Geneva Lake, Switzerland

Geneva Lake, is a lake of origin glacier located in Switzerland and France; by area, it is the largest alpine and subalpine lake in Europe. The lake straddles Switzerland (cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais) and France (department of Haute-Savoie). It is the largest lake in Western Europe with an area of 582 km2.

Most of the destinations in the Lake Geneva region are either in the Swiss canton of Vaud or in the French department of Haute-Savoie; the canton of Valais also contributes to the contour of the Lake. For its part, Vaud is the largest canton in French-speaking Switzerland and the third in the country. The geography is varied, with the Jura mountains in the north, a hilly plain in the center and in the southwest of the Alps. The main attractions in the area are the towns and villages that surround the lake, the possibilities for skiing and hiking in the mountains, and of course the lake itself.

The lake, approximately 72.8 km long and with a maximum width of less than 14 km, is crescent-shaped oriented from east to west. The north shore and both ends are Swiss and are shared between the cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Valais. The south shore, meanwhile, is French and located in the Haute-Savoie department. The Franco-Swiss border passes through the middle of lake.

Lake Geneva is mainly fed by the Rhône, a Franco-Swiss river flowing from east to west, constituting 75% of the inflows. Its formation has multiple origins: tectonic folding for the part of the Grand-Lac and the action of the Rhône glacier for the Petit-Lac (between Yvoire and Geneva). It was formed during the gradual retreat of the Rhône glacier after the last ice age, almost sixteen thousand years ago. Its lake banks have been highly artificial.

In 2006, according to a study by the CIPEL (Franco-Swiss commission responsible for monitoring changes in the quality of the waters of Lake Geneva, the Rhône and their tributaries), only 3% of the coast was still wild. Excluding 23% of semi-natural meadows and crops, about 60% of the banks and surroundings are developed, rocked, paved, privatized, which probably limits the expression of the site’s ecopotentiality.

Geography
The Lake Geneva basin is made up of three main geological units. The Mesozoic sedimentary rocks of the Jura domain constitute the deep bedrock, the emerging part of which forms the Jura massif as well as the Salève. Vertically from Lake Geneva, these rocks form a substratum plunging under the pre-Alpine reliefs and external crystalline massifs as part of the Alpine orogeny. The resulting depression constitutes the basin of the northern Alpine foreland, the Cenozoic molassic filling of which forms the basin of the lake. Molasse (Oligocene to Miocene) is subdivided into two large tectonic groups. The molasse of the plateau is very little deformed and corresponds to the northwest half of the lake shore. The south-eastern half of the lake is carved out of subalpine molasse or carted molasse. The latter overlaps the molasse of the plateau and is distinguished by many deformations leading to the formation of moderate reliefs such as Mont Pèlerin. The subalpine molasse is surmounted in turn by the Swiss units of the subalpine massifs (Massif des Bornes) and ultralpine to Pennic massifs of the Chablais massifs.

Theories on the origin of Lake Geneva can be grouped together according to two main trends: some scientists favor the tectonic origin as the main cause, while others insist on the erosive origin. Several aspects of Lake Geneva are of tectonic origin, we can cite the separation between Petit-Lac and Grand-Lac (between Yvoire and the mouth of the Promenthouse), the depression of the small lake parallel to the Jura folds.

But the most recent research insists on the digging of the Léman basin by the advances of the Rhône glacier during major successive phases of glaciation. Indeed, the Rhone glacier covered the region of present-day Vevey with around one kilometer of ice and the Geneva region with around 700 meters. During the Würm glaciation, the Rhône glacier descended from the Valais and separated into two distinct parts in contact with the Jura massif; one heading south towards Geneva then Lyon, the other heading north on the Swiss plateau, integrating with the Rhine. At the end of this glaciation, with the retreat of the ice, a tributary of the Petit Lac digs the threshold of Yvoire and connects the two previously separated watersheds; Lake Geneva thus takes its current form. Lake Geneva receives water from various rivers coming from French-speaking Swiss cantons (Valais, Vaud, Friborg and Geneva) as well as from the French departments (Haute-Savoie and Ain). Among these many tributaries, the Rhône is the one with the most important flow.

During the winter of 2017, the waters of Lake Geneva were stirred to a depth of 200 meters. According to CIPEL, this mixing was not complete, the lake having a depth of more than 300 meters. The waters of Lake Geneva are rich in dissolved substances, in particular carbonates and sulphates of calcium and magnesium; suspended solids are detectable in a calm environment; the quantity of these materials arriving at the lake mainly by the Rhône amounts to 8 million tons annually (1966).

