Lake Geneva

The pride of Central Europe, and the largest water body in Switzerland, this crescent-shaped lake is lined with star-studded attractions around its shimmering shoreline that straddles both France and Switzerland. Also referred by the French as 'Léman', for 'large water', the Chablais and Bernese alps wrap the gleaming southern and eastern shores of the lake, a geographic bonus that ensures spellbinding views from every corner. The mesmerizing combination of lake and alpine scenery is more pronounced toward the eastern tip of the lake, between the communes of Vevey and Villeneuve. On the far northern shore, the sides of the mountain are delicately laced with a grove of trees, at the foothills of which idyllic towns and quaint villages lie nestled. Blessed with spectacular views of terraced vineyards that stripe the hills between Lausanne and Vevey, Lake Geneva also attracts a set of enthusiastic oenophiles every year. Under stark blue skies, Lake Geneva is at its resplendent best in the summertime, when Belle Epoque boats lazily ply the lake's shores, and annual regattas like Tour du Lac and yacht racing festivals take advantage of its scenic backdrop.