lac leman tour

Tour du Lac Léman (AKA cycling around Lake Geneva)

The Tour du Lac Léman is a 175 kilometre cycling route that allows cyclists to complete a full loop of beautiful Lac Léman/Lake Geneva on a well-signed cycle route.

The route offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and, to a lesser extent, the lake, and takes you through ancient towns and villages.

If you happen to be in Geneva with your bike (or the time to hire one), you should definitely consider tackling this cycle around Lake Geneva.

John Vicars, and his wife Sue, did just that.

Here he shares his experience of this Lac Leman cycling tour.

Want more info about basing yourself in Geneva? Check out this article on cycling in Geneva . These tips on preparing for long rides and training for long distance rides might also be useful.

Where is Lac Léman?

Lac Léman is the French name for what most non-French speakers know as Lake Geneva. The Swiss city of Geneva sits on the shores of Lac Léman.

Lac Léman is a huge lake that separates Switzerland from northern France. It is the largest natural lake in the Alps and Europe’s second largest freshwater lake. It sits on the course of the River Rhône, with the French Alps to the south and Switzerland’s Jura Mountains to the north.

Broadly speaking, the northern side of the lake belongs to Switzerland (the canons of Geneva, Vaud and Wallis) and the southern side to France (the Haute Savoie region). French is the most commonly used language around the lake.

As well as the mountain vistas, there are impressive towns and cities all around the lake, with highlights including Lausanne, Montreux and Evian-les-Bains, not to mention the medieval Chateau de Chillon. We also enjoyed the beautiful vines you pass when cycling by Lake Geneva – this is Switzerland’s second largest wine-producing region.

Tell us about the Tour du Lac Léman.

Cycle route 46 comprises cycle lanes that allow you to cycle all the way around the lake through both Switzerland and France.

As you would imagine from a route in the bottom of a valley, this Lake Geneva cycle route is a relatively flat course with just over 800 metres of climbing spread over a 170 kilometre distance. It’s known as the Tour du Lac Léman.

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What prompted you to tackle this route?

I had spoken to French cycling friends who had recommended taking a bike around Lake Geneva. As I was driving north from Spain back to the UK, it was relatively simple to take a detour into Switzerland.

I was intrigued to check out this cycle route that runs for around 100 miles around Lac Léman, through two countries. I was also interested to see how cyclists were integrated with both pedestrians and motor vehicles.

For those living in the UK it’s still something of a novelty to be able to ride straight through manned border controls between different countries! Think breakfast in Switzerland, lunch in France and back for a Swiss dinner!

Tell us what the day was like.

For our Lac Leman bike tour, we were based in Switzerland near the town of Nyon and travelled in a clockwise direction. So we were always riding right by the lake side.

We passed through well-known towns such as Lausanne and Montreux on the Swiss side of the lake, and the spa towns of Evian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains in France. We then crossed back into Switzerland, through Geneva and then back towards Nyon.

We did the loop in late July and it was very hot, around 35 degrees. Yet during this Lake Geneva bike ride I was pleased to note that there were ample opportunities to stop in the many towns and villages on the route, for stocking up with food and drinks.

It should be said that this is not a rough track route adjacent to the beaches and waterfront. Rather, the Tour du Lac Léman route is a marked loop, in the main, that runs either on or adjacent to the main roads that circle the lake. The entire route is on asphalt.

What were your three favourite parts of the Tour du Lac Léman?

The three things that stood out to me were as follows. Look out for these when you cycle Lake Geneva in Switzerland and France!

Swiss cycle lanes

On the Swiss side, the quality of the cycle lanes in terms of both the markings and the smooth surface was impressive. You felt totally safe, even when approaching main road junctions, and it was clear that the cycle lanes are extremely well used by commuters as well as leisure riders. Motorists seemed used to the volume of cyclists and as such were totally integrated. Pedestrians were in the main using paths and tracks nearer to the water’s edge. (For our opinion of the lanes on the French side, see below .)

