Travel Lake Leman Guide / Lake Geneva

Lake Leman, also known as Lake Geneva, conjures up pictures of clear blue water surrounded by ancient castles, modern mansions, and vineyards.

This stunning body of water has become the playground of the wealthy for good reason. Unsurpassed beauty and a wealth of activities, such as wine tasting, museums, shopping and numerous water sports, make it an ideal vacation spot.

Being the largest freshwater lake in Western Europe, Lake Geneva offers unrivaled fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing and diving. A hot spot for perch, pike and trout, the lake not only satisfies fishermen, but also supplies local fine restaurants with fresh ingredients.

Nearby cities such as Nyon, Vevey, Lausanne and Montreaux offer visitors a place to unwind, relax and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the area.

Nyon offers several excellent museums as well as serving as the originating point of the mountain railway to Saint Cergue.

Vevey takes an old-fashioned approach to treating visitors to all it has to offer. Refined, but not over-glamorized hotels, relaxed but fine dining, and enchanting but not snooty shops offer a weary traveler all that they need to unwind. Vevey also has a number of museums and shops and several of the hotels offer high tea.

Lausanne, terraced above the gorgeous blue lake is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. It is also known as a center for innovation, producing avant garde theatre, music, opera and dance. Outdoor sports such as rollerblading and skateboarding are extremely popular in Lausanne. It is also home to the Olympic Museum.

Montreux is all that glitters, and shines in its role as a favorite playground of the very wealthy. The annual Jazz Festival attracts top musicians from around the world. It is also the perfect point from which to visit the Chateau de Chillon. One of the best-preserved medieval castles in Eorope, images of the chateau go hand-in-hand with images of Lake Geneva.