What to see and do in Lake Geneva?
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The majestic Alps hold many mysteries that draw travellers from all over the world to their foothills. One of them is Lake Geneva, Switzerland. The crystal clear waters are mesmerisingly serene and the bright green hills surrounding it, with the snow-white peaks of the Alpine Mountains hiding behind them, have a special magic.
The lake is often compared to a giant mirror because its surface is so calm that it is able to reflect the surrounding houses and trees with high precision. Not surprisingly, it has become one of the most visited places in Europe, ready to offer resorts and activities to suit all tastes.
Nature, flora and fauna
If you take a look at Lake Geneva in Switzerland, the amazing nature of the region will catch your eye even in the pictures. There are numerous parks and nature reserves as well as botanical gardens, which can be found in both urban resorts and in the mountains.
The Leman is a real treasure trove for the fisherman, with a rich underwater world hidden in its depths. The inhabitants of Lake Geneva include pike, perch, trout, crayfish, whitefish and many other fish species.
Since Leman is shielded from northern winds by the chain of Alpine mountains, the region has a peculiar climate. While Lake Geneva may still get a dry cold breeze in winter, it will only reward you with a gentle, warm breeze in summer. Temperatures can reach 30 degrees centigrade in the Lake Léman area during July and August, allowing the local population to grow grapes in comfort. Subalpine vegetation predominates in the region and palm trees are not uncommon in the local resorts.
Towns on the shores of Lake Geneva
It is not by chance that Lake Leman is known as the Swiss Riviera, with several picturesque spa towns dotting its shores and each providing entertainment and attractions.
Geneva
At the south-western tip of Lake Leman lies Geneva, one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland with a population of 200,000. Its distinctive symbol is the majestic Gé-Do fountain, which springs directly from the reservoir at a height of 140 metres. Lush with flowers and greenery, Geneva abounds with parks and squares, cultural monuments and historical sights, among which it is a must-see:
- St Peter's Cathedral;
- Notre Dame Basilica;
- The Flower Clock;
- Wall of the Reformation.
This city of Switzerland can be rightfully called a cultural centre: there are about 30 various museums. Geneva is valuable to the international community because many international organizations such as the Red Cross, WTO and UN have their headquarters here.
Montreux
Once a small village of fishermen and winemakers it has grown into a luxury resort town considered to be one of the best not only in Switzerland but also in the whole Europe. Montreux with its population of only 26,000 is situated in the easternmost tip of Lehman.
Every year it hosts a jazz festival, which attracts famous musicians from all over the world. Among the places worth seeing in Montreux are the Chillon Castle in the suburbs and a memorial to Freddie Mercury on the shore of Lake Leman.
Lausanne
Set in scenic hills and framed by vineyards, Lausanne lies on the north-eastern shore of Lake Leman in Switzerland. This well-kept, plant-lined city of 128,000 people is rich in historical sites and museums, while its many parks have become a favourite destination for leisurely strolls. To get to know Lausanne, it is important to visit its unique attractions:
- The ancient castles of Beaulieu and Saint-Mer;
- The Gothic cathedral of Lausanne;
- The Olympic Museum;
- The Gothic Church of St. Francis;
- Rumine Palace.
Vevey
Vevey, a small town in Switzerland with a population of 19,500, is situated on the north-eastern shore of the lake. The world-famous for its fertile vineyards, it is an ecologically friendly and relaxed resort.
If you find yourself in Vevey, be sure to explore the Grand-Place, the quaint Café de La Clef and the Mont Pelerin mountain. A much-loved holiday destination, this is where the talented actor Charlie Chaplin spent the last years of his life, and a memorial has been erected in the city's square. Like other Swiss cities, Vevey boasts some unique museums, including notably the Wine Museum, the Photography Museum and the Nutrition Museum.
Evian-les-Bains
Evian-les-Bains is one of the oldest European thermal spas located on the southern shore of Lake Geneva in France. This small and secluded town with a population of only 8,600 people is famous for its top-class balneotherapy, which is why English monarchs and aristocrats came here for treatment for a long time. Today every traveller to Evian-les-Bains can afford it.
There are surprisingly few tourists so the atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful. Evian-les-Bains has excellent links to all the towns on the Swiss Riviera, so getting to Evian-les-Bains for a spa session is easy.
Tonon-les-Bains
Thonon-les-Bains is the biggest spa town located on the southern shores of Lake Leman in France. It is very popular among tourists due to its numerous thermal springs. The unique Savoyard architecture of Tonon-les-Bains, with its shops and souvenir shops, stands out among other towns on Lake Geneva.
There are several interesting sights here, among which of particular value are:
- Ripaille Castle;
- The town hall;
- The central square;
- The ancient church of St. Paul.
Tonon-les-Bains is located right at the foot of Mount Mont Blanc and the Chablais massif, where you can take the funicular railway and enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
What to do?
In addition to strolling around the main resorts of Lake Geneva, where there are plenty of attractions, tourists have a great opportunity to visit local events and have a real water fun attraction.
- Food and wine fairs. Savvy travellers with a taste for gourmet food and good booze will appreciate the gastronomic tours where everyone has the chance to visit cheese, chocolate, wine and beer fairs and buy the products they like.
- Diving. Lake Geneva is a real treasure for divers. A world of wrecks lurks at the bottom of this seemingly peaceful body of water, with excellent marine life scurrying about.
- Boating and kayaking. Boating in the Alpine mountains is a dream come true for all hikers here at Lake Leman.
- Mountain biking. Switzerland's resorts are ideal for cycling trips, during which you can immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of nature and enjoy the mountain scenery.
- Festivals. A variety of cultural events (jazz, tulip, grape harvest, carnivals of all kinds) are often staged in Swiss cities, and visiting them is a welcome addition to your stay at Lake Leman.
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