Business and Luxury travel guide in Lake Geneva region, Switzerland

The Lake Geneva region is a large Swiss region around Lake Geneva. It is sometimes also called Arc lémanique. According to the classification of the Federal Statistical Office, it corresponds to the cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais. The landscape of the Lake Geneva region can be considered as a landscape reached by the Californization of landscapes. The Lake Geneva region brings together the most luxurious resorts and supporting facilities in Switzerland and the whole of Europe. Traveling in the region can enjoy many luxury experiences.

Breath-taking panoramic views, tourist transport, interactive museums: from the whole host of activities available in the region, the Lake Geneva Region Tourist Office has selected a few top picks to be discovered or re-discovered on your own, as a group or with family. Between lakes and mountains, the Lake Geneva Region offers an exceptionally rich natural environment, its breath-taking scenery affording some of the most stunning views in Switzerland. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the Lavaux vineyard terraces plunge into Lake Geneva and the region’s highest point, Glacier 3000, reveals the highest peaks of the Alps with their eternal snow.

To take advantage of this exceptional scenery in an exclusive ambiance, the tourist transport on offer combines comfort and views. For a romantic experience, cross Lake Geneva on a CGN Belle Epoque boat or make the journey from lake to Alps in the classic or panoramic carriages of the GoldenPass. In addition to the region’s natural beauty, visitors can enjoy fascinating cultural attractions, preserved historical sites and delicious cuisine. The list is endless; let the Lake Geneva Region Tourist Office help you choose with this selection, plus many other things besides.

The Lake Geneva Region has more than 30 “i points” providing information to visitors to the area. Recommending activities, booking hotels, providing a calendar of events and, of course, tourist information are all part of the services provided by these tourism professionals. There are over 30 information points in the Lake Geneva Region waiting to help you. Whether you’re in the centre of town, an alpine resort or in the countryside, you often need a bit of help organising your day out. Tourism professionals with advice on all the region’s destinations are here to help you. With themed or seasonal brochures, regional maps, websites and even apps for smartphones or tablets, the region’s tourist offices use every possible means to give you the information you need before, during and even after your stay here.

Most popular
The region’s traditional hospitality raises its hotels to a trusted level of excellence and there is a whole host of innovative facilities for organising large-scale professional events, all in an exceptional natural setting between lakes and mountains, a quick trip from Geneva International Airport.

The Olympic Museum, Lausanne
The Olympic Museum presents the cornerstones of olympism – sport, art and education – through its ultra-modern, interactive facilities. The most visited museum in Lausanne was founded by the ICO on the banks of Lake Geneva.

Le Kuklos – Revolving restaurant, Leysin
At the top of the Berneuse, in Leysin, Le Kuklos revolving restaurant completes one turn every hour and a half, taking you on a breathtaking tour of the Alps, during which you can admire the Mont-Blanc, the Dents du Midi, the Tour d’Aï and Tour de Mayen, and many other alpine peaks, from the comfort of your seat.

UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces, Grandvaux
Lavaux is steeped in history: a sacred land shaped over the centuries by generations of winegrowing families, guardians of its spirit of place and custodians of its timeless charm.

The Abbey Church, Payerne
Open a door and become part of history. The Abbey Church, a landmark of the town of Payerne, is approached in a manner that is playful, interactive, almost poetic.

Château de Chillon, Veytaux
In Veytaux, near Montreux, Chillon Castle has stood proudly on its rocky island for nearly a thousand years. Made famous by Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s novel “Julie, or the New Heloise” and Lord Byron’s poem “The Prisoner of Chillon”, this fortress is a true treasure from the past: a must-see.

Cruise tour on Lake Geneva, Lausanne
For a romantic or a gourmet cruise or simply to cross Lake Geneva, the ships of the General Navigation Company are a must during your vacation in Switzerland. Embark at Lausanne-Ouchy and travel to one of the forty ports on the Swiss or French shores of Lake Geneva.

Chaplin’s World by Grévin, Corsier-Sur-Vevey
A unique blend of amazement, stories, and emotions awaits visitors to the Manoir de Ban estate, where the artist spent the last 25 years of his life.

Glacier 3000, Les diablerets
Glacier 3000, located at the highest point of the Vaudois Alps, is open all year round for winter activities for all. With its stunning views and wide range of activities on offer – including the Peak Walk, a unique suspension bridge linking two mountain peaks – Glacier 3000 is a must for your holidays in Switzerland.

Heritage and Traditions
To learn more about the history of the canton of Vaud, simply open your eyes and ears. Perfectly integrated in today’s landscape, the castles, chalets, palaces and even some boats bear witness to our region’s rich past. Encountering passionate artisans is also a way of sharing living history.

