Lake Geneva, the largest freshwater lake in western Europe - and certainly the most romantic, having inspired countless artists - captivates the eye.
Lending itself as much to barbecues on the beach as dinners on board the steamships that crisscross its waters, it offers every possible aquatic pleasure: sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, pedalos… all the joys of summer, giving way to the magical light of the autumn and the soft mists of winter.Lake Geneva is located in an exceptional and natural settingThis romantic scenery has inspired many artists and celebrities, with some having settled here permanently. It is an immense stretch of water that changes colour with the passing of each hour, the sky and the water sometimes appearing to merge into one. Surrounded by the terraced vineyards of Lavaux and La Côte on one side and by the majestically towering snow-coated Alps on the other, Lake Geneva (known locally as Lac Léman) never ceases to captivate local residents, whether they live on the French or the Swiss side (the frontier cuts through the middle of the lake), and visiting tourists.The perfect summer appointmentFor those who prefer to relax in the sunshine, the urban area of Lausanne boasts around fifty beaches with a range of amenities. Once the fine weather arrives, couples, families, singles and groups of teenagers share the expanses of grass and sand until late into the evening. In summer, several refreshment stands take up residence on the shores to serve fast food. Many restaurants open up their terraces to offer freshly caught fillets of perch, fera, pike and char, as Lake Geneva is the habitat of around thirty species of fish.The place for sport competitionsThroughout the year numerous regattas are held at various places on the lake, some of which attract the crème de la crème of international sailing. The “Lake Geneva 5-day” race in the month of August represents Europe’s longest lake-bound endurance race. The Translémanique solo race across Lake Geneva is staged three weeks later. Another annual event staged on Lake Geneva is the world’s longest rowing contest (160 km non-stop), organised by the Société Nautique de Genève. It is also possible to cycle around Lake Geneva in the Cyclotour du Léman (180 km), which is more about enjoyment than a winning performance.
