Lake Geneva -Lac Leman ( 6 days ) Itinerary
Lac Leman or Lake Geneva
Lac Leman, also known as Lake Geneva, is one of the largest and most beautiful European lakes. Located between Switzerland and France, this perfect destination offers natural beauty, history, and culture.
Lac Leman in Figures
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Lac Leman is primarily fed by the Rhône River, which enters the lake near Villeneuve and flows out at the city of Geneva. Interestingly, the water from the Rhône takes approximately ten years to traverse the entirety of Lake Geneva. While other rivers also feed into the lake, they are considerably smaller in comparison.
Facts About Lac Leman's History
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Road Trip Lac Leman: Itinerary
This 6-day road trop offers a unique opportunity to explore the best of Lac Leman.
With a stunning view of the lake and the icy, white peaks of the Alps, this itinerary is a pleasant surprise.
Quiet and beautiful secondary roads. From simple inns to first-class hotels. And, wherever you stop, delicious food in family-run restaurants with excellent service.
All the charming towns explored in this article are also excellent day trips from Geneva!
Unique Experiences in Lake Leman1. Wine Tasting in Lavaux: As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lavaux offers stunning terraced vineyards with breathtaking lake views. Embark on a wine-tasting tour to savor the region's renowned wines and learn about the winemaking process. Check https://www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/en/offer/wine-tasting-in-lavaux-vineyards/ 2. Chocolate-Making Workshop: Indulge your sweet tooth with a chocolate-making workshop in Gruyères. Learn the secrets of Swiss chocolate production and create your own personalized treats. Or visit the renowned Maison Cailler and explore the story of the chocolate through a series of interactive, multisensory experiences. Located 35 minutes from Vevey. 3. Paddleboarding on the Lake: Enjoy a peaceful and scenic way to explore Lake Leman by paddleboarding. Glide across the calm waters, admire the surrounding landscapes, and perhaps spot some wildlife. Choose your water sport https://www.destination-leman.com/en/our-activites-according-to-your-desires/the-lake-water-sports-and-beaches/. 4. Hiking in the Vaudois Alps: Escape the hustle and bustle of the cities and embark on a hiking adventure in the Vaudois Alps. Discover picturesque trails, breathtaking vistas, and charming mountain villages. book here: https://www.alpesvaudoises.ch/en/stories/hiking-walks 5. Visiting a Medieval Castle: Immerse yourself in the region's rich history by visiting one of the many medieval castles that dot the Lake Leman area. Explore the castle's interiors, learn about its past, and enjoy panoramic views of the lake. 6. Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience the magic of Lake Leman from above by taking a hot air balloon ride. Soar over the vineyards, mountains, and towns, enjoying a bird's-eye view of this stunning region. For more information, check the site https://www.ballons-du-leman.ch/en/ 7. Visiting a Swiss Cheese Factory: Discover the secrets of Swiss cheese production by visiting a local cheese factory. Learn traditional methods to make famous Swiss cheeses like Gruyère and Emmental. 8. Exploring a Swiss Village: Experience the charm of a traditional Swiss village by visiting one of the many picturesque towns around Lake Leman. Wander through the cobbled streets, admire the colorful houses, and sample local delicacies. 9. Nighttime Cruise with Starlight Dinner: Enjoy a romantic evening on Lake Leman with a nighttime cruise featuring a starlit dinner. Savor a gourmet meal under the stars while admiring the illuminated shoreline. |
Geneva
Arrive in Geneva for your first night in Switzerland. Visit the historic center and stroll along the beautiful lakefront.
From Geneva to Lausanne (45 minutes)
Rent a car and start your journey leaving from Geneva to Morges.
Morges is the city of flowers, where the tulip festival celebrates the beginning of spring every year. The festival takes place between March and May. Morges is then decorated with more than 500,000 tulips of various colors and species.
Stop for a coffee and stroll around the old town with its charming alleys and colorful houses.
Continue to Lausanne. There, visit the Cathedral, one of the main monuments. It is a Gothic church built in the 12th century.
Climb Torre Sauvabelin for a panoramic view. Take an unmissable boat trip on Lake Leman. Enjoy the beautiful views of the city and the region.
If you like art, visit the Lausanne Museum of Art and History. The museum houses a collection from different eras, including works by Picasso, Renoir, and Van Gogh.