Visitors who are most interested Vaudois culture and heritage can choose between many museums, whose collections tell a thousand and one stories, whereas the exhibitions at cultural sites in Vaud are of interest to anyone. But heritage is also forward-looking in the canton of Vaud: contemporary art museums, as well as futuristic buildings and villages that combine tradition and modernity allow our guests to understand the current issues of a canton that is attached to its identity.

Museums in Vaud
The canton of Vaud is a region with the most museums per capita. With such an offer, each culture buffs is sure to find what they are interested in, be it history, contemporary art or societal topics.

Cultural Itineraries and Historical Routes
Combining the effort of hiking, the discovery of landscapes and a journey through time: this is the promise of the cultural itineraries and historical routes of the canton of Vaud.

Vaudois Sites Forming Part of the Unesco World Heritage
The vineyards of Lavaux, prehistoric stilt dwellings, the architectural work of Le Corbusier, the archives of the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Winegrowers’ Festival in Vevey have so far constituted the canton of Vaud’s contribution to the UNESCO world heritage.

Built Heritage and Contemporary Architecture
Vestiges of history and modern edifices exist harmoniously side by side in the county of Vaud. As representatives of their time, their point in common is to serve as witnesses of the development of a dynamic region.

Crafts
Many Vaudois craftspeople offer their objects of art that either perpetuate traditions or stem from their creativity.

Castles In Vaud
With twelve castles open to the public and an even greater number of private buildings that can be rented for events, the canton of Vaud is a land that values history and the vestiges of its past. Of various sizes and styles, these fortresses are well preserved and often livened up with varied interactive exhibitions.

The Most Beautiful Villages Of The Canton Of Vaud
Distributed all over the cantonal territory, several picturesque villages have been classified among “the most beautiful villages of Switzerland”. The canton of Vaud is thus one of the most represented Swiss cantons within the eponymous association.

Business travel
Lake Geneva region offering top class services, the conference centres in the Lake Geneva Region welcome professionals from around the world. Graced with a unique technology, the SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne is totally modular and adaptable, while the Palais de Beaulieu is ideal for shows and exhibitions. As for the 2m2c in Montreux, it is known for the famous Montreux Jazz Festival but also for its conference rooms with breathtaking views over Lake Geneva.

The region offers a wide range of accommodation in urban centres and mountain locations. The region’s destinations have everything organisers of professional events are looking for for their international conferences, meetings or corporate incentives.

Lausanne, Olympic Capital
Olympic capital, city of innovation and research and international business centre, Lausanne is the location par excellence for any business, with its modern facilities and know-how as well as its exceptional natural environment.

Montreux Riviera
An exceptional region between Lake Geneva, the UNESCO Lavaux vineyards and mountains, Montreux Riviera is an unforgettable setting for your meetings, conferences, receptions or team building activities. Less than an hour from Geneva Airport, the Montreux Riviera is easily accessible by car or train (departures several times an hour).

Villars-Les Diablerets
Only 1 ½ hours from Geneva International Airport, easily accessible by car and public transport, the resorts of Villars-Gryon and Les Diablerets are the ideal location for organising your event at the top, in an authentic mountain setting.

Aigle-Leysin-Les Mosses
Just one and a half hours from Geneva airport, the Aigle-Leysin-Les Mosses region offers original innovative ideas for business tourism and incentive trips. A revolving restaurant, velodrome, mediaeval chateau: surprise your guests.

Nyon-Morges
Located between Lausanne and Geneva, the Morges and Nyon regions are both cosmopolitan and authentic. Many international companies and schools have opted to locate in these towns close to Lake Geneva. They have developed business tourism and offer a complete change of scene.

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Yverdon-Les-Bains Région
At the crossroads of Lausanne and Berne, just an hour from Geneva airport, the Yverdon-les-Bains region is a true energy reserve at the heart of a dynamic region. Excellent business tourism facilities are on hand for those seeking variety and inspiration.

Winter Tour
Winter, snow, natural, perfectly preserved spaces, the canton of Vaud has all that and more. All our favourite winter activities in the canton of Vaud to have fun, marvel, relax… The Vaudois resorts in the Alps and the Jura offer everything to spend fun moments with your family or your partner when skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoe hiking, sledding and doing other recreational activities. Snow-covered Vaud is ideal to spend your holidays in high-quality hotels, relax in spas and discover our traditional and varied gastronomy. At the end of the year, the towns also don their festive clothes, offering a magical atmosphere at the Christmas markets and special cultural events.

