Where to stay around Lake Geneva? French and Swiss, discover our selection of the best places to stay on Lake Geneva.
Would you like to recharge your batteries, enjoy water sports, cultural activities, hiking, pure mountain air and beautiful scenery? Lake Geneva is the perfect destination for you. This Alpine lake, which stretches between France and Switzerland, is the largest in Western Europe, with a surface area of 582 km2. The northern shore and both ends of its crescent-shaped silhouette are in Swiss territory. The southern shore is French, part of the Haute-Savoie region. So you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation on Lac Léman.
Lake Geneva is a wonderful destination for families, couples and friends. A number of towns and villages dotted around Lake Geneva are ideal for a perfect stay. Discover our selection of places to stay on Lake Geneva, on the French and Swiss shores.
1. Yvoire – Excenevex
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Known as « The Pearl of the Lake » on the French side of the lake, Yvoire is a commune of 1,000 inhabitants. This picturesque medieval village, dating back to 1306, is as charming as many French villages.
Indeed, a visit here is a pure delight. As you wander through the steep, flower-filled streets, you’ll admire the old stone houses and the 13th-century fortified castle built on the shores of the lake. Not forgetting, of course, the fabulous view over the lake. If you choose to stay in Yvoire facing Lake Geneva, enjoy a moment of relaxation at the famous Hôtel Restaurant Du Port.
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And for water sports, head for the nearby village of Excenevex, where you can also select accommodation. Excenevex is renowned for its white sandy beach. It’s perfect for swimming in summer. You can have fun on the lake by renting pedalos, paddles, kayaks or boats without a license. Sports enthusiasts can also enjoy rowing, kitesurfing and horseback riding. If you decide to stay in Excenevex, on the shores of Lake Geneva, you’ll enjoy the charm of the lake, the beauty of the medieval village and Excenevex’s beautiful sandy beach.
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2. Thonon-les-Bains
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Located on the southern shores of Lake Geneva, Thonon-les-Bains is a world-renowned French spa town. Indeed, spa-goers appreciate the diuretic, rheumatological and dietary benefits of the Valvital spa center. But that’s not all: Thonon-les-Bains, with 35,000 inhabitants and a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants and shops, is a pleasant place to stay on Lake Geneva.
Visitors can not only enjoy the lakeshore, but also complement their stay with a variety of visits. You could visit the Ecomuseum of Fishing and the Lake, the Château de Ripaille, the port of Rives with its fishing village, the Musée du Chablais in the Château de Sonnaz or the lovely Basilica of Saint François de Sales.
And don’t forget to take the funicular to the top of the hill for a commanding view of the lake. Sports enthusiasts won’t be outdone by the various hiking trails, mountain bike rentals, paragliding and aquarafting. Staying at Lac Léman in Thonon-les-Bains allows you to enjoy the view of the lake and the various cultural visits and sporting activities.
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3. Evian-les-Bains
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Evian-les-Bains, south of Lake Geneva, is a world-famous French spa town thanks to the Cachat spring. The spa has been welcoming curists since the 19th century. If you decide to stay at Evian-les-Bains on Lac Léman, you’ll be able to enjoy the world-famous therapeutic waters. But above all, you’ll be on the shores of the lake, so you can admire its beauty as you stroll along the quays on a pleasant two-kilometer itinerary.
During the summer months, why not climb aboard « La Savoie », a 35-metre, lateen-sailed boat dating from 1896, which sails the lake from Evian-les-Bains. Also in summer, the 1907 funicular railway takes you up to the heights of the town to admire the view. A visit to the « Jardins de l’eau du Pré Curieux » will appeal to adults and children alike. And for other entertainment during your stay, you can always go and play at the Casino, discover the exhibitions at the beautiful Palais Lumière or enjoy the golf course facing the lake.
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4. Montreux
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Nestled between the eastern shore of the lake and the steep hills, Montreux la Suisse is renowned for its jazz festival every July and its pleasant climate. This town of 24,500 inhabitants is a very pleasant base in the region, with a wide choice of accommodation, bars, restaurants and activities.
Your stay on the Vaud riviera will be pure bliss. You’ll be able to admire the Lavaux terraces, vineyards and terraces classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites. An admirable landscape overlooking the lake, which has inspired poets and hedonists alike. Lovers of history and architecture will want to visit the magnificent 12th-century Château de Chillon, nestled on a rocky islet on the shores of Lake Geneva. This historic monument, made famous by Rousseau’s « La Nouvelle-Héloïse », is the country’s most visited landmark.
For a trip to the heights, why not take the Les Avants-Sonloup funicular. For another high-altitude ride, you can also go to the village of Vevey, just a few kilometers away. Here you can take another funicular to Mont Pèlerin, at an altitude of 800 m, for a bird’s-eye view of the lake. Hikers will appreciate continuing on foot, for around an hour, to La Tour Plein Ciel, at 1084 meters altitude, for a 360° view of the region. Lodging on Lake Geneva in Montreux is ideal if you want to be close to the lake yet in an urban environment.
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5. Geneva
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Switzerland’s second most populous city, with over 205,000 inhabitants, is located at the south-western end of the lake. The city is renowned for its location facing Lake Geneva and its famous jet d’eau. It has become the emblem of Geneva, propelling water 140 meters into the air. It’s a pleasure to stroll through the old town and discover its medieval atmosphere. St. Peter’s Cathedral is a must-see, and the view of the city from the top of its tower is breathtaking.
A number of museums are well worth a visit, including the Museum of the Reformation, the Red Cross Museum and, for watch fans, the Patek Philippe Museum. The Palais des Nations Unies is of course one of the city’s must-sees, and the quartier des Bains will attract lovers of contemporary art. For a commanding view of the city, take the cable car up to Salève. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate this getaway for hiking, mountain biking or paragliding. In summer, the Eaux-Vives beach is perfect for swimmers. With a vast choice of accommodation, bars, restaurants and activities, Geneva is a great place to stay on Lake Geneva.
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6. Lausanne
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A popular tourist destination, Lausanne is a Swiss city on the north shore of Lake Geneva. With just over 145,000 inhabitants, it offers a wide range of accommodation, shops, bars and restaurants.
Visitors will appreciate the beauty of the shores of Lake Geneva, one of the most romantic in Europe. Cruises are available from Lausanne-Ouchy to contemplate the lake. From the landing stages of Lausanne Capitale Olympique, you can admire the famous Lavaux terraced vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also the perfect opportunity to visit the famous Château de Chillon. On the heights of Lausanne, the Sauvabin park is perfect for nature lovers who want to relax. It’s the perfect place to take a boat trip or a stroll, and enjoy the panoramic view over the city. The landscaped Parc de l’Hermitage is also renowned for offering one of the finest views of the city.
Don’t hesitate to explore the old town, and in particular the Cité district, with its charming craftsmen and typical bistros. Its cobbled streets, old monuments, the Château St-Marie and the cathedral are remnants of medieval times. The Place de la Palud and its fountain are a must-see. This is also the market square on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you’re looking for a place to stay on Lake Geneva, you could choose to stay at Lac Léman in Lausanne.