Alpine views

After Montreux, with about 100km of distance around Lake Geneva to go, there were several kilometres away from the lake through woodland that took us across the River Rhone. These afforded us stunning views of the front range of the northern Alps. You can see the magnificent peaks of Les Jumelles and Les Cornettes de Bise.

Evian-les-Bains

I loved the ride through Evian-les-Bains, home of the famous bottled water and a very classy looking holiday location. It was by far the most glamorous and appealing place on the lake, and I made a mental note to revisit at some point in the future. We found a nice little waterside café for lunch here and enjoyed a cheese tart salad.

What were the best and worst parts of the route?

Cycling into geneva.

I thought the best part of our Switzerland cycling tour was the ride into the city of Geneva. The route here is on good quality surfaces, because you are back in Switzerland, cycling close to the beach and water’s edge. This section of the route is also slightly downhill. After nearly 150 kilometres in the saddle, this was very welcome.

Cycling in Geneva seems very popular. I remember following a man in business attire for a couple of kilometres and I don’t think we travelled at less than 30 kph at all!

French cycle lanes

The worst part of our Lac Leman tour was unfortunately the quality of the cycle lanes on the French side. While you could see that the lanes were built with a purpose and as part of an overall strategy in Switzerland, in France they were of inferior quality. At times, they seemed to be something of a ‘bolt on’ to the main road.

That said, in contrast to the Switzerland bike tour, the French side could be more peaceful. It did take us away from the main road on several occasions, and these sections offered the quietest and most isolated part of the loop.

How fit do you have to be to ride the route?

Riding 170km is no mean feat, but for an experienced rider this is not a particularly difficult route as in the main it is relatively flat. That said, it is not a route for a novice rider, as you need to be in the saddle for around 6 hours or so. The timing will depend upon your pace.

The most difficult part of lasting the Lake Geneva distance was the heat.

If you wanted to ride the equivalent of 100 miles in a circular loop, then there cannot be many more picturesque and flatter places to ride. The Tour du Léman also has the added bonus of having plenty of places to stop to eat and drink, plus a well signposted route to follow!

What sort of logistics are involved?

A cyclo tour of Lac Léman requires some thought. Here’s how we went about tackling our cycle tour at Lac Léman.

Depending on your average speed, you need to allow 6 or so hours in the saddle. Plus an extra hour to cater for lunch and miscellaneous breaks.

If you are planning to negotiate the route in the summer, then beware that the temperatures can reach 35 degrees or more.

The earlier you start the better when it comes to Lake Geneva cycling. We left our hotel, after a hearty breakfast, at 8.30am and enjoyed a good two and a half hours before you could feel the sun burning through the layers of sunscreen.

We planned our lunch stop before we setting out on our Lake Geneva bike tour. The spa town of Evian-les-Bains was our target after 100 kilometres, as we wanted to break the back of the journey before it became really hot. After that I knew we had Geneva and Nyon on the agenda, where there were plenty of opportunities to take on further food and drink. Plus of course the opportunity to cool down for a few minutes.

You can complete the route comfortably on a road bike. We took our own and knew they were in top condition, but we did take spare inner tubes and gas canisters. Fortunately, we didn’t need them!

One thing to note is that you will lose your way unless you follow the GPS route for your Geneva road trip. There are plenty of twists and turns, particularly on the French side, that demand full concentration.

Tell us about your kit choice.

We wore Stolen Goat jerseys and matching shorts as we knew that it was a long ride and needed to be comfortable throughout the day.

We were riding in the middle of a hot summer, so wet/cold weather gear was not required.

How did you organise your nutrition?

We planned our lunch stop, and decided how to replenish before and afterwards, ahead of our Switzerland bike trip. We stopped to refill our bidons every 90 minutes (adding our own electrolyte tablets), and took plenty of energy bars and gels with us.

In the midsummer heat, I cannot stress enough how much you need to drink – even when you’re not feeling thirsty. I worked on the basis of breakfast fuelling me for two hours, then made a mental note to eat something each hour.