Sports and wellness in the Vaudois Alps
The ski region of Villars/Les Diablerets appeals to all sportspeople thanks to its varied ski slopes up to the canton’s highest point, Glacier 3000. This region is also well known for its wellness offer in the spas of Lavey-les-Bains and Villars. Fans of fun appreciate the Tobogganing Park in Leysin and its “snowtubing” tracks as well as its Snowpark that has been designed to host international competitions. Others may be more into enjoying the Alpine panorama at the Kuklos revolving restaurant or the incredible sunshine on the slopes of the Nordic centre in Les Mosses. Then there is Château-d’Oex/Pays-d’Enhaut. This region is famous for its International Hot-Air Ballooning Festival whose authenticity and idyllic setting attracts a growing public each year. Close to the towns of Montreux and Vevey, Rochers-de-Naye and Les Pléiades offer every winter fun to be had, plus a stunning view of Lake Geneva.

Nature and rejuvenation in the Vaudois Jura
Enjoying a stay in the Vaudois Jura means offering yourself a one-of-a-kind experience. In Vallée de Joux, winter is an experience with soft sports. Cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking can be practised between frozen lakes and fir forests with the impression of being alone in the world. In Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses, a breathtaking view unfolds before you while you practise Alpine skiing or cross-country touring on miles and miles of marked and maintained tracks. Last but not least, a mere twenty minutes from Nyon, the ski region of St-Cergue/La Dôle offers multiple possibilities that will delight children and adults alike: night skiing, snowshoeing and emblematic outings in sleds pulled by dogs.

Winter Fun and Various Recreational Activities
People just loooove to ski in the canton of Vaud, be it in the Alps or the Jura. But variety is the spice of life. And the Vaudois people are champions in that, too. That’s what our bloggers Yann and Aurélie – “Amoureux du Monde” discovered during their multifaceted winter vacation.

Our unique activities
We recommend a thousand and one original experiences and tourist visits, for a genuine immersion that brings you into contact with the inhabitants and gives you a feel of the terroir.

Discover Wines and Gastronomy
Ripe for discovery, the lake geneva region has everything you need to relax, recharge and enjoy the finer things in life. The Lake Geneva Region is the place to go for fine food and wines. With its six vineyards – including UNESCO-listed Lavaux – it is Switzerland’s second wine-producing region, making it the ideal destination for wine tourism holidays, with marked footpaths and wine tastings with the producers.

The most widespread white grape variety, chasselas is the perfect accompaniment for local AOP cheeses, Etivaz and Vacherin Mont-d’Or, amongst other delights. Inspired by this fine offering, the best-known chefs have set up shop in the region, which has the highest number of restaurants featured in the prestigious Michelin and Gault Millau guides in Switzerland. Aside from the pleasures of the palate, visitors can enjoy the shopping streets in the lakeside towns and relax in the wellness centres. There are some ten luxury hotels offering spas to rest and recuperate, while the spa towns of Yverdon-les-Bains and Lavey-les-Bains offers moments of pure relaxation in the steam of their hot springs.

Oenological
Stretching over nearly 10,000 acres, the vineyards form part of the Vaudois landscape and culture. Read our selection of unique activities around the topic of wine and consider an off-the-beaten-track visit to the canton of Vaud. In the six wine-growing regions, for example the vineyards of Lavaux UNESCO, wine fans will admire the stunning panoramas and be eager to taste the best vintage wines that are known for their finesse: Chasselas – the canton’s quintessential white wine – reflects the soil and climate specific to this region, whereas the Pinot Noir and Gamay varietals yield full-bodied yet delicate red wines. Tastings at wine estates, strolls in the vineyards, cruises on Lake Geneva with a view of the vineyards, fun workshops… Everything combines for a bewitching stay.

Gourmet
Eager to discover the regional terroir and the fine cuisine of the county of Vaud? Follow our recommendations at the heart of the Swiss capital of gastronomy. Thanks to a record number of star-studded restaurants that are classified in the famous Michelin and GaultMillau guides, the canton of Vaud rates among the world’s most renowned regions. The excellent gastronomic products combined with the Chefs’ skills is reflected in the incredible diversity of our local table arts: terroir specialties and traditional dishes, business meals and gastronomic menus, fans of fine food find here what they are looking for among the many restaurants and “pintes” (typical Vaudois inns). But there is more. Gourmet walks, dinner train excursions and visits to the roots of Swiss cheese, truffles and chocolate production.

The Traditional Festivals
Alphorns, cow processions costumes, arts and crafts: all these aspects of our heritage are inseparable from the traditional festivals of the canton of Vaud. These preserved customs take place throughout the year to the delight of all.

Festivals and Events
Vaudois festival know-how is recognized throughout Switzerland and even beyond. Some traditional events – carnivals or “Brandons”, harvesting festivals, desalpes, etc. have been held for centuries. More recent but a must: the music festivals attract a faithful public for whom the beginning of ticket sales is already an event in itself.

