ADVERTISEMENT Lake Geneva: These 9 things surprise!
Embedded in a spectacular lake and mountain landscape: Lake Geneva with the international metropolis of Geneva has been the adopted home of numerous stars for centuries – and is increasingly becoming an Insta insider tip. But is the region in the southwest of Switzerland really the place to be?
We wanted to experience it first hand and sent two travel influencers in the region. Your answer to the question is clear: Lake Geneva is not the place to be, but the place to stay!
“I never thought the city would serve me like this,” says Bea Twenning. She has been blogging about lifestyle and travel for years, reporting to her almost 60,000 followers on the @bealapanthere Instagram account about her wonderful trips to the most beautiful places in the world. So far, however, Geneva hasn’t been there: “I just didn’t have the city on my radar. But now that I’ve been there, I can even imagine living here,” says the 32-year-old.
Thomas Christians is also enthusiastic about the obvious backdrop of the lake. Under the name @themodernleper, the photographer shares atmospheric pictures from the most beautiful places and landscapes in Europe with his 180,000 followers on Instagram. The 37-year-old explored the area around Lake Geneva, which belongs to Vaud, for us: “The region has an incredible amount to offer. I definitely have to come back again!”
9 good reasons for Lake Geneva
1. The fantastic location
“Even my hotel room was a dream. The view of the Rhône was totally impressive!” enthuses Bea. The river leaves Lake Geneva just a few hundred meters away, where you can walk along the promenade world famous jet d’eaua 140 meter high fountain, can turn the page.
The people of Geneva often use the proximity to the water for swimming. “The public Quai Gustave Ador beach is close to the Port of Eaux-Vive and super central,” says Bea. If you want even more holiday feeling, go to this Seaside resort of Bains des Pâquiswhich is on a promontory.
“It’s a good idea when the weather is bad Bain Bleu Hammam & Spa Geneve Plage a. Here you have an unbelievably beautiful view of the mountains,” Bea enthuses. Your tip: “If you can, you should go during the week. The bath is very popular.”
2. Savoir-vivre with a view of the Alps
Geneva is located on the southwestern tip of Switzerland, surrounded by neighboring France. This influence can also be seen in the cityscape. “There’s plenty narrow streets, which many locals don’t even know themselves. They have the flair of a small French town – really beautiful!” enthuses Bea. die too Courtyards with their elaborate facades got them excited. “I haven’t seen these different styles anywhere else.”
The buildings in the area are also impressive. Photographer Thomas was particularly taken with the small towns of Morges and Vevey. The mixture of nature and architecture – perfect for him here.
3. CHOCOLATES!
“It’s no real secret that Switzerland is famous for its chocolate. But I didn’t think I’d find them on almost every corner in a chocolate shop can find,” reports Bea. So that those with a sweet tooth don’t lose track, there is the Choco-Pass – an app that guides visitors to local chocolatiers: “The idea is great! You can explore the city and keep snacking.”
Truffles, pralines, cakes and mousse au chocolat – the cocoa bean is available here in most varieties. Thomas’ Wahlfeld in the Fornerod confectionery in the town of Morges for chocolate in liquid form – with a very specific origin: “Here is a hot chocolate with donkey milk – surprisingly delicious!”
Would you like even more moments of pleasure and culinary delights? Here you will find the best tips for gourmets in the Vaud region!
4. A lot of green relaxes
Parc de la Perle du Lac, Parc des Eaux-Vives, Parc La Grange, Parc des Bastions… “Besides all the water, there is also lots of green space in the city, which are also very clean and well-kept,” Bea tells us.
The Swiss metropolis also relies on green sustainability in local public transport, Buses, trolleybuses and trams are completely electric. Those who prefer to go for a walk are also in the right place in Geneva: “Because the city is not that huge, you can quickly reach all destinations on foot,” says the influencer.
In Vaud, there is green as far as the eye can see. There are always beautiful parks around Lake Geneva. Tip from travel expert Thomas: Les Jardins Château de Vullierens, about an hour from Geneva. “These castle gardens are something very special. Because you can not only turn the pages of irises, roses and hundred-year-old trees while walking here, but also look at art,” says the travel blogger. “Many even cook here for a whole day.”
