Lake Geneva is a deep lake on the north side of the Alps, shared between Switzerland and France. It is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe and the largest on the course of the Rhône. Of it 59.53% (345.31 km2 or 133.32 sq mi) comes under the jurisdiction of Switzerland (cantons of Vaud, Geneva, and Valais), and 40.47% (234.71 km2 or 90.62 sq mi) under France (department of Haute-Savoie). 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.
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. 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.
The GTA Great crossing of the Alps 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.
Environment
In 563, according to the writings of Gregory of Tours and Marius Aventicensis, a tsunami wave swept along the lake, destroying the fort of Tauredunum and other settlements, and causing numerous deaths in Geneva. Simulations indicate that the Tauredunum event was most likely caused by a massive landslide near the Rhône delta, which caused a wave eight metres (26 ft) high to reach within 70 minutes. In 888 the town was part of the new Kingdom of Burgundy, and, with it, was absorbed into the Holy Roman Empire in 1033. In the late 1960s, pollution made it dangerous to swim at some beaches of the lake; indeed, visibility under water was near zero. By the 1980s, intense environmental pollution (eutrophication) had almost wiped out all the fish. Today, pollution levels have been dramatically cut back, and it is again considered safe to swim in the lake. Major leisure activities practiced include sailing, wind surfing, boating (including water skiing and wake-boarding), rowing, scuba diving and bathing.
A total of four submarines have plied the depths of Lake Geneva. In 1964, Jacques Piccard launched a tourist-oriented submarine, the Auguste Piccard (named for his explorer father), for the Swiss National Exhibition, meant to honor the Expo 64 theme of accomplishments by Swiss engineers and industry. After operating through to 1965 in Lake Geneva, Piccard used the vessel for scientific exploration in other parts of the world. Piccard later built the F.-A. Forel, launched in Lake Geneva in 1978 and used primarily for scientific research until it was retired in 2005. In 2011, in a collaborative operation led by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, two Mir submersibles were used for ten weeks to conduct extensive scientific research in Lake Geneva.
On a scientific footnote, in 1827, Lake Geneva was the site for the first measurement of the speed of sound in (fresh) water. French mathematician Jacques Charles François Sturm and Swiss physicist Daniel Collodon used two moored boats, separated by a measured distance, as the transmit and receive platforms for the sounds of exploding gunpowder. The loud airborne sound coupled into the lake, establishing a loud underwater sound that could be measured at a distance. The flash of the exploding gunpowder provided the visual starting cue for the timepiece, and the underwater explosion sound striking a bell provided the finish cue. The lake is rich in wildlife, especially birds: both the common buzzard and the red kite breed here in considerable numbers.
Geography
Lake Geneva is divided into three parts because of its different types of formation (sedimentation, tectonic folding, glacial erosion):
Haut Lac (Upper Lake), the eastern part from the Rhône estuary to the line of Meillerie–Rivaz
Grand Lac (Large Lake), the largest and deepest basin with the lake’s largest width
Petit Lac (Small Lake), the most south-west, narrower and less deep part from Yvoire–Promenthoux next Prangins to the exit in Geneva
According to the Swiss Federal Office of Topography, Swisstopo, Lac de Genève designates that part of the Petit Lac, which lies within the cantonal borders of Geneva (excluding the cantonal exclave Céligny), so about from Versoix–Hermance to the Rhône outflow in Geneva. The Chablais Alps border is its southern shore, the western Bernese Alps lie over its eastern side. The high summits of Grand Combin and Mont Blanc are visible from some places. Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman (CGN) operates boats on the lake.
The lake lies on the course of the Rhône. The river has its source at the Rhône Glacier near the Grimsel Pass to the east of the lake and flows down through the canton of Valais, entering the lake between Villeneuve and Le Bouveret, before flowing slowly towards its egress at Geneva. Other tributaries are La Dranse, L’Aubonne, La Morges, La Venoge, La Vuachère, and La Veveyse.