The water coming from the tributaries creates a localized current at their mouths in Lake Geneva. In addition, being of different temperatures with the average temperature of the lake water, the waters of these tributaries (often of snow origin) spread out in this lake water where they end up finding their densimetric balance. Like the oceans, seas and large lakes, Lake Geneva is subject to tides, tiny but identifiable (of the order of 4 mm). These are two types of standing waves observed in the lake. Some relate to the free surface, interface between air and water, others involve the thermocline, interface between surface water (epilimnion) and deep water (hypolimnion).

The first studies on this subject were carried out by the naturalist, physiologist and limnologist of Vaud, originally from Morges, François-Alphonse Forel. The lake receives 8.3 million tonnes of alluvium per year, including 6.1 from the Rhône, 1.1 from the Dranse, and 1.1 from the other tributaries. In Geneva, the Rhône evacuates only a mass of around 30,000 tonnes per year.

Environment, fauna and flora
Water quality has generally improved since the 1970s. However, the April 2, 2008, the prefects of Savoie and Haute-Savoie had to ban fishing for consumption and marketing of arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) in Lake Geneva because of very high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins “higher than regulatory standards “For two samples of these fish, ” making them unfit for human and animal consumption “, ” until it is established by official analyzes that these measures are not useful in controlling the risk for public health ” pending an investigation by the French Food Safety Agency (Afssa) specifies the extent of the problem (fishing without consuming fish remains authorized, as well as swimming and water sports, PCBs being poorly soluble in water).

Two areas on Lake Geneva are Ramsar sites. The most important, the site called Les Grangettes occupies 6,342 ha east of Haut-Lac, the Grangettes nature reserve, the mouth of the Rhône and Le Bouveret. The western limit being a line between the port and the campsite of La Pichette (commune of Chardonne) on the north shore and Saint-Gingolph on the south shore. The Rives du Lac Léman site, recognized asApril 8, 1991, occupies an area of 3.335 ha on the French shore between the mouths of the Dranse and the Vion.

Fish, crustaceans and cnidarians
Nowadays (2018), around thirty species of fish and crustaceans coexist in Lake Geneva as well as, for several years, a species of cnidarian, the list of which (not exhaustive) follows:

Native species
the vendace (known locally fera), 360 tonnes caught in 2006 (310 tonnes in 2005);
the common perch from which we make nets, 485 tonnes caught in 2009 (234 tonnes in 2005, 224 tonnes in 2006, 305 tonnes in 2008);
the pike, 35 tonnes caught in 2006 (31 tonnes in 2000, 29 tonnes in 2004, 47 tons in 2005). A record pike of 1.38 m was caught on the lake in 2012, and several specimens over 1.3 m were caught;
the lake trout, 11 tonnes caught in 2006 (27 tonnes in 2004, 17 tons in 2005). Some specimens can weigh 8 and 10 kilos;
the char, prized of which 14 tonnes were harvested in 2006 (68 tonnes in 2000, 9 tonnes in 2004, 17 tonnes in 2005), but this fish is very sensitive to warming because its reproduction requires very cold water;
the roach, the bleak, the carp, the batch conversion, the tench, the sticklebacks (list not exhaustive).

Introduced species
The catfish;
the American crayfish released by mistake into the lake in the 1980s have now colonized its waters. This small crustacean, much appreciated for its succulent flesh, is now fished to supply restaurants;
the zebra mussel, the mold quagga, freshwater amphipod (Gammarus fossarum), the Turkish crayfish slender legs (Astacus leptodactylus) and crayfish California (signal crayfish).

Special species
The freshwater jellyfish (Craspedacusta sowerbyi) seems to have appeared in the lake in 1962 and is seen regularly since, especially during hot weather. This species begins its life in the form of a small polyp, clinging to sub-aquatic vegetation, rocks, tree stumps which feed and reproduce by asexual reproduction in spring and summer. Adult (or mature), these freshwater jellyfish have all the characteristics of marine jellyfish with tentacles of identical nature.

Extinct species
The Whitefish Lake Geneva (Coregonus will) was conducted to extinction in the early XX century due to the eutrophication of its habitat and overfishing. The term féra is still used to designate other species of fish of the same family but different from this now extinct species.

Birds
There are sedentary and nesting birds like the mute swan, the mallard, the black-headed gull, the Coot coot, the tufted duck, the common merganser, the great crested grebe, the great cormorant, the black kite, the yellow-legged gull, the Mew gull, the red-crested pochard, the gray heron, the black-necked grebe, the little grebe and the moorhen.

