Curator’s statement
Switzerland is the ultimate destination for views. Dubbed the Swiss Riviera, the cities along Lake Geneva offer hotels that overlook a truly sublime setting: glassy lakes backdropped by massive mountains. A trip to Switzerland in the summertime is sure to leave you with a taste of adventure, whether you are visiting storybook villages, partaking in once-in-a-lifetime hikes, enjoying mountainside fondue or paragliding through the Alps. Staying in the Swiss Riviera is easily accessible (1.5 hour car ride from the Geneva Airport) and it is a short day-trip drive (1.5–2 hours) from cities in the Swiss country side, such as Interlaken. It is a great home base to see the eastern side of the country if you do not wish to move hotels almost nightly.
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Where to stay in Lake Geneva
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Things to do in Lake Geneva
Visit the Lavaux region wineries, known for their breathtaking terrace views
Drive to Lauterbrunnen to watch a cow parade through the village or see amazing waterfall views
Make a day trip to Interlaken. Shop, taste some Swiss chocolate and maybe choose to paraglide through the mountain range if you're seeking an adrenaline rush!
Hike Rochers de Naye (pro tip: park in Caux, in the parking lot of Le Coucou hotel and then enjoy fondue at the hotel's fabulous restaurant afterwards) and take the train back down afterwards
Listen to live jazz music and taste music-themed cocktails in Funky Claude's, a cocktail bar inside Fairmont le Montreux Palace
Shop and museum hop in Geneva... don't forget to stop in a few watch stores
Walk along the lakeside promenade in Lausanne
Visit Chateau de Chillon, a medieval fortress close to Montreux
Enjoy the 2-hour Belle Epoque cruise across Lake Geneva
Wander the car-free streets of the old village of Vevey
Places to eat & drink in Lake Geneva
Le Coucou Montreux (lunch & dinner)
Domaine de la Crausaz (winery)
Buvette de Jaman (lunch)
Ristorante e Pizzeria Sapori (lunch & dinner)
Brasserie St. Georges (aperitif & dinner)
Vanini Swiss Chocolate 1871 (dessert)
Restaurant Les Armures (dinner)
Le Relais de l'Entrecote (dinner)
Le Tse Fung (dinner)
Izumi (dinner)
Need to know
Although the train system is quite pleasant, renting a car is strongly recommended to cut down on travel time and provide more flexibility to traverse across the lake / country.
Travel Advisor
Madeleine Meier
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Switzerland. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Phelipe Cardoso's guide, Geneva's Best Hotels: FORA's Top Selection