We took the remainder of the route on feel: if one of us felt thirsty or hungry, we stopped at the next available village or town. Bizarrely, after 160 kilometres, I had an uncontrollable urge for an ice cream and duly bought one from a little kiosk at the side of the lake in Nyon!

What tips would you give someone wanting to cycle around Lake Geneva?

I think anyone contemplating Switzerland cycling tours around this large lake needs to have completed some prior rides of at least 4 or 5 hours in duration. Whilst the terrain is relatively flat, it still demands concentration, and the ability to know how to refuel.

In any event, take some electrolyte tablets to add to the water you purchase, as well as as much food you can carry – you will eat it, I can guarantee!

You need to be comfortable in riding with traffic. Whilst the cycle lanes are clearly marked, there are areas in the towns where you have to mingle with cars and lorries. This is not a cycle path around the side of the beach.

On the Swiss side, look out for the red cycling route signs with the number 46 in white on a blue square. On the French side, the signs are the green and white bike route signs, with Tour de Léman on a blue square.

The signs are pretty regular and easy to spot on the Swiss side, but it’s harder on the French side. I’d suggest you have someone in your group following a GPX route around the lake. Otherwise, you will probably get lost on the French side, and waste unnecessary time and effort.

If you can, plan to do the loop during months other than June to August. It’s very hot, and in the bottom of the valley there is not much wind to cool you down.

Bear in mind events like the world-famous Montreux jazz festival ; if you decide to visit when that is on, I imagine the roads and hotels would be really busy.

We took our passports with us but didn’t need them. The border crossings are manned, but no-one seemed to be stopped as they passed through the lines.

Language and currency

Everyone we met spoke French and a little English. The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc, but we found they accept the Euro in most establishments.

If you are ever in the area, the Tour de Lac Léman is highly recommended.

A big thank you to John for sharing his experience with us.

Want to know more about cycling in/around Geneva?

If you want more info on riding in this spectacular area, don’t miss our Q&A on cycling in Geneva .

You may also have heard of the epic cycling route that runs from Geneva to Nice – it’s called the Route des Grandes Alpes and this article shares what you need to know .

Our article on the best cycling routes (and climbs) in Switzerland may also be helpful.

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John Vicars divides his time between England and Spain and, together with his wife, clocks in around 10,000 miles each year searching out Europe’s finest roads. John loves to share his experiences (good and bad) from the saddle and has a particular loathing for double digit gradients, sub-zero temperatures and red traffic lights!

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14 Responses to “Tour du Lac Léman (AKA cycling around Lake Geneva)”

Good description. I’m planing this for Summer 2022. What year was this written?

May 2021, but for anyone reading this comment in future, we do try and keep content updated so it may have been updated since then! You can check the date by searching for the article and the date appears on hover.

Hi, the gpx link is broken, is there any chance it could be uploaded somehow.

Fixed! Thanks for flagging this.

I cannot do 175km in one day. How to break it up? where to stay?

There are lots of towns and villages around the lake, so I’d suggest deciding how much you want to ride each day and then book accommodation based on that. Alternatively drop me a line and I can put you in touch with a cycling tour company that can assist.

Planning to do this in June. Anyway to get a guide to go with me? I am planning to ride this in a day.

Hi Tariq, sorry for the slow reply, always best to email us if you’re looking for a quick answer. Feel free to drop me a line at [email protected] if you’re still looking for assistance?

Hello, I enjoyed reading your trip around the Lake. I am not a trained cyclist but a former marathon runner. Due to injury I can’t run at the moment. I will be in Lausanne the last week of August. I am interested in renting a bike and riding it from Lausanne to Montreux. How busy the path in this segment for novice rider to be aware of and what spots you recommended to stop for sightseeing. I can return via train if they let me drop the bike at Montreux station. Thank you!

As always, best to leave early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat and crowds! Enjoy!

Hello! The gpx file doesn’t work. I want to do this in a few weeks. Could you send it to me? Thanks a lot !