Located on a migratory stream between the Alps and the Jura, the lake is a favorite area for many birds. Coming from northeastern Europe, Scandinavia or even Siberia, 150,000 birds come to take up their winter quarters there, including the Tufted Duck, the Great Crested Grebe, the Pochard, the Great Cormorant, the Goose Merganser. the coot coot, the common goldeneye, the black-necked grebe, the little grebe, the yellow-legged gull and occasionally the brown gull, the red merganser, the common eider, the northern shoveler, the brown scoter, the greater scaup.

There are also aestivating species such as the black-headed gull, the yellow-legged gull and the red- headed gull or the black swift and the black kite on the shore and in the towns. A bar-headed goose, a bird native to the Far East, has been observed from the shores of Lake.

Tourism
Although it seems relatively difficult to determine the sites to be retained to give an approximation of the tourist frequentation of Lake Geneva, we know, however, from a 2001 study by the National Tourism Observatory (ONT) that tourist frequentation linked to the lake for Switzerland was 1,550,000 people in 1999. With regard to France, it was indicated for the year 2001 an attendance in the countries of Lake Geneva representing 16% of overnight stays in the department of Haute-Savoie. The number of overnight stays in hotels and campsites that year was around 4,500,000, so this represents some 720,000 overnight stays.

The GTA (Grande traversée des Alpes) hiking trail, created in the early 1970s, begins in Saint-Gingolph, on the shores of Lake Geneva, at the French-Swiss border.

Recreational sports, a day at the beach basking in the sun, hiking in our gorges, relaxing in hot thermal waters, taking a boat cruise on Lake Geneva… The Geneva Lake abounds with possibilities for everyone looking for fun or recharging their batteries in water. There’s something to suit all tastes and moods in breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes, be it in the heart of our cities or in modern wellness facilities. Apart from the must-visit places that have made the region’s renown, there are many highly appreciated sites off the beaten track throughout the canton. Our selection of lovely water sites in the plain and the mountains is refreshingly appealing.

Water, the source of life, provides an unparalleled sense of calm and freedom. It is an integral part of the multiple atmospheres on offer in the canton of Vaud as it washes away everyday worries. There’s nothing like it! Spending energy, having fun, taking a stroll, meeting others, tasting specialties: everything is possible under the Geneva Lake sun at one of the many recreational water facilities.

Lake Geneva, Europe’s largest lake, is a major source of freshness and recreational activities. On sunny days, Lausanne city dwellers meet for an aperitif in the refreshment bar at the jetty, from where you can also take a dip. In Vevey, on the Vaudois Riviera, gourmets flock to Bains Payes to enjoy a glass of local wine and a few tapas against the stunning background of the Lavaux UNESCO vineyards. The rounded hills of La Côte and the Alps enhance the beach of Nyon with an equally pleasant setting. At the beach of Prévérenges, there’s even sand to be had in the lofty shade of poplars. Yvonand near Lake Neuchâtel also boasts sandy beaches and offers an immediate change of scenery.

Geneva Lake boasts beautiful rivers and other bathing areas that are easily accessible with the family, friends or on your own. In Geneva Lake, follow the rapids of the Arnon river and cool down in the Covatannaz Gorges featuring spectacular cliffs. In Croy-Romainmôtier, discover the Dard waterfall with its impressive height of 19 m. The nearby Tine de Care is just as magical. In this grandiose rocky cirque, you can have a swim in the waters of the Venoge and Veyron rivers that join here. In Vallorbe-Ballaigues, the gorgeous staircase waterfall of Saut du Day offers the idyllic setting of a natural beach that is appreciated by all. And the wild beauty of the Chauderon Gorges above Montreux could even make you forget that you’re on the Riviera.

Geneva Lake is a must-visit region in terms of recreational water activities. Indeed, the region’s undisputed natural emblem is Lake Joux, the largest expanse of water in the entire Jura massif. Lake Brenet, another water gem in Vallée de Joux, is slightly less well-known but is just as popular with regulars. In summer, vacationers enjoy the much appreciated cool it offers. Beaches for swimming and relaxing, windsurfing, stand-up paddling, water skiing, pedal boating, canoeing, kayaking or even kite surfing: You’re spoilt for choice here! As old as the world itself and back in favour: fishing can be practiced on lakeshores and riverbanks. A permit issued by the Tourist Board is the only prerequisite.

