Lake Geneva, known in French as ''Lac Leman'', is one of the largest lakes in western Europe. It lies on the course of the Rhone river on the frontier between France and Switzerland.

Aside from the city and canton of Geneva most destinations in the Lake Geneva region are in either the Swiss canton of Vaud or the French department of Haute Savoie. For its part Vaud is the largest canton in the French speaking part of Switzerland, and the third largest in the country as a whole. The geography is varied, with the Jura mountains in the north, a hilly plain in the center and in the southwest the Alps. The main attractions of the region are the cities and towns surrounding the lake, the opportunities for skiing and hiking in both mountain ranges, and of course the lake itself.

Regions

  • Swiss Riviera -- nearly as star-studded as its French counterpart
  • Vaud Alps -- good skiing, lower prices
  • Cities

  • Geneva -- the largest City on the lake.
  • Coppet -- medieval charm on the lake, very close to Geneva
  • Nyon -- pleasant town center with thriving Sunday flea market
  • Lausanne - like San Francisco, but more Swiss.
  • Vevey -- Small city in the midst of the Swiss Riviera, corp. headquarters of Nestle
  • Montreux -- the jewel of the Swiss Riviera
  • Evian -- the French bottled water capital (Haute Savoie, France)
  • Aigle -- a jumping off point for the Vaud Alps, with a very cool castle
  • Leysin -- spa and college town with good skiing in the Vaud Alps
  • Les Diablerets -- ski/hiking resort town in the Vaud Alps
  • Villars -- good ski resort for beginners and families
  • Pompaples
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    Other destinations

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  • Park 1 - incredible mountainous park, great hiking
  • Park 2 - great rock formations and wildlife viewing
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    Understand

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    Talk

    The shores of Lake Geneva are entirely French speaking, though you will also hear Swiss German, Italian, and English. In Geneva and Lausanne, it is not uncommon for people around you to be having conversations in four different languages.

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    Get in

    By air

    The only airport in this region is in Geneva (Geneve-Cointrin). It is much smaller than the airport in Zurich, but very heavily internationally connected due to the UN's presence in Geneva. You can also easily fly into Zurich and catch an express train south.

    By train

    The TGV from France and the Cisalpino from Italy stop in Geneva, Lausanne, Vevey, and Montreux. From Germany or Austria you will have to change in Basel or Zurich.

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    Get around

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    Most towns on Lake Geneva are served by the boats of the Compagnie Generale de navigation [http://www.cgn.ch/en/home/ (CGN)]. As well as modern boats, CGN operates five heritage paddle steamers build at the beginning of the 20th century. On some routes, boats are the fastest mean of transport (between Lausanne and Evian, for example). On most other routes though, boats are much slower than trains, but they often offer more scenic views.

    Private boat tours and transfers from Geneva to any port on the lake is by Leman Transfers. Groups of up to 6 passengers can be privately chauffeured around the lake. [http://www.lemantransfers.com/index/info/Boat_Tours/10 - Leman Transfers]. h

    See

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  • '''Attraction 1''' in City 1 is really great.
  • Also don't miss '''Attraction 2''' in City 3.
  • No trip to this region would be complete without stopping in City 2 and seeing '''Attraction 3'''.
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    Do

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  • The fabulous '''Activity 1''' in City 1 is a centerpiece of any visit to this region.
  • The adventurous may want to try '''Activity 2''' in Region 3.
  • Hop over to City 2 for '''Activity 3'''.
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    Eat

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  • '''Chocolaterie Tristan''': In Bougy-Villars, a cute little village half-way between Lausanne and Geneva, one shouldn't miss this little artisanal chocolate factory. Unique chocolates with all sort of original flavours such as spice, tea, olive oil, and many more, are prepared here. You can get there by bus from Allaman (IKEA train stop). On the way, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains and the surrounding vineyards. Once in the village, let the scent guide you to the shop. And by the way, why not stop in Fechy (the neighbouring village) to taste some famous local wine.
  • Drink

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    Stay safe

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    Get out

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