You can find the route here: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/108270274

We just got back from a long weekend riding around Morzine / following the TDF and fancied a flat ride so decided to ride the lake, so taking away the epic views of the mountains (as we had first hand experience of them) I must admit I was slightly disappointed with our visit to the lake. I was hoping for amazing view’s of the lake and small little villages and quaint towns, but we found the majority of our day just on ordinary roads with no view of the lake…

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and sorry to hear the views weren’t as impressive as hoped for. Hope you had an amazing trip nonetheless! Best wishes, Clare

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Tour du Lac Léman (Cyclotour)

Distance : 177 kilomètres Dénivelé : 800 + Durée: Entre 5 et 7 heures Difficulté : ★★★★☆ Type d’itinéraire : Vélo de route (100% bitume) Trafic: moyen à élevé Créé par : Cycliste.ch

Le Tour du Lac Léman est l’un des tours à vélo les plus connus en Suisse romande. Il représente souvent un objectif de saison pour les cyclistes débutants et un moyen idéal de faire une grosse sortie foncière pour d’autres. Certains l’adorent, d’autres le détestent. Pour nous il s’agit d’un tour sympa et accessible à réaliser entres amis. Le parcours très plat permet effectivement à des cyclistes de niveaux différents de rouler ensemble, les plus forts rouleront devant pendant que les autres bénéficieront de l’aspiration pour apprécier la vue.

Le Tour du Lac Léman offre de nombreuses possibilités d’arrêts pour apprécier un bon café et se restaurer.

Du côté Suisse, le highlight est sans aucun doute le passage dans Lavaux, au pied du vignoble. Aux petites heures du matin, la route offre un spectacle magique avec une vue sur le la lac Léman qui se trouve à quelques dizaines de mètres en contre-bas. Les plus courageux pourront emprunter la Petite-Corniche, qui rajoute un tout petit peu de dénivelé mais qui permet de profiter d’une vue exceptionnelle sur le Léman depuis Lavaux, site classé au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO.

Les principales étapes côté français sont Evian-les-Bains, Thonon-les-Bains et Yvoire. Ces trois villes sont desservies par la CGN à destination de Lausanne, Morges et Nyon, ce qui permet de rentrer en bateau pour écourter la balade.

Le Tour du Lac se réalise en règle générale dans le sens des aiguilles d’une montre (Lausanne – St- Gingolphe – Genève – Lausanne). Nous vous recommandons d’effectuer le Tour du Lac Léman le dimanche matin avec un départ de bonne heure, ceci vous permettra de profiter pleinement de vos 180 kilomètres dans des conditions plus calmes et avec moins de trafic.

Combien de temps faut-il pour faire le Tour du Lac Léman à vélo ?

Cette question revient souvent et la réponse n’est pas si facile. Les plus rapides du Cyclotour mettent environ 4h15 en roulant en groupe et en bénéficiant des conditions de trafic optimale dues au départ très matinal de l’épreuve. La grande majorité doit en revanche compter entre 6 et 7 heures pour venir à bout du Tour du Lac en comptant les quelques arrêts.

Les plus motivés peuvent se rendre sur la page Facebook des «  Cinglés du Léman  » qui regroupe les passionnés du Tour du Lac et tient à jour un classement du nombre de tour réalisé durant l’année. Le vainqueur 2017 totalise près de 40 tours du Lac en une année, soit plus de 7000 kilomètres !

Pour en savoir plus sur la cyclosportive organisée chaque année au mois de mai sur les routes du Tour du Lac, vous pouvez vous rendre sur la  page du Cyclotour .

L’itinéraire passant en France, n’oubliez pas de prévoir une pièce d’identité et quelques euros pour la pause café.

Télécharger l’itinéraire

Itinéraire “Tour du Lac Léman” créé par Cycliste.ch

Cet itinéraire a été créé spécialement pour vous par l’équipe de Cycliste.ch. Habitués des routes de La Côte, nous avons à cœur de vous faire découvrir des routes moins connues et surtout moins fréquentées. N’hésitez pas à nous faire part de votre avis sur cet itinéraire en utilisant le formulaire de contact. Nous vous souhaitons beaucoup de plaisir sur cet itinéraire !