The mountains featuring privileged river sites and high-altitude lakes are an inexhaustible source of well-being. Natural or artificial, they offer a paradise of cool in the summer heat. Several legends surround the mystical atmosphere of their shimmering water. As a destination of bucolic hikes, the mountain lakes also provide a range of invigorating leisure activities. Stand-up paddling, fishing, canoeing, swimming or simply relaxing: There’s something to suit everyone’s taste. Some rivers tempt the most adventurous to have a go at the exhilarating challenge of canyoning. This adrenaline-packed sport in the water of a river and its corridors, falls or gorges is practiced in a coverall and in the company of an experienced guide.

Selection of recreational water activities will provide all the freshness you need to enjoy the summer in the Geneva Lake. If you’re looking for more ideas to satisfy your wish to relax or try out thrilling activities, look at our theme topics: baths and swimming pools, sport centres, boats, and events. They list all water activities available in the canton, be it for a few hours or all day. You will come to realise that the places where you can have a dip, in town or nature, are as original as they are convivial. Countless are the ways to relax on – or in – water in the Alps and the Jura.

Museums

Lake Geneva Museum
Founded and inaugurated on July 5, 1954by master Edgar Pelichet, the Musée du Léman is located in Nyon, Switzerland in the canton of Vaud, opposite the marina.

Constantly enlarged, the Musée du Léman presents everything related to Lake Geneva. Giant aquariums present the fish fauna of the lake. This museum covers an area of 1000 m of permanent and temporary exhibitions to which are added administrative and technical premises.

Ecomuseum of fishing and Lake
This small local ecomuseum, located in the small port district of Thonon-les-Bains, called Rives, was created in 1987. its vocation is to be a place of remembrance with regard to fishing professionals in Lake Geneva.

Boats, but also motors, traps and nets, old or current tools, are on display, thus offering the most exhaustive possible picture of the organization of fishing in Lake Geneva. A slide show presents their life and activity throughout the year, in all seasons.

Travel related to Lake
In addition to the large cities of the Lake Geneva basin, including Geneva and Lausanne, the Château de Chillon is located on the Vaudois Riviera in its unique romantic setting popularized by La Nouvelle Héloïse by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Le Prisonnier de Chillon by Lord Byron. The sites presented below are located in the immediate vicinity of the Lake Geneva shore:

In Swiss
The Geneva water jet, with an average height of 140 meters with an exit speed of the water of 200 km / h, is located at the end of the Eaux-Vives jetty, in the heart of the Lake Geneva harbor.
The castle of Nyon and its museum dedicated to the lake, is registered as Swiss cultural property of national importance and is open to visitors. The aim of the Lake Geneva Museum is to raise awareness of the current challenges of Lake Geneva: fight against pollution, maintain aquatic flora and fauna as well as the quality of the lake water.
The Château d’Ouchy, a neo-Gothic building, used as a hotel, listed as a Swiss cultural property of regional importance, is located opposite the north shore of the lake, in Lausanne.
The Château de Chillon on the Vaudois Riviera, located on the immediate edge of the lake, is a major tourist site.
Between Vevey and Lutry are the vineyards of Lavaux which dominates the lake shore. since 2007 they have been listed as a World Heritage Site (UNESCO).
The island of La Harpe, also called Island Rolle, 100 meters from the edge; it is accessed in summer by swimming, or in any season by boat because there is a dock.

In France
West of the Chablais Haut-Savoyard coast, is the fortified and very flowered village of Yvoire, also called “the pearl of Léman”, located on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lake Geneva, not far from the main beach of Excenevex.
At the heart of this same coast and still near the lake, you can discover the castle of Ripaille with its towers, its park and its vineyard which is located in the town of Thonon-les-Bains,
A little further east of the Chablais coast, the Palais Lumière, a former spa establishment in the city of Évian, transformed since 2006 into a congress and exhibition center, and the Meillerie priory, with its church, tower and its conventual building.
Even further east, still on the French Chablais coast, you can discover the Meillerie site, its fishing port, its priory, the Pierre à Jean-Jacques Rousseau and its old quarries.

The lake also includes many beaches, especially in the large coastal towns. Since June 2018, a new public beach located in the Eaux-Vives district, near the center of Geneva, has been accessible free of charge. This stretches for about 400 meters on the shore of the lake and can accommodate up to 8,000 bathers.

Activities

Public facilities

The Bains des Pâquis
The Bains des Pâquis are a public bathhouse located on the pier on the right bank of Lake Geneva which protects the harbor of Geneva, at the level of the Pâquis district.

