Lac Leman, also known as Lake Geneva, is a large freshwater lake located on the northern side of the Alps. As a matter of fact it is the largest lake of its kind in Switzerland and one of the largest in the whole of Europe. The lake crosses the boundaries of Switzerland and France and is controlled by the respective authorities of the two countries. Also known in French as Lac Leman or le lac Léman, it happens to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the continent.
Getting around Lac Leman: Popular places to visit
With the longer northern side of the lake falling within the geographical territory of Switzerland, this is the easily accessible side if you are coming in from any major Swiss city / town. Geneva is close by and you can drive all the way. Alternatively, if you are already basking in the wine country of Lavaux, you are just minutes away.
There are many cities by the lake that you shouldn’t miss such as Lausanne, Montreux, Mont Pèlerin, Lavaux (Saint-Saphorin) and Geneva. Check out my other blog posts (with many photos) related to these cities
Visiting Lausanne – Old town, Olympic Museum, Ouchy and EPFL
Montreux Best Attractions: Lake, Chillon Castle, Lavaux, Mont Pèlerin Hike
Montreux: self guided walking tour to Chillon Castle – Switzerland
Lavaux – Hiking from Saint Saphorin to Lutry
Mont Pèlerin – The Best Hiking Trail in the Canton of Vaud
Mountains surrounding Lake Geneva
Lac Leman is a pleasurable, peaceful destination for a few days, before you head south to France. You can make it your final stopover before heading out to France. The magnificent peaks of the Alps on the southern part of the lake, overlooking Lac Leman are a sight to see. At 2000 meters the Chablais Alps is fantastic to view from a distance. Even the majestic Mt Blanc is visible from some vantage points around the lake. The Jura Mountains on the northern shore of the lake is a bit of a balancing factor for the Swiss side, though much further away. The northern shore is where there the famous terraced vineyards of Lavaux are.
Ferryboats and Pleasure Cruise on Lac Léman
Taking leisurely boat rides on the Lac Leman is a must do. There are a plethora of choices when it comes to which boat to take out. There are luxury yachts with all the modern amenities on board. Plus, you also have the cheaper but more flexible pedalos.
The larger yachts crisscrosses the lake ferrying people across to France and back all through the year. Few of these offer excellent local delicacies prepared by chefs on board. One of the local favorites that you must enjoy is the fondue. It is a Swiss dish made using melted cheese and served in a traditional fondue pot.
Description
If you are spending a few days exploring Lavaux there is no reason why you shouldn’t explore Lac Leman, also known as Lake Geneva. This is the largest freshwater lake in the whole of Switzerland and France, the terraced northern slopes of which are famous for the vineyards of Lavaux.