ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a trip
    de|en
    All Places & RegionsAbout FernwehFAQPrivacy PolicyImprint
    ExploreTravel GuidesPlan a trip
    • Overview
    • Places in the region
    • Food culture
    • Culture
    • Getting around
    • Nearby
    Lake Geneva Area

    Switzerland

    Lake Geneva Area

    Region

    Lake Geneva is the center of French-speaking Switzerland.

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Switzerland
    7. Lake Geneva Area
    Lake Geneva is the center of French-speaking Switzerland. At the western end of the lake is Geneva, with the Jet d'Eau and the European headquarters of the United Nations, while on the north shore, the Lavaux vineyard terraces stretch between Lausanne and Vevey.The region combines city, wine, and lake shores with views of the Alps. Boats, lakeside paths, and railway lines along the lake make it easily explorable without a car.
    Lake Geneva is the heart of French-speaking Switzerland. At the western end is Geneva, with its Old Town, Jet d'Eau, and Palais des Nations; Lausanne, the Lavaux vineyard terraces, and Vevey follow along the north shore. At the eastern end, Chillon Castle lies on a rocky island in the lake near Montreux. Trains, passenger boats, and a hiking trail from Lausanne-Ouchy to Chillon connect the places; you hardly need a car.
    Genf

    Place 1 of 2

    Genf

    Geneva lies at the western end of Lake Geneva, where the Rhône leaves the lake, and is Switzerland's international center.

    Geneva is located at the western end of Lake Geneva, where the Rhone leaves the lake, connecting the Old Town, lakeside, and international organizations in a compact area.

    Discover
    Lavaux

    Place 2 of 2

    Lavaux

    Lavaux is a landscape of steep vineyard terraces on the northern shore of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Vevey. Since 2007, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, and with around 800 hectares of vines, it is Switzerland's largest contiguous wine region.

    Lavaux stretches up the steep slopes on the northern shore of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Vevey. The vineyard terraces date back to Cistercian monks in the Middle Ages and have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007.

    Discover

    Sights in Lake Geneva Area

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Cathedral of Lausanne
    Church

    Cathedral of Lausanne

    The cathedral, consecrated in 1275, is considered Switzerland's largest Gothic church and is known for its 13th-century rose window. Every night from 10 PM to 2 AM, a night watchman calls out the hours from the 75-meter-high tower, a tradition since 1405.
    Open in Google Maps
    The Olympic Museum
    Museum

    The Olympic Museum

    Opened in 1993, the museum on the Lausanne-Ouchy lakefront tells the history of the Olympic Games from antiquity to today with interactive exhibitions. In front is a park with sculptures and lake views; Lausanne has been home to the IOC since 1915.
    Open in Google Maps

    Food & Drink in the Lake Geneva Region

    Fillets of perch

    Pan-fried lake perch fillets, often with French fries, butter-lemon sauce and a glass of Chasselas.

    Malakoff

    Fried cheese balls on bread, a specialty from the area around Eysins and Vinzel, west of Lausanne.

    Longeole

    A seasoned Genevan raw sausage with fennel seeds, traditionally slow-cooked and served with potatoes.

    Culture in the Lake Geneva Region

    Around Lake Geneva, French is spoken, and the region feels more like Savoy than Zurich. Geneva is home to numerous international organizations, and Lausanne has been the seat of the International Olympic Committee since 1915, with the Olympic Museum located on the shore in Ouchy.Montreux Jazz FestivalSince 1967, musicians from all over the world have come to Montreux every July; in addition to the concerts in the halls, there are many free stages along the lakeside promenade.Chaplin's WorldAt Manoir de Ban in Corsier-sur-Vevey, where Charlie Chaplin spent his final decades, a museum today tells the story of his life and work.

    Exploring the Lake Geneva Region

    The north shore railway line connects Geneva, Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux regularly; the trip from Geneva to Lausanne takes about 40 minutes. CGN operates a fleet of historic paddle steamers on the lake, travelling between the lakeside towns and to Évian in France. From Montreux, the GoldenPass travels to the Bernese Oberland.

    Nearby

    Lavaux

    Lavaux

    Lavaux is a landscape of steep vineyard terraces on the northern shore of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Vevey. Since 2007, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, and with around 800 hectares of vines, it is Switzerland's largest contiguous wine region.The terraces were created from the 11th and 12th centuries onwards under the influence of the Bishops of Lausanne and the Cistercians; the most important grape variety is Chasselas. The best way to explore the area is on foot: From the train stations of Lutry, Cully, Grandvaux, and Chexbres, paths lead through the vines and wine villages; a longer path runs from Lausanne-Ouchy to Chillon Castle. A more comfortable option is the Train des Vignes, which travels from Vevey through the vineyards up to Puidoux-Chexbres. At the Lavaux Vinorama in Rivaz, you can taste regional wines.
    Pâquis

    Pâquis

    The quarter on the right bank, between Cornavin Station and the lake, is Geneva's liveliest and most international quarter, with many small restaurants from all over the world. On the lakefront are the Bains des Pâquis, a popular public bathing area with views of the Jet d'Eau.
    The Old Town

    The Old Town

    Geneva's Old Town is situated on a hill on the left bank of the lake, surrounding Saint-Pierre Cathedral. Steep lanes lead up to the Place du Bourg-de-Four, the city's oldest square, which is lined with cafés. Below, the Parc des Bastions stretches out, featuring the Reformation Wall.
    Genf

    Genf

    Geneva lies at the western end of Lake Geneva, where the Rhône leaves the lake, and is Switzerland's international center. The city combines an Old Town with Reformation history, a lakeside with the 140-meter high Jet d'Eau, and the European seat of the United Nations.The Jet d'Eau, originally a pressure-release valve for a hydropower plant, has been a landmark since 1891. Above the Old Town is Saint-Pierre Cathedral, where John Calvin preached in the 16th century. Its tower offers views over rooftops, the lake, and the Alps. In Parc des Bastions, the Reformation Wall marks Geneva's role as a Reformation center. The Palais des Nations offers hour-long guided tours; CERN researches on the city's outskirts.
    Carouge

    Carouge

    The independent town south of the Arve was systematically planned in the 18th century under the Kings of Sardinia. Low-rise houses with courtyards, studios, small shops, and bistros lend Carouge an almost Mediterranean atmosphere. From Geneva city center, you can reach it in just a few minutes by tram.