In which city house around Lake Geneva?

Where to sleep around Lake Geneva? On the French side and on the Swiss side, discover our selection of the best places to stay in Lake Geneva.

Do you want to relax, practice nautical, cultural activities, hiking, enjoy the pure air of the mountains and the beauty of the landscapes? Lake Geneva is a very beautiful destination that will perfectly meet your needs. This alpine lake that extends between France and Switzerland is the largest in Western Europe, with an area of 582 km2. The northern shoreline and the two ends of its crescent-shaped silhouette are on Swiss territory. As for the south shore, it is French and is part of the Haute-Savoie . You will therefore have only the embarrassment of choice to stay at Lake Geneva.

Lake Leman is a very nice destination to relax with family, couple or friends. Several towns and villages scattered around Lake Geneva are beautiful drop points for a perfect stay. Discover our selection of places to stay in Lake Geneva on the French and Swiss shores.

1. Yvoire – Excenevex

Village nicknamed "La perle du lac" on the south shore, on the French side, Yvoire is a commune of 1000 inhabitants. This picturesque medieval village, dating from 1306, has a lot of charm like many French villages .

Indeed, his visit is a pure moment of happiness. Through steep and flowery alleys you can admire the ancient stone houses and the fortified 13th century castle erected on the shores of the lake. Without forgetting, of course, the fabulous view of the lake. If you choose to stay in Yvoire facing Lake Geneva, enjoy a relaxing moment at the famous Hotel Restaurant Du Port .

And for nautical activities direction the nearby village of Excenevex where you could also select a accommodation. Excenevex is renowned for its white sandy beach. The site is therefore perfect in summer for swimming. You can enjoy yourself on the lake by renting pedals, paddles, kayaks or boats without a permit. The athletes can also practice rowing, kitesurfing and horseback riding. If you decide to stay in Excenevex, on the shore of Lake Geneva you will enjoy the charm of the lake, the beauty of the medieval village and the beautiful sandy beach of Excenevex.

2. Thonon-les-Bains

Located on the southern shores of Lake Geneva, Thonon-les-Bains is a global French thermal city. In fact, curists appreciate its dietary, rheumatic and dietary benefits at the Valvital spa. But apart from this quality, Thonon-les-Bains with 35,000 inhabitants and a wide choice of accommodations, restaurants and shops, is a pleasant drop point to stay in Lake Geneva.

Visitors can enjoy the shores of the lake, but also complement their stay with different visits. You could visit the ecomuseum of fishing and lake, the castle of Ripaille, the port of Rives with its fishing village, the museum of Chablais in the castle of Sonnaz or the very pretty basilica of Saint Francis de Sales.

Without forgetting of course to take a little height with the funicular for a dominant view of the lake. The athletes will not be left with the various hiking trails, vacation rentals vtt , paragliding or aquarafting. Loging to Lake Geneva in Thonon-les-Bains allows you to enjoy the views of the lake and various cultural tours or sports activities.

3. Evian-les-Bains

Evian-les-Bains, south of Lake Geneva, is a world-famous French thermal city thanks to the Cachat source. Since the 19th century, the spa has been home to curists. If you decide to stay at Lake Geneva in Evian-les-Bains, you will eventually be able to enjoy the world-famous therapeutic waters. But above all, you will be on the shores of the lake and then can admire its beauty by walking along the docks, on a two-kilometre route, very pleasant.

Also, in the summer period why not board the "La Savoie", a 35-metre boat with Latin sails, dating from 1896, and that goes off the lake from Evian-les-Bains. Also in the summer season, the funicular dating from 1907 allows you to climb the heights of the city, to admire the view. The visit of the « Jardins de l’eau du Pré Curieux » will appeal to both adults and children. And for other entertainment during your stay, in this city you can always go play at the Casino, discover the exhibitions of the beautiful Light Palace or enjoy the golf course facing the lake.

4. Montreux

Nestled between the East shore of the lake and the steep hills, Montreux la suisse is renowned for its jazz festival every year in July and its pleasant climate. This city of 24,500 inhabitants is a very pleasant point of fall in the region with a wide range of accommodations, bars, restaurants and activities.

Your stay on the voodoo riviera will be a pure moment of happiness. You can admire the terraces of Lavaux, vineyards and terraces classified as heritage of UNESCO . An admirable landscape overlooking the lake, which inspired poets and hedonists. History lovers and architecture will visit the magnificent castle of Chillon of the 12th century, nestled on a rocky islet, on the shores of Leman. This historic monument made famous by "La Nouvelle-Héloïse" of Rousseau is the most visited monument in the country.

For a high getaway why not climb in the funicular Les Avants-Sonloup. For another altitude ride you can also go to the village of Vevey a few kilometers away. It will be an opportunity to climb to another funicular, that of Mont Pèlerin, at 800 metres above sea level, for a dive view of the lake. The hikers will enjoy walking, for about an hour, to La Tour Plein Ciel, at 1084 meters above sea level, for a 360° view of the area. Loging to Lake Geneva in Montreux is an ideal if you want to be close to the lake while being in an urban setting.

5. Geneva

Swiss city with more than 205,000 inhabitants, located at the south-west end of the lake, is the second most populous city in the country. The city is renowned for its location facing Lake Geneva and its famous jet of water . It became the emblem of Geneva and propels water to 140 meters high. We can with great pleasure explore the old city and discover its medieval atmosphere. Saint-Pierre Cathedral is to be seen and from the top of its tower the view of the city is unbeatable.

For a cultural stay several museums deserve a look, including the Musée de la Réforme, the Musée de la Croix-Rouge and for watchmakers the Musée Patek Philippe. The Palais des Nations is of course part of the city’s must-sees and the Bains district will attract contemporary art lovers. For a dominant view of the city, take the direction of Salève by cable car. The athletes will enjoy this getaway for a hike, trip to vtt or paragliding. In the summer season the beach of the Eaux-Vives will be perfect for swimmers. With a wide choice of accommodation, bars, restaurants and activities, Geneva is a great place to stay in Lake Geneva.

6. Lausanne

Very popular and popular city of tourists, Lausanne is a city of Switzerland, located on the north shore of Lake Geneva. With just over 145,000 inhabitants, it offers a wide range of accommodations, shops, bars and restaurants.

Visitors will appreciate the beauty of the shore of Lake Geneva, one of the most romantic in Europe. Cruises are offered from Lausanne-Ouchy to contemplate the lake. From the landings of Lausanne Olympic capital one can admire the famous vineyards on terraces of Lavaux, which are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage. It is also an opportunity to join the famous Château de Chillon for an exciting visit. On the heights of Lausanne, Sauvabin Park is ideal for nature lovers who want to relax. For example, it will be an opportunity to take a walk in a boat and to observe the panoramic view of the city. The Hermitage landscape park is also renowned as it offers one of the most beautiful views of the city.

Don’t hesitate to explore the old city and in particular the Cité district with its craftsmen and small typical bistros full of charm. Its paved alleys, old monuments, St. Mary’s Castle and the cathedral are vestiges of the medieval era. The Palud square and its fountain are to be seen. It is also the market place on Wednesday and Saturday. If you would like to stay at Lake Geneva, you could choose to stay at Lake Geneva in Lausanne.