Lake Geneva is the largest body of water in Switzerland, and greatly exceeds in size all others that are connected with the main valleys of the Alps. It is in the shape of a crescent, with the horns pointing south, the northern shore being 95 km (59 mi), the southern shore 72 km (45 mi) in length. The crescent form was more regular in a recent geological period, when the lake extended to Bex, about 18 km (11 mi) south of Villeneuve. The detritus of the Rhône has filled up this portion of the bed of the lake, and it appears that within the historical period the waters extended about 2 km (1.2 mi) beyond the present eastern margin of the lake. The greatest depth of the lake, in the broad portion between Évian-les-Bains and Lausanne, where it is just 13 km (8.1 mi) in width, has been measured as 310 m (1,020 ft), putting the bottom of the lake at 62 m (203 ft) above sea level. The lake’s surface is the lowest point of the cantons of Valais and Vaud. The culminating point of the lake’s drainage basin is Monte Rosa at 4,634 metres above sea level.
The beauty of the shores of the lake and of the sites of many of the places near its banks has long been celebrated. However, it is only from the eastern end of the lake, between Vevey and Villeneuve, that the scenery assumes an Alpine character. On the south side the mountains of Savoy and Valais are for the most part rugged and sombre, while those of the northern shore fall in gentle vine-covered slopes, thickly set with villages and castles. The snowy peaks of the Mont Blanc are shut out from the western end of the lake by the Voirons mountain, and from its eastern end by the bolder summits of the Grammont, Cornettes de Bise and Dent d’Oche, but are seen from Geneva, and between Nyon and Morges. From Vevey to Bex, where the lake originally extended, the shores are enclosed by comparatively high and bold mountains, and the vista terminates in the grand portal of the defile of St. Maurice, cleft to a depth of nearly 2,700 m (8,900 ft) between the opposite peaks of the Dents du Midi and the Dent de Morcles.
The shore between Nyon and Lausanne is called La Côte because it is flatter. Between Lausanne and Vevey it is called Lavaux and is famous for its hilly vineyards. The average surface elevation of 372 m (1,220 ft) above sea level is controlled by the Seujet Dam in Geneva.
Surrounding Areas
Lake Geneva is bordered by two countries, Switzerland and France. The most notable cities, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, from the east and in a clockwise direction, are Geneva, Nyon, Rolle, Morges, Lausanne, Cully, Vevey, Montreux (in Switzerland), Évian- les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains (in France).
Lausanne
Lausanne offers the best aspects of a hip city, an historical old town, a holiday resort on the lake shores and an Olympic capital. It captivates you in the blink of an eye, whatever the purpose of your visit. Known for its unique setting on the shores of Lake Geneva and its title of Olympic Capital, Lausanne has many other treasures to offer. This fourth city of Switzerland has many different aspects, offering a historic old town called “La Cité”, a Gothic cathedral, a dynamic metropolis with modern districts such as Le Flon, a holiday destination with Mediterranean flair. The museum offers, theatres and other night-life places are on a par with the most beautiful European capitals. Whether by bus or by bike, on foot or on skates, discover Lausanne, Olympic Capital: museum visits, a stroll in the parks and gardens or along the floral quays, excursions on the lake or in the vineyards, sporting and cultural activities, a relaxing spa break, shopping and nights out.
Montreux Riviera
Its splendour, pleasant climate and famous guests have given the region of Montreux-Vevey the title of Swiss Riviera. Beyond its dream landscape, it offers many more attractions. With its shores on Lake Geneva, Lavaux UNESCO vineyards, nearby summits, cities like Montreux, Vevey and picturesque villages, it is not surprising that Montreux Riviera is the birthplace of tourism in Switzerland. The beginnings of this tradition are part of the region’s heritage, just like the medieval lords of the Castle of Chillon. Today, Montreux Riviera continues to write its history by innovating constantly, for example the museums NEST, Chaplin’s World, Alimentarium. Culture fans and guests of Montreux Riviera become festival goers in July at the famous Montreux Jazz Festival. Spoilt by nature, Lavaux is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful regions among other historic, scientific, sport, winetouristic and even artistic attractions.
Les Diablerets
From the vineyard to the glacier, accessible, cultural, dynamic, modern, relaxing, and splendid: The region of Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets-Bex offers a mountain atmosphere for all! The adventure begins in the plain, near the main Swiss cities, Lake Geneva and the major transport routes. The Bex Salt Mines and the spa of Lavey-les-Bains offer discovery and relaxation, while gourmets like to taste the wines from the Chablais AOC region. In the mountains, sports fans have a field day, be it in summer or winter. Skiing is the flagship activity, of course, but there are various recreation activities throughout the year, either in the resorts or at Glacier 3000, the paradise of sports and fun! The enchanting setting and the countless events also attract visitors who simply come here to enjoy a change of scenery in an authentic region.
