From the shores of Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva, also called Lac Léman, is one of Western Europe’s largest glacial lakes. Shared by Switzerland and France, it is 73 kilometers long and has depths up to 310 meters. Surrounded by the Alps, it boasts stunning scenery, historic landmarks, and significant sites.

At the western end is Geneva, Switzerland’s second-largest city, and global hub for diplomacy and finance. The United Nations’ European headquarters are here, along with international organizations that play a role in humanitarian efforts, including the Red Cross. Geneva blends historic charm with modern sophistication, with a rich arts scene, world-class museums, and wonderful waterfront areas. Take in a panoramic view of the city from the North Tower of St. Peter’s Cathedral. Constructed over a few hundred years from the 12th to the 15th centuries, the cathedral represents an impressive blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.

Further east along Lake Geneva’s northern shore is the town of Gland, with a peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings, Gland offers easy access to the Jura Mountain Park and a variety of terrain like rocky ridges, lush forests, alpine meadows, and deep valleys dotted with rivers and lakes. Gland is home to the World Wildlife Fund for Nature, a non-government organization with a presence in over 100 countries that focuses on conservation, environmental protection, sustainable development, and natural resource management, and recognizable by its iconic panda logo.

At the peak of the northern shore is Lausanne, a perfectly picturesque city with breathtaking views of the Alps across the lake in France. The International Olympic Committee is in Lausanne, earning it the title of ‘Olympic Capital’. The city blends modern vibrancy with medieval charm, with renowned sites like the Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of Switzerland’s most incredible gothic landmarks, and the Palais de Rumine, a Renaissance-style building in the heart of the city that is recognized for its grandeur as well as its role as a cultural and academic centre of education and research.

The charming village of Chexbres, nicknamed the ‘Balcony of Lake Geneva’, is like something right of a fairytale. The village is part of the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for producing high-quality Swiss wines. Its history goes back to 11th Century Roman times, when Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries cultivated the land to optimize production. The terraces upon which the vineyards grow were cut into steep slopes, benefiting from sunlight in three ways – direct rays, reflections from the lake, and heat stored in the stone walls. Today, Chexbres is a popular destination for outdoor activities, train rides, and of course, winetasting.

At the eastern end of Lake Geneva is Montreux, with idyllic lakeside promenades and ‘Belle Époque’ architecture – French for ‘Beautiful Era’ and referring to a period in European history from roughly 1871 to 1914. The Montreux Jazz Festival is one of the world’s most prestigious jazz events, and the nearby mountain viewpoint of Rochers-de-Naye is a favourite stop for visitors seeking gorgeous alpine sights.

Just outside of Montreux is Château de Chillon, one of Europe’s most well-preserved medieval castles. Dating back to the 12th century, its strategic location once controlled trade routes between northern and southern Europe. It features fortified towers, Gothic halls, and underground dungeons. It also inspired Lord Byron’s poem, The Prisoner of Chillon, and remains one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions.