Spending a day on Lake Geneva

Published on May 20, 2024 at 9:55 am

Located between France on its southern shore (Haute-Savoie département) and Switzerland on its northern shore (Geneva, Vaud and Valais cantons), Lake Geneva covers 580 km2, making it one of the largest lakes in Europe! The border between the two countries runs right through the middle of the lake. While most people refer to Lake Geneva as Lac Léman, others sometimes use the expression Lac de Genève to describe it. This is also the case in English, where the lake is called Lake Geneva. Lake Geneva offers a multitude of landscapes and an equally varied range of tourist attractions. If the weather is fine, we recommend you take a boat trip, or take advantage of the water sports on offer. Paddle, pedal boat, windsurf... the choice is yours!

Vue aérienne du Lac Léman et de Genève, Suisse.

Summary

The history of the lake
Our favourite lakeside hotel
What to do around Lake Geneva

Geneva

🚆 Your journey to Geneva by train or bus

Geneva, a cosmopolitan pearl nestled between the mountains and the lake, combines luxury, culture and a unique international reputation.

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£21 / person

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The history of the lake

Lake Geneva, Europe's largest lake, originates from a glacial expanse that formed almost 15,000 years ago as a result of the retreat of the Rhône glacier.

Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Europe. Here, with the jet d'eau, symbol of the city of Geneva, Switzerland.

Today, the lake's main function is to provide drinking water for more than 500,000 people, thanks to a dozen pumping stations. It also attracts many tourists for the leisure activities offered on and around its shores, including Geneva's famous jet d'eau, a must-see tourist attraction standing 140 metres high and expelling 500 litres of water per second at a speed of 200 km/h.

The jet ejects 500 liters of water per second at a speed of 200 km/h.

Our favourite lakeside hotel

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Hotel Churchill

Fully air-conditioned, the Hotel Churchill is located in the main shopping district, close to many restaurants and banks. It is the closest hotel to the fountain of Lake Geneva.

6.8 Pleasant

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£156

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What to do around Lake Geneva

You can walk to Lake Geneva from most parts of the city centre. Tram lines 12, 14, 15 and 18 also stop at the water's edge. The lake itself is free to visit 24 hours a day. Depending on the activity you want to do, you can stop off at various places:

The beach

For fans of sunbathing on the beach, the aptly-named Reposoir beach, just a few minutes from the Quartier International, is perfect for those who want to spend some quality time together as a family. While the children play on the playground, parents can enjoy a moment of calm and relaxation by the water. The beach has its own access to the water, showers and toilets, as well as wheelchair access. There is also a refreshment bar and restaurant.

Paddle, windsurf or pedalo

Paddling in the lake at sunset.

If you'd like to try your hand at windsurfing or stand-up paddling, head to Tropical Corner, located at 5-0 Quai de Cologny. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced kiteboarder, this school is open to all, and offers sessions tailored to your level.

Practical info

Website: https://trop.ch/?utm_source=easyvoyage
Opening hours: April - September: Open 7/7 from 12pm to 10.30pm, in July and August Open from 9am to 10.30pm

Pedalo and boat

You can also rent a pedalo.

Finally, for pedal-boat enthusiasts, check out "Les Corsaires". Located right next to the Jet d'Eau, they offer a whole range of pedal boats, from 2 to 6 seats. You can expect to pay between £13 and £15 per half-hour, depending on the number of seats. Les Corsaires also hires out motorboats that don't require a licence, so you can explore the lake on your own. These cost between £30 and £40 per half-hour, depending on the type of boat.

by Faustine PEREZ

Need a hand? take a look at our guide

Geneva