The canton of Vaud is breaking all the codes by offering festivals throughout the year. Although gourmet events remain associated with the fresh flavors of spring and autumnal delights, taste buds in search of that rare flavor always find something to delight them. Although the athletes put their skis away at the beginning of spring, they continue to perform during jogging and cycling competitions.

A successful event should appeal to all. The Vaudois organizers know this and offer family rates and dedicated activities. Children always enjoy accompanying their parents during transgenerational events. From a very early age, they can thus discover the traditions, the arts, flavors and scents as well as sports disciplines they may themselves take up as adults.

Gastronomic Events
The canton of Vaud is a land of plenty that is an expert in highlighting its gastronomic specialties during gourmet events. All senses come alive, and the discovery of landscapes is often part of the program.

Cultural Events
Culture is celebrated in the canton of Vaud. Various events in the field of music, dance, theater or other arts bring together connoisseurs and the curious. The choice is vast and everyone finds something suitable in each season.

The Traditional Festivals
Alphorns, cow processions costumes, arts and crafts: all these aspects of our heritage are inseparable from the traditional festivals of the canton of Vaud. These preserved customs take place throughout the year to the delight of all.

Events for the Whole Family
In the canton of Vaud, children are welcome at all types of celebrations. Kids especially appreciate the carnivals and their confetti, the multi-colored flower shows and, above all, the Festival in the Land of Children, in the Pays-d’Enhaut, which combines theater, music and workshops for children.

Winter Celebrations
Laughs, songs, delights: the emotions promised by the Vaudois events make you want to go out, even in winter. Music and mountain sports, the arts and town markets: there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.

Nature space
Stretching from the gentle slopes of the jura to the majestic alps, the canton of vaud is ideally located in a lake scenery surrounded by nature of authentic charm. An idyllic region to explore all the activities on offer and to combine pleasure and having a break. Fans of soft mobility, be it on foot or by bike, can choose among 2,500 miles of marked trails leading through varied and unusual scenery. Cogwheel trains allow you to reach the summits comfortably. They offer an incomparable view on the mountains and lakes. Combining Belle-Epoque romance and historical heritage, the steam boats take their passengers out on the iridescent water of Lake Geneva.

In the summer season, the region’s main lakes provide an enchanting and privileged setting for water sports such as sailing, kite-surfing or stand-up paddling. The beaches, which are sometimes wild or urban, invite visitors to have a dip or to relax. The canton’s exceptional landscapes with their occasional sheer rocks provide the ideal surroundings for leisure activities such as paragliding or via ferrata climbing.

Exceptional Landscapes
The canton of Vaud is a land of contrasts and among the most beautiful regions of Switzerland. These bucolic, urban, mountainous or lacustrine landscapes unveil their beauty progressively to reveal themselves in all their splendour.

Summer Activities
Offering a multitude of activities, the canton of Vaud is literally a vast open-air playground. From the plain to the Alps and from the Jura and the lakes, various atmospheres combine to the delight of nature lovers looking for exceptional experiences.

Regional Nature Parks
The regional Swiss nature parks are places of preserved nature, which distinguishes itself by its biodiversity and rural habitats shaped by man in environmentally acceptable ways.

Parks And Gardens
In the canton de Vaud, several sites are dedicated to fauna.(zoo and tropicarium in Servion, zoo La Garenne, Juraparc, etc.)

Tourist Transport
In Lake Geneva Region more than anywhere else, the journey is part of the holiday. From the deck of a boat or through the window of a train, funicular or cable car, passengers enjoy the view as they travel from one place to the next, sometimes with delicious local treats to heighten the pleasure.

On Bike
The canton of Vaud offers a multitude of landscapes to cycling fans. About twenty marked SwitzerlandMobility routes take bikers and mountain bikers across undulating landscapes: soothing lakes, demanding mountain passes as well as vineyards and the countryside.

Hiking
On the grand tour of switzerland, the road is your destination. This route will lead you 1,600 km through four linguistic regions, 5 alpine passes, 11 unesco world heritage sites, 2 biospheres and along 22 lakes. The perfect opportunity to discover and explore an epitome of switzerland – its most beautiful sites and cultural excellence.

This route allows to discover the variety of the Lake Geneva Region landscapes because it travels the plain of the Rhône, the edges of the Lake Geneva and the “Lavaux UNESCO Terraces vineyards” and the “La Côte” vineyard. It continues then in Jura vaudois including the Vallée de Joux, to come down again in the Orbe plain. Once in Yverdon-les-Bains, it crosses again the Jura to reach Sainte-Croix before leaving the Region via the Col des Etroits. Having crossed the Cantons of Neuchâtel and Fribourg, it crosses again the Canton de Vaud border to reach the Pays-d’Enhaut.

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