Lake Geneva Region
Land of Inspiration
Lake Geneva Region or Vaud, located in the western part of Switzerland, is a French-speaking region. It is situated around Lake Geneva, Europe’s largest freshwater lake. It is home to the resort town of Montreux and the city of Lausanne. The region is also home to the famous Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vineyard terraces provide stunning views of the region and are the ideal backdrop for wine lovers!
Attractions
Montreux
Known as one of the “Pearls of the Swiss Riviera”, Montreux is also home to the renowned Montreux Jazz Festival and has been an inspiration for many musicians such as Freddie Mercury. It truly is an ode to music, food and the good life
Chillon Castle
Located a few minutes’ drive from Montreux, the Chillon Castle is one of Switzerland’s most visited attractions. This 12th century castle houses many treasures from the town’s rich historical past. Guests can view the wall paintings from the 14th century, the subterranean vaults, parade halls and the bedrooms (which have been preserved in their original form).
Rochers-de-Naye
A 55-minute scenic rail journey takes visitors from Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye. It takes visitors alongside Lake Geneva, up into the mountains. At the summit, visitors observe marmot colonies and enjoy the Alpine Garden. In winter, Father Christmas resides here during the Christmas season.
Chaplin’s World
The house in Vevey where Charlie Chaplin spent the last 25 years of his life, is now converted into an interactive museum that provides an insight into his work as well as his life. An unmissable experience which includes his movie sets, many original artefacts and access to his home.
Lausanne
Home of the Olympic Committee, the ‘Olympic Capital’ of Lausanne is a fine blend of old and new. Its Old Town and Cathedral are important landmarks, while the stunning Ouchy lakefront and ultra-modern Flon district cradle the city’s urban culture. Lausanne is also considered as a gastronomic paradise in Switzerland.
Cruises on Lake Geneva
The natural beauty of the Lake Geneva Region is best observed on board a cruise. Visitors can admire and photograph the lake, quaint towns, vineyards, mountains, castles and landscape on a relaxing boat ride. They can even enjoy the sights and sounds of the region while having a delicious lunch on board.
The Olympic Museum
For sports enthusiasts, Lausanne is home to the famous Olympic Museum, which houses the world’s largest archives of the Olympic Games. The museum pays homage to the Olympics and contains exhibits, audio-visual media and the latest technology chronicling the story of the games and its athletes from antiquity to today
Day trips from Lake Geneva Region
Gruyères
Enjoy a day trip to the medieval car-free town of Gruyères. The town has a charm of its own thanks to its superb gastronomy and its modern show dairy as well as many cultural experiences. Visit the 13th Century Castle of Gruyeres which lies on a hill above the river Seane, which is now a museum depicting 800 years of regional architecture, history, and culture. At the cheese dairy, Le Maison du Gruyere, visitors will get a glimpse into the cheese making process and can also enjoy some tasty cheese fondue at the end.
Insider Tips
The Lake Geneva Region is a great starting point for the Glacier 3000 excursion. The Peak Walk, husky sled ride and Alpine Coaster are some popular highlights of this excursion
Dedicated to the works of the iconic rock band Queen, this exhibit can be found at the Montreux Casino and is a must-visit for all rock music fans.
The Lavaux Express is an enchanting little train on wheels. It carries passengers on a tour through the Lavaux Vineyards. Visitors can also combine the ride with a wine tasting session at the Vinorama
Another “Pearl of the Swiss Riviera”, Vevey offers stunning views of the lake, vineyards and surrounding Alpine panorama. Visitors can explore the town and its lakeside, or visit the Alimentarium, a food and nutrition museum
This popular cafe can be found in Montreux and Lausanne. It draws inspiration from the legendary music festival and offers scrumptious cuisine and the region’s finest wines and apertifs, along with a special festive atmosphere.