This facility, created in 1872, houses the headquarters of the Association of Users of Bains des Pâquis (AUBP) and Sauvetage de Genève. This association, created in 1987, took the decision to open the baths all year.

Genève-Plage
Built in 1932, Genève-Plage is a 42,000 m² park which houses a public swimming pool and a beach located on the territory of the municipality of Cologny, in the canton of Geneva.

Lake transport and navigation
About 20,000 boats are moored at the edge of the lake, for boating, travel and fishing. According to a survey carried out by the cantonal navigation services and published in 2017, 40% of the boats moored in the 70 ports never sail and a certain number of other boats go out “rarely to very rarely”.

General Navigation Company
A service of paddle boats (whose fleet is called Belle Epoque), dessert from the XIX century the main towns surrounding the lake. Its management is entrusted to the General Navigation Company (CGN).

The mission of the CGN is the commercial exploitation of means of transport on Lake Geneva, the maintenance, conservation and operation of boats. In addition to its fleet, CGN has a shipyard in Lausanne, near the port.

The fleet includes 5 steamboats and paddlewheels, 3 diesel-electric propulsion and paddlewheel boats, 5 “modern” boats without paddle wheels, 4 speedboats and 2 navibuses.

The Geneva Seagulls
The Société des Mouettes genevoises (SMGN-SA) operates a network of four lake lines sailing on Lake Geneva, near the harbor of Geneva. This company manages six boats painted in red and yellow, the colors of the city of Geneva. By the end of the 2010s, two of the three wooden boats will be replaced by electrically powered boats

The boats of Lake Geneva
You can also navigate the old-fashioned way with traditional boats (also called Meillerie boats from the name of a quarry and its port), but the missions of these historic ships are more linked to tourist activity and the duty of memory. local than the transport of goods or people. Today, five boats are in circulation and are intended for yachting, including La Neptune, built in 1904, restored in 2004, the Vaudoise (ex la Violette, built in 1932), the Savoie, a replica of a ship in 1896, built in 2000, the Aurore, copy of a Gingolese coachman and also built in 2000 and La Demoiselle, also known as the “children’s boat” is the identical replica of a boat built in Vevey in 1828 and bearing the same name.

Lake Geneva taxis
The installation of an electric flying boat company providing a taxi service called Sea Bubble is planned in Geneva between the two shores of the lake.

Since April 2018, a pilot line has been in test for an initial period of three to nine months. This project received the support of the transport department of the canton of Geneva.

The marketing phase for delivery of the machines was planned for the first quarter of 2019.

At the end of 2019, no approval request had been sent to the Canton of Geneva.

However, Alain Thébault still dreams of one day seeing his “SeaBubbles” float on the blue waters of the lake. It reaffirms on October 16, 2019, its intention to deploy its ships in spring 2020.

The “Évian One” catamaran
The development of the ship called Évian One, then its construction is part of the development plan initiated by a hotel complex in Evian. It is a catamaran equipped with two 330 hp engines with profiled hulls, in order to obtain the best possible aerodynamics. Guests of the hotel complex can reach Geneva airport in fifty minutes instead of one hour and thirty minutes by road.

Submarines
Four submarines dived in Lake Geneva: the Mesoscaphe Auguste Piccard (during the Swiss National Exhibition of 1964), the F.-A. Forel (launched in 1979) and the Russian submarines Mir 1 and Mir 2 in 2011.

The F.-A. Forel is still visible, because it was donated to the Foundation of “La Maison de la Rivière”, located in Tolochenaz, by engineer Jacques Piccard, in November 2006, and remains a part of the permanent collection of this museum located in immediate proximity to lake.

In 2018, an underwater glider robot developed in the United States will probe the whirlpools of Lake Geneva, in order to allow local researchers at the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne to be able to collect unprecedented data that will allow a better understanding of the impact. of the gyre on the three-dimensional structure of the Lake Geneva aquatic ecosystem.

Watercraft
The practice of personal watercraft (or jet-ski) on Lake Geneva has been banned by the Swiss federal authorities since February 2019.

On the French side, the prefect of Haute-Savoie affirmed in June 2018 that he wanted to have this practice completely banned from the year 2019.

The ban has been in effect on the entire lake since June 1, 2019.

Fishing
Amateur fishermen

No annual fishing closure period is imposed for Lake Geneva, however there are periods of protection according to the different species of fish. The application of a concordat between France and Switzerland allows these limitations to be the same in these two countries. A fishing license is required to fish on the water. Fishing without a license may be authorized, but on condition of fishing with a fixed cap and with a limit of one line per person.

