Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva – known in France as Lake Leman – is the biggest lake in Western Europe. Lake Geneva north, west and east banks are bordered with Switzerland and its south by the French Haute-Savoie department. Two famous towns of the latter are Thonon les Bains and Evian les Bains. It formed about 150,000 years ago thanks to the Rhône glacier melting down. Lake Geneva creates a micro-climate and then softens winters and refreshes summers. Since the 1970´s the water quality has globally improved. Surrounded by the Alps, this crescent shaped lake is located in a touristic area and has lots on offer. It boasts so many assets that it is nicknamed "the pocket ocean".

Lake Geneva Tourism and Culture

There are numerous places of interest to discover in the Lake Geneva area, here are some of them:

• Yvoire: this fortified and flowered village is clearly worth to visit. On the French shore of Lake Geneva, it has played a strategic role during the 14th century and its hectic past has left its stamp on the town. It has several lovely monuments, such as the Yvoire castle or the Saint Pancrace church but above all the "5 Senses Gardens", a real incarnation of poetry allowing the visitors into a dream-like world.
• Chillon castle: famous for being the setting of "The new Heloise"of J.J Rousseau and "The Prisoner of Chillon" of Lord Byron, it is the most visited historic monument in Switzerland. Marked with a romantic atmosphere, strolling within its winding stairs and medieval halls alone will enable you to jump back in time.
• Evian-les-Bains: the life in this haute-savoyarde town is based on water. Its thermal baths are internationally renowned and its water is worldwide famous. Besides, culture has there pride of place for the town has a rich heritage; the Palais Lumière is a 600sq m cultural centre welcoming many exhibitions and various events all year round. The town is also known for its beautiful Masters Golf Club.
• Leman museum: located in Nyon (Switzerland), this museum is dedicated to the Geneva Lake. It tells the history of the lake through different permanent and temporary exhibitions. It also aims at making people aware of the actual challenges in terms of nature preservation. The collections gather miscellaneous objects.
• Thonon-les-Bains: on the edge of the Lake Geneva, this spa town is appreciated for its rich cultural heritage and its very pleasant environment. Whether for its outstanding sacred art monuments, its museums dedicated to local traditions or its hilltop gardens looking out on the lake, Thonon boasts a lifestyle truly one of a kind clearly worth to discover.

Lake Geneva Activities

About 20,000 boats are moored on the Lake Geneva. This lake is first for its transportation, but also for fishing and boating. It is possible to navigate on traditional barks as well. This lake welcomes the Bol d´Or competition, where the winner is the quickest to round trip between Geneva and Le Bouveret. Two regattas are organized on the lake: the Translémanique en Solitaire in September and the "5 days of the Leman", the longest endurance race on a lake in Europe.

The Lake offers a wide range of water activities: monoski, water skiing, wakeboard, bare foot, snorkelling, Lake Sailing... and many others. However please note that jet skiing is forbidden for safety reasons. Swimmers have at their disposal more than 100 beaches whose water quality is regularly checked. The most famous ones on the French side are Plage de Beauregard, Plage d´Excenevex and Plage du Port de Plaisance. Some of the beaches boast amazing facilities enabling several sand activities. Fishing is also a widespread hobby. Besides, parachuting or paragliding above the lake are must-dos.

Numerous cruises are organized on the lake for you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Several options are on offer: on board of a Belle Epoque boat, at the discovery of the Alps, on the trail of the local wines... Gourmet cruises are also available, with for instance fondues festivals. The choice is only up to you! You can also rent a private boat to give your celebrations a special touch.

Lake Geneva is the scene of several festive events especially in summer for the Geneva celebration. Its quays welcome a brilliant funfair and local gastronomy has pride of place with among others a giant fondue. An aerial show upon the lake is also to enjoy but the most outstanding event are the pyromélodiques fireworks. They follow a different theme each year and are accompanied with enchanting music. Reflections on the lake combined with the painted sky delight kids and grown-ups. This event plunges you in a magic world and is definitely not to miss. As the Swiss capital is really close from the Haute-Savoie border, going there will take you less than an hour when leaving from the French shore.