If you prefer nature, go for a hike or bike ride through the Vaudois Alps. The Vaudois Alps are a mountainous region with stunning landscapes.
Stay for 1 night.
From Lausanne to Montreux (30 minutes)
In the morning, leave towards Lavaux, a Unesco Heritage Site and the largest vineyard area in Switzerland with its simply incredible terraces and orange color in autumn. Take the "little train" that runs through the region.
Continue to Vevey, a city on the banks of Lac Leman and the headquarters of Nestlé, stroll through the center, and stay in Montreux for 2 nights.
Montreux, probably the most famous city on Lake Geneva, hosts the jazz festival and the known Chillon Castle, a former fortress and prison through which you can learn more about Swiss history.
The Montreux Jazz Festival takes place every year in July. It is one of the biggest jazz festivals in the world and attracts artists from all over the world.
If you have more time, you can take a day trip to Gruyères, a medieval town in the Vaudois Alps. Gruyères is famous for its Gruyère cheese, one of the most famous cheeses in Switzerland.
From Montreux to Evian-les-Bains (1 hour and 30 minutes)
Continue your journey to Saint Gingolph, a small town on the border between Switzerland and France. Return on the French side, visit Evian-Les-Bains, and stay there for 1 night.
Visit the Evian mineral spring, one of the most famous in the world. The water is rich in minerals and is known for its healing properties. The fountain was discovered in 1789 and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since.
If you like nature, go for a hike or bike ride through the Savoy Alps. The Savoy Alps are a mountainous region with stunning landscapes.
If you like shopping, visit the boutiques and department stores of Evian-les-Bains. The city hosts stores that sell everything from clothes and accessories to souvenirs.
Relax in a spa overlooking Lac Leman, go to the Funiculare, and choose one of the numerous restaurants or the Casino.
No trip to Lac Leman is complete without indulging in the region's delightful swiss gastronomy. From cheesy fondues to decadent pastries, prepare to tantalize your taste buds. Dive deeper into the culinary delights of Lac Leman.
From Evian-les-Bains to Thonon-les-Bains (30 minutes)
In the morning, head to Thonon-Les-Bains and explore the city and the Ripaille Castle.
Ripaille Castle is a medieval fortress built in the 12th century. The castle houses a collection of art, weapons, and armor.
Discover the beautiful residences near Lac Leman, and practice stand-up, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Or relax in front of the lake! Return to Geneva!
This 6-day itinerary offers a unique opportunity to explore the best of Lac Leman. Adapt it to your interests and budget, and have a good trip!
If this trip around the lake, its views of imposing mountains, and a dose of history hooked you, visit Lake Garda! Less cosmopolitan than Lake Léman but sunnier, it is one of the most popular destinations in Italy!
Cycle paths around lake Geneva
If you like cycling, this is the right place. With around 20 itineraries on the shores of Lake Geneva, the difficult part will be choosing. From Geneva to Montreux, it is 171 km, which requires excellent physical preparation. It takes 4h30 to Lausanne, covering almost 64km.
Does this Itinerary work in winter?
Winter can be cold in Switzerland, and the landscapes change a lot. In the mountains, temperatures are around -10 degrees Celsius, but the view is beautiful, with villages and mountains covered in snow.
There are thousands of snow sports options around Lausanne and Montreux. Not to mention that eating fondue or raclette accompanied by a good glass of wine is much better in the cold!
If you feel unsafe driving when there is a risk of snow, take the train. It works very well in this region. Buy your pass in advance from Rail Europe.
Hotels: where to stay
In Geneva:
The Hotel N’vY Manotel. Back then, it was a new, modern hotel with a very different vibe than most hotels in Geneva. It was clean and cozy, just 900 meters from the city center.
The Fraser Suites Geneva-Serviced Apartments is a good option for those who prefer to have a mini kitchen at their disposal. The suites are very spacious and centrally located.
A 5-star hotel option is the Mandarin Oriental. Elegant, with cozy rooms and excellent staff. However, the hotel was renovated almost 20 years ago and may now be a bit old.
Find other hotel options in Geneva here.
The Hôtel Ermitage on the banks of Lac Léman. It features an indoor and outdoor pool. Be careful with some rooms that can be really small!
The Marriott Bonvoy has hotels spread around the lake in Geneva, Lausanne, and Montreux. Always maintaining quality standards.
Choose yours here.
Car rental
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