Professional fishermen

In 2015, according to the French economic press site La Tribune, 132 professional fishermen were active on the lake. According to this same site, the profession generates around 100 jobs, all related to fish processing.

Fisheries
In 2007, a total of 1.2 million arctic char (5 to 9 mm) and 500,000 trout (5 to 10 mm) as well as feras were released on both the French and Swiss sides, but, according to the INRA, “natural reproduction has taken over, thanks to the better health of the lake which offers an increased quality of plankton”. However, “the pike, a large predator of the lake, is wreaking havoc” especially in arctic char and trout. Suddenly, the catches of this species have increased in some time from 4 tonnes with a goal of 50 tonnes per year, but that does not seem to be enough.

According to the site of the University of Geneva after a sharp increase following this intensive restocking, the catches of arctic char in Lake Geneva have been steadily decreasing since the 2000s.

International Society of Lake Geneva Rescue
The International Society for the Rescue of Leman (SISL) is a Franco-Swiss non-profit organization whose goal is to rescue the lake. Made up of 2,200 volunteer members, it has been active since 1885. It is organized into 34 sections, each responsible for a rescue station.

Fleet
In April 2017, the SISL had 25 intervention units (lifeboats without cabin) and 27 speedboats (lifeboats with cabin).

The historic and traditional fleet of rowboats represents 43 units, most of them entirely made of wood. These canoes are used for training and row races.

Organizations sporting events
The lake is linked to the organization of numerous sports competitions, particularly in the nautical field, but also events of other sports practiced on its banks. Its banks host many triathlons including in Lausanne, Thonon-les-Bains and Geneva.

The personal watercraft, although subject to disagreement, is prohibited on the whole of Lake Geneva by virtue of an agreement between France and Switzerland.

The headquarters of the International Olympic Committee is located on the shores of Lake Geneva at the Château de Vidy and its museum runs along the Quai d ‘ Ouchy, in Lausanne.

Regattas
The golden bowl: Every year in June held the largest competitive sailing world in closed water body (lake), the Golden Bowl Mirabaud whose 81 edition is organized in 2019. Nearly 600 boats will take part on average. The goal is to make the round trip as quickly as possible between Geneva (western end of the lake) and Le Bouveret (eastern end of the lake).
The translemanic: In mid-September, a similar regatta is organized but solo called the Translémanique en Solitaire. In June, another important regatta takes place: the Cinq jours du Léman. It is the longest endurance race in a closed basin in Europe. During the year, many other regattas are contested on the lake, the multihull series being very well represented.

Rowing
Since 1972, the rowing rowing tour of Lake Geneva has been organized every year by the Société nautique de Genève. It is the longest rowing race in the world since no less than 160 km are covered along the coast in a single stage.

Other sports

Athletics
The Lausanne marathon: The third Saturday in October sees the Lausanne marathon take place, which runs along the shores of Lake Geneva to La Tour-de-Peilz. The round of the Leman peninsula is a foot race, organized by the city of Messery (Haute-Savoie) for 30 years. Coming in several sections of different distances, it is registered by the French Athletics Federation in so-called “hors stаdе” races. It has also been open to walkers since 2010.

The Run Mate: The Run Mate is a running race, organized as a relay divided into 19 points and the first edition of which takes place on the last weekend of 2019 around the lake. Its point of departure and arrival is located in Vevey (canton of Vaud) and it therefore concerns all the Swiss cantons and the French department of Haute-Savoie. The first edition has 1,378 participants.

Cycling
The Tour du Léman: Created in 1879, Le Tour du lac Léman was a Swiss cycling race. After two last editions in 2004 and 2005, this competition was no longer contested.
The Tour de France:The Tour de France established the city of Geneva as a stopover city during the editions of this competition in 1913, 1914, 1919, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1935, 1937, 1951 and 1990. Lausanne was a stage city during the 1948, 1949, 1952, 1978 and 2000 tours. Thonon-les-Bains was also a stopover town during the 1955 tour editions;1957, 1960, 1964, 1969, 1970, 1975, 1977, 1981. Finally, Évian-les-Bains hosted the Tour de France twice, during the 1979 and 2000 editions.

Swimming
There are several competitions such as the international swimming crossing of Lake Geneva (Lausanne – Evian) of 13 km, the Montreux-Clarens swimming crossing of 1.8 km, the Lake crossing of 1.8 km in Geneva, all in summer.

The Christmas Cup, created in 1934, The participants having to cover the distance of 100 meters in water around 6 ° C in December in Geneva.