5. Art around every corner
If you are in Geneva, you cannot avoid art and culture. This is shown not only by the many colorful murals (wall paintings), but also by the variety of museums in the city. “Geneva is proud of that, you know that,” says Bea. Highly recommended: the Musée d’art et d’histoire (Museum of Art and History), the Muséum d’histoire naturelle (Museum of Natural History) and the Musée d’ethnographie (Museum of Ethnography) – all easily accessible via the museum pass bookable.
“To die too watchmaking art can be felt throughout the city,” reports the Instagramer. If you want to know more, you can learn more about the 500-year-old history in guided tours. It’s also worth a visit bohemian district Carouge, known as the Greenwich Village of Geneva. Here you can stroll through the pretty streets and look out for art and antiques. And as a reward, you can make yourself comfortable in the cozy cafés with shady terraces.
Whether it’s an extensive cultural program in the city’s many museums or a relaxing day swimming at the lake – in Geneva you are spoiled for choice. Here you will find the best tips for your city trip to the smallest of the large metropolises.
6. Noble drops
What very few tourists know: the area around Lake Geneva is over a thousand years old tradition in viticulture. 13.5 million liters are produced here every year. “The region is actually the third largest wine-growing region in Switzerland. That was totally new to me,” says Thomas alias @themodernleper.
Wine-growing also characterizes the landscape: the steep terraced vineyards stretch along the slopes above Lake Geneva. The more than 800 hectares of Lavaux vineyards are even recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
“Wine tasting, wine hikes or wine tours you can do it anywhere here,” reports the photographer. His tip: a visit to the Cave Champ de Clos estate in Chexbres, in the heart of the World Heritage Site. “The ambience perfectly matches the taste!”
7. A touch of the Mediterranean
“As soon as I arrive, everything can start to feel like a holiday,” enthuses Thomas. “I was just in bad weather in Hamburg and only a short time later I was sitting in the sun at almost 30 degrees on the promenade and enjoying my meal with a view of the water – wonderful!” That this region too Swiss Riviera he can only underline: “Everything mentioned spread a wonderful, Mediterranean feeling. That really surprised me.”
8. Automatic? Not necessary!
If you want to see the places around Lake Geneva, you can easily get from A to B by public transport. “A car is not necessary at all,” says travel expert Thomas. “Everything is well connected. I had a ticket with which I could change very flexibly from the bus to the train and even to the ship.” Especially them Ride on the water was ideal for the travel influencer to do a round trip. “You can just get off and look at the other side of the lake. This way you are super flexible – and have a great one Panoramic view of the whole area“, he says.
Vaud offers a variety of exciting excursion and sightseeing opportunities in Switzerland. More information can be found here.
9. Because Lake Geneva makes you fit!
Lake Geneva offers a wide range of beautiful bathing beaches. But those who want to combine relaxation and sport will also get their money’s worth. If Hiking, stand-up paddling, golfing or even paragliding – everyone finds what they are looking for.
“There are a variety of activities here – really perfect!” enthuses Thomas. The influencer has chosen to ride a bike. “Together with a guide, I cycled through the vineyards for two hours,” says the travel influencer. “I was really glad it was an e-bike because you had to pedal quite a bit with the ups and downs.”
Bea’s favorite spots in Geneva
- That Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Geneva: “The location is perfect – right on the banks of the Rhône near the historic old town.”
- The Lebanese restaurant Balila in the Hôtel Longemalle in Geneva city center: “The location was amazing! A very elegant, large hall with incredibly good food.”
- Bain Bleu at the port of the Swiss metropolis: “A large, modern bath with indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, relaxation areas and a hammam.”
- Tuktuk tour through the Geneva area taxi bike: “Here we stopped at the Domaine Les Perrières winery – highly recommended.”
- Chocolate workshop in La Bonbonniere in Chêne-Bourg: “I have never made chocolate before. Here I could even make a whole box including the contents from chocolate myself. It was an incredible experience and a lot of fun!”
Thomas’ favorite spots in the surrounding area
- restaurant Ze fork in the picturesque village of Vevey: “Here you have a wonderful view of the promenade.”
- E-bike tour through the Lavaux vineyards
- visit in Chillon Castle in Veytoux: “I really wanted to photograph it in the evening light – definitely my favorite subject.”
- La Maison d’Igor in Morges: “A small, fine hotel on the shore of Lac Léman.”
- Guided tour of the Jardin du Château de Vullierens
