Lake Geneva (Lac Léman)

The western extremity of the lake is dominated by the city of Geneva, while the towns of Lausanne and Montreux lie on the northern and eastern shores, respectively. Day trips from these Swiss hot spots make it easy to explore landmarks along the shores of the lake like the medieval bastion of Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon). 

Visitors can soak up the scenery on a Lake Geneva boat ride, ride the GoldenPass Panoramic train into the Swiss Alps, take a Geneva sightseeing tour, or hop over the French border to explore Annecy, Chamonix, or Mont Blanc.

• The lake is surrounded by stunning surrounding flora and elegantly manicured gardens framed by the Swiss Alps and famous peak of Mont Blanc so bring your camera.

• Lake Geneva is located in French-speaking Switzerland.

• Many Lake Geneva cruise line boats and trains are wheelchair accessible, but it's best to check with operators in advance.

Lake Geneva is located at the southwestern tip of Switzerland, with its southern shore lying in French territory. Paddle steamers and speedboats traverse the length and breadth of Lake Geneva, stopping at lakeside towns, while commuter trains travel the length of the Swiss shore and connect Geneva and Lausanne with other cities around Switzerland. Guided tours leave from Geneva to explore lakeside towns and attractions. The main international airport is in Geneva.

Lake Geneva is one of Switzerland's top vacation destinations—especially during summer and Christmas. While summer visitors come to vacation in the Swiss Riviera, hike in the Alps, and enjoy boat cruises and water sports on the lake, winter travelers can hit the ski slopes or visit the famous Montreux Christmas Market.

Geneva and Lausanne make strategic bases for exploring the lake, but the real highlight of Lake Geneva is the atmospheric lakeside villages. Visit Chillon Castle in Montreux, enjoy wine tasting in the Lavaux vineyard terraces, attend the weekly market in Vevey, or journey up to the mountaintop town of Gruyeres, famous for its cheese.

The most popular way to tour Lake Geneva is by sightseeing cruise. Most depart from the Swiss lake towns of Geneva, Lausanne, and Montreux, but there are also some from Évian-les-Bains on the French shores. Daytime cruises with commentary—and even aperitif and dinner cruises—are among the options.

What you wear depends on the season. Lake Geneva is close to the Alps in central Europe, so expect warm summers and cold winters. Light layers and sun hats are good for summer cruises, with bathing suits for swimming on a lake beach. In winter, bring a warm, windproof coat.

Lake Geneva buzzes with life in summer from June to August, and—for many—these are the best months to visit. Boats and paddle boats buzz about, while campers, festivals, and games of pètanque bring color to the shores. In winter, there are fewer crowds and fewer things to do.

No, you don't need a guide for Lake Geneva. But, if you're making the lake a stop on a bigger European tour, a guided day trip helps you visit in the most time-efficient way with transportation already organized. Guided tours are available for Lake Geneva landmarks like Chillon Castle, too.

Since most Lake Geneva tours are cruises, what you see depends on the boat's departure point. Cruises from Geneva offer views of the famous Jet d'Eau and the bustling lakefront, while Lausanne and Montreux cruises often pass the Lavaux vineyards and Chillon Castle. Wherever you depart from, views of the mountains, the surrounding Swiss countryside, and the manicured gardens that line the shore are guaranteed.

The cost of Lake Geneva tickets for a cruise can vary. Basic hour-long sightseeing cruises with round-trip routes can start from around CHF$15, while tours that include a cruise and land-based sightseeing are more expensive. Some Lake Geneva tours include extra attraction visits or guided commentary or drinks, which can push up prices, too.