Lake Leman Visitors Information

Lake Geneva or to give it its correct title Lac Leman is the largest body of water in Switzerland, and lies at  the crossroads of Europe,, it has long been a destination for travellers going to Switzerland either on business or for pleasure,  around the lake or near to it lie several popular destinations, Geneva of course is probably the most well known of places to stay in Switzerland, other destinations include Nyon, Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux.

This French speaking part of the country if often referred to as Little Switzerland, as encapsulated within your field of vision the region boasts views of Lac Leman, with its Palm tree lined walks and yacht harbours to the gently sloping woodland areas which form the introduction to the wild rugged and snow covered peaks of the Alps.

Around the lake you will find several dozen castles and which date from medieval times and around 18 or so are open to the public, the claim to being one of the most dramatic and picturesque lies undisputed with the Chateau de Chillon sitting on the Lake near to Montreux, during the middle ages it became the seat of the Counts of Savoy, it is well worth a visit, and its location is breathtaking, it was a visit to the castle which gave Lord Byron the mental vision to write the poem "The Prisoner of Chillon" based on the time when Bonivard was imprisoned here in the 16th Century.

Travelling east from the city of Geneva you will arrive at the beautiful town of Lausanne, sometimes compared to San Francisco because of its steeply descending streets which drop through terraces of attractive houses on the way to  the azure waters of the lake where vibrant splashes of colourful garden areas interspace the promenade.

The city possesses a well known University, and an equally reknowned school for Chefs

The road east continues passing through terraces of vineyards and arrives at the somwhat smaller town of Vevey, here towards the end of August you may find street entertainers busy along the lakeside. perhaps one of Vevey's most well known citizens was Charlie Chaplin, who came to live here in the 1950's.

Eventually you will arrive at Montreux, the one time home of Freddy mercury, his statue stands on the lake front.'

In July Montreux throbs with the sounds of the Montreux Festival, whilst over the winter months it becomes home to both modern and classical music performances, it is also boasts a popular Christmas Market, whilst in the town of Chernex just a little higher up than Montreaux a 3 day Jazz festival is held each March.

Lake Geneva

Principal points of interest in Geneva

The lake is dominated by the Jet D'Eau, this tall fountain of water sparkles in the sunlight as it dances in the ever changing breezes.

The Vieille Ville area contains many historical points of interest here in the 17th Century Calvin preached at the Cathedral de Saint Pierre, and from its tower you will get a magnificent view of the surrounding area, some Roman ruins can also be found just below the Cathedral along with a Museum.

The Geneva convention was signed in the Hotel de Ville on August 22 1864, as you descend from this area you will find the Parc des Bastions and the Petit Palais which houses many fine paintings including those of Picasso and Renoir.

Further descent takes you to the Lakeside area where you will catch fine views of the Water Jet fountain and Geneva's famous Floral Clock.

Sightseeing around Geneva.

a few km outside the city is the town of Carouge, here you will find artists and boutiques and several decent restaurants and bars, the Black Cat or to give it is French name Le Chat Noir is one such place well known for live groovy music and a late night bar.

Just across the Lake from the Paquis area is Les Aaux-Vives, and area full of Italian restaurants, within the area known as La Grange can be found Rose Gardens and Roman ruins.

If you want to see some of the best views over the lake go to  the area known as Cologny, it was here, whilst staying at the Villa Diodati that the concept of Frankenstein appeared in a dream to Mary Shelley after a dramatic evening of thunderstorms had tormented the Lake.

Sightseeing within a days travel

Chamonix and Mont Blanc

If you wish to see some of this spectacular countryside you should allow about 10 or 12 hours to do it yourself, but there are tours from Geneva which will allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery as your coach takes you there in comfort

Lausanne Montreux and Chillon can be visited in around 10 hours by car or organised tour from Geneva, and the scenery of the terraces and villages which occupy the lakeside between Geneva and these destinations is exceptionally pretty.

Bern

The Capital City of Switzerland is the Seat of Government, and it is here that Albert Einstein lived for a couple of years around the turn of the century,

If you take one f the organised tours to Bern you will do part of the journey on the famous Golden Express the train passes high above Lake Leman and gives you some wonderful panoramic vies of the Lake.

Geneva Tourist information