Aigle – Leysin
Surrounded by the vineyards and the Alps, the castle of Aigle invites visitors to a customised and unforgettable stay between the plain and mountains. On the road from Lake Geneva to the Alps, a stop at Aigle is simply a must. Its old town full of wine cellars and inns and its medieval castle surrounded by vineyards is the symbol of the local art of living. Aigle cherishes its heritage and lives with its time, for example with its World Cycling Centre. As a gateway to the Alps, Aigle leads to the resorts of Leysin and Les Mosses. There are no more medieval lords here, but one lady only: nature. It invites sports fans to spend their energy, whatever the discipline and season. On offer: hiking, biking, biathlon, cross-country skiing, snowtubing and, above all, skiing on the sunny slopes below the Kuklos, the revolving panoramic restaurant.
Pays-d’Enhaut
Preserved, accessible and gourmet: Pays-d’Enhaut offers the best of the Vaudois Alps to visitors looking for authenticity. Château-d’Oex, Rossinière, Rougemont: these authentic Swiss mountain villages all have their distinct features that have been preserved until today. A short or longer visit to Pays-d’Enhaut will convince you of the region’s intactness and warmth of welcome. Nature is free and majestic here and beckons to be explored. Hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing and even hot-air ballooning: all these outdoor activities are opportunities to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The local artisans turn the precious products of this region into fine things, above all into delicious culinary specialties mostly based on mountain milk.
Yverdon-les-Bains
History, art of living, nature and crafts: the region’s fantastic features invite you on a discovery tour according to your mood and seasons. Characterful nature, rich history, spa and gastronomy pleasures: all these features combine in Yverdon-les-Bains to form a unique destination. Located between Lake Neuchâtel and the Jura mountains, the second-largest town of the canton of Vaud, enjoys an exceptional setting that has inspired humans since the dawn of time. Visitors to the region of Yverdon-les-Bains, be they athletes, gourmets, fans of culture or in search of relaxation, are carried away by the experiences they draw from a tasting, guided tour, hike, spa treatment or a day of winter skiing on the nearby slopes.
Vallée de Joux
Vallée de Joux, the cradle of the Swiss watchmaking industr. Combined, these differences create inimitable beauty: Vallée de Joux. Just like the opposite ends of a magnet, these differences generate a stimulating and tangible energy. In the heart of the Regional Nature Park of the Vaudois Jura, be inspired and recharge your batteries around the Lakes of Joux and Brenet, as well as in the huge Risoud forest. This strong yet fragile natural setting will have many other surprises in store for you. Sportspeople, artisans, terroir producers and reputed watchmakers drew their inspiration from this land. Follow in their footsteps and experience unforgettable moments.
Nyon
Nyon encompasses several aspects: historical, modern, festive, professional, authentic and international. The region of Nyon has successfully combined these different yet complementary aspects and has maintained a unique and pleasant identity. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva near the La Côte AOC vineyards and at the foot of the Jura mountains, Nyon offers its inhabitants and guests an exceptionally varied setting that has certainly been inspiring the artists who regularly perform in this city of festivals. From the Roman Empire to our time, the region’s long history can be discovered during guided tours in the town’s streets as well as in several castles and museums. Memorable experiences reward those who take the time to explore the surroundings.
Morges Région
Visitors are entranced by the discreet but natural charm of the medieval town of Morges. The surrounding countryside abounds with natural and gourmet treasures. Located between Lausanne and Geneva, Morges has become firmly established as a must-see town. Its tranquillity and authenticity with a hint of eccentricity draw tourism and celebrities alike. The most famous of them, actress Audrey Hepburn, lived in Morges for more than 20 years. The castle of Morges, a medieval fortress on the lakeshores, is a true picture-postcard feature and a host of cultural events with no less than five museums within its venerable walls. Other major museums and popular events such as the Tulip Festival and the Lakeside Book Fair draw countless visitors.
