer in Switzerland. However, we recommend the following:
- The Geneva-Plage aquatic complex: offers numerous family activities and relaxation in a wooded park of two hectares.
- The Bains des Pâquis: this is not a beach, but a water area located in the Geneva harbor, right in the city center.
- The beaches of Vidy and Bellerive in Lausanne: these two beautiful spaces are friendly and equipped to enjoy the lake with family. Swimming pools are also installed.
- The Pierrier beach in Montreux: recognized for the quality of its facilities. It is the city’s large municipal beach.
Cultural and festive events around the lake
The Lake Geneva region is rich in event offerings. Throughout the year, festivals, concerts, original shows, and large parties are organized on both sides of the Franco-Swiss border. You will have plenty of choices to entertain yourself according to your aspirations and tastes.
- The Montreux Jazz Festival: its growing success allows it to be today the second largest jazz event in the world. For two weeks, it hosts the most renowned jazz and blues artists each year during paid and free concerts.
- The Evian Musical Encounters: this chamber music festival is particularly recognized by enthusiasts. In the beautiful setting of the Grange du Lac, it offers concerts and masterclasses at the beginning of July.
- The Geneva International Film Festival “Tous Écran”: this annual event is organized in the fall. It allows the general public to observe the links between television, the big screen, and new forms of image projection.
- The Geneva Lake Festival: this grand spectacle takes place in the Geneva harbor in August. The atmosphere is festive with colorful evenings, world cuisine to discover, and a grand fireworks display on the lake.
- The Montreux Comedy Festival: it is the major event for comedians and stand-up talents. The festival takes place in December and attracts an increasingly large audience.
- The Lausanne City Festival: organized at the beginning of summer, it brings together more than 160 live performances in unlikely places around the city.
- The fabulous floating villages of Evian: in December, large works are created from pieces of driftwood found in the lake. Theater workshops are offered to young audiences.
We have reached the end of our tour around Lake Geneva. You can now discover the Lake Annecy and the little Venice of the Alps.