Avenches
Avenches, a Roman town, land of festivals and Switzerland’s capital of the horse, is a land of plenty with sunny beaches and a pleasant yet dynamic atmosphere! Founded 2000 years ago, Avenches was the capital of Roman Helvetia. To visualise the city as it was then, it’s best to visit the Roman Museum and the amphitheatre, which lends its venerable walls to some of Switzerland’s greatest music festivals. These events stand for the region’s art of living focusing on encounters and gourmet pleasures. Avenches is also the capital of the horse, thanks to the nearby Swiss national stud farm and the National Equestrian Institute (IENA). The town has more than one thing in common with man’s most beautiful conquest: like a thoroughbred, it is tranquil but has a fiery temperament!
Vully-Trois-Lacs
A land of vineyards and nature in the heart of the Trois-Lacs region, Vully is an oasis for ecotourism enthusiasts. With typical fine foods, unspoilt landscape and beautiful countryside walks, Vully-les-Lacs has all the elements of a perfect ecotourism destination. In the heart of the Trois-Lacs region, the delightful town has stunning views of the vines, lakes and alps. Small but well-known, the Vully AOC wine region is a paradise for leisurely luxury holidays. Wine-makers enthusiastically welcome individuals and groups into their wine cellars and there is a variety of marked trails for walkers or cyclists. In Vallamand, the little Musée de la Tonnellerie et du Vin tells the story of five generations of artisan wine-makers. The Caves Ouvertes (during Whitsun) and the Balade Gourmande de Vully-les-Lacs (3rd Sunday in July) are opportunities to sample Vully’s fruity, sparkling wines, as well as the region’s different culinary specialities, including the famous gâteau à la crème.
Payerne
A historical and cultural town, Payerne grew up around its Benedictine Abbey Church, a fine example of Romanesque art. Payerne is a flourishing place in the fertile, unspoilt countryside of the Broye valley. This Mediaeval town grew up around an 11th century Romanesque abbey church, the biggest in Switzerland. Founded by the Cluny monks, the imposing abbey church is beautifully preserved, with its 5-apse chapel, lofty nave and sculpted capitals bringing its ancient history alive. This cultural town regularly hosts events in its abbey church or streets and is known for its carnival, called Les Brandons. As for recreational activities for the whole family, Payerne has a lot to offer with the biggest indoor karting circuit in Europe offering karts, quads and mini-motorbikes for riders from the age of 6. Finally, the Payerne Aerodrome and Clin d’Ail military aviation museum is ideal for enthusiasts of the conquest of the skies. Regular events are held here, like AIR 14, Europe’s biggest air show of 2014.
Echallens
Surrounded by fertile land, Echallens is at the heart of the Vaudois bread basket; ideal for gourmet holidays and agritourism. Echallens is the capital of the region occupying the geographical area between the cities of Lausanne and Yverdon-les-Bains. The contours of this region are ideal for marked cycling trails and footpaths. The Wheat Trail links Echallens to Granges-Marnand, over a route of about 100 km, with the Alps as a backdrop. The route is punctuated with a while range of agritourism activities, including the Wheat and Bread Museum in Echallens, a unique site in Switzerland, with an artisan bakery, restaurant and museum. In the centre of Echallens, traditional folk markets with over 100 exhibitors are held every Thursday in July; a chance to discover the region’s specialities, also found in open farms offering overnight stays on the straw. An eco-tourism to be enjoyed by train via the Lausanne-Echallens-Bercher line serving the whole region.
Moudon
The former capital of the region in the Savoy era, Moudon has some of the best preserved mediaeval heritage sites in Switzerland. Of Celtic origin, a Roman vicus, the capital of the Lake Geneva Region in the Savoy era, then a Bernese bailiwick, Moudon has a long history which is told through a marked historical trail. Dedicated to Saint-Étienne, the region’s biggest parish church is a fine example of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, featuring exceptional painted decorations and furniture including choir stalls dating from 1501-1502 and an organ dating from 1764, the oldest in the region. The Vieux-Moudon museum is essentially dedicated to everyday life in times past and the Eugène Burnand museum (1850-1921) shows the work of this internationally renowned naturalist painter, a native of Moudon. The two main events in the life of this city are Les Brandons, a traditional carnival listed as an event of intangible cultural heritage, and the Popular Music Festival staging nearly 100 concerts over a weekend. Finally, in the heart of the Vaudois countryside, the town is the starting point for many walking trails.
Popular Tour
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.
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.