Itinéraires qui pourraient vous intéresser

Les bosses du Chablais – 41 km

A la découverte du Lavaux – 53 Km

Alpe di Neggia – 78 km

Le défi des Vignes – 99 km

Cliquez ici pour accéder à la liste complète des itinéraires.

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Together In Switzerland

All Things Swiss

Exploring the Scenic Shores of Lac Leman, Switzerland

Zoe | Geneva + Valais + Vaud

Lac Leman, also known as Lake Geneva, is a breathtaking freshwater lake located in the heart of Europe. With its stunning scenery and history, this iconic body of water has become a popular destination for tourists, expats and locals. Lac Leman has a range of beautiful scenic shore locations (villages and cities) around the lake’s edge. These include locations like Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva and Veytaux to name a few. If you can spend a day at any of them, you’ll definitely see the enjoyment of each place. As truth be told, you can easily spend more than a month discovering these lakeside locations without getting bored.

In this post we highlight a few destinations around Lac Leman that you should definitely visit for a day or more. These locations highlighted are based on our own travels to region and lakeside explorations.

Located in the southwestern corner of Switzerland, Geneva is a picturesque city situated on the shores of the stunning Lac Leman. This stunning body of water is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe and a major attraction for tourists – where you can enjoy a boat tour to many of the lakeside destinations we share in this post.

Lac Leman is a crescent-shaped lake, which stretches for 45 miles / 72 kilometres between the Jura Mountains and the Alps, offering breathtaking views from all angles.

The lake is named after Roman goddess Lemanis and has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. The shores of Lac Leman have been inhabited since the prehistoric times, and it has played a significant role in the development of cities like Geneva as a major trade and cultural hub.

Today, Lac Leman is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike (even us!), offering a range of activities and experiences. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventurous holiday, this stunning lake has something for everyone. Further below we highlight some recommendations based on our own travels around Lac Leman!

Facts About Lac Leman

Lac Leman, also known as Lake Geneva by many, is the largest lake in the Alps and the second largest (after Lake Balaton) lake in Central Europe. The lake is located within the borders of both Switzerland and France.

For Switzerland, Lac Leman is located in the the cantons of Vaud , Geneva and Valais !

The primary inflows of Lake Geneva come from the Rhône River. Lake Geneva lies in the floodplain of the Rhone and has the shape of a crescent bending around in the form of a croissant.

Lac Leman is approximately 580 square kilometers (224 square miles) in surface area and the maximum depth reaches about 310 meters (1,020 feet).

The northern side of the lake is known for its wine production, including the famous Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The lake has a fleet of Belle Époque-era paddle steamboats that operate as a mode of transportation and offer scenic cruises. These boats contribute to the romantic and nostalgic atmosphere of the lake.

Lac Leman is home to a variety of special plant and animal species. In the lake’s clear waters you can spot many fish such as perch, trout, and whitefish.

lake geneva / lac leman temperature

The Lac Leman temperature ranges throughout the year of course depending on the season.

In the Summer, the water of Lake Geneva can warm up to more than 24°C , which makes it perfect for a dip in the water after work or in the weekends. There are some public beaches you can explore for this safely.

In the Winter, the water temperature of Lake Geneva can dive down to 1°C . However don’t be alarmed if you spot someone swimming, as there are some who swim all year long in the lake!

lake Geneva Surrounding Destinations

Surrounding Lac Leman are a range of beautiful cities and villages on both the Swiss and French side.

Below is a list of the a few of these destinations around Lac Leman, which we have personally visited:

Geneva (Switzerland)

Population 2024: 639,000

Situated at the western end tip of Lake Geneva, Geneva is an international city known for hosting various United Nations offices and humanitarian organizations.

Home to the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain and the Red Cross headquarters, Geneva is a hub of diplomacy, finance, and cultural diversity. It’s also a fantastic place for shopping, dining and enjoying the local parks and lakeside for a stroll. It is a popular city to visit for everyone, with Geneva airport a short connection away from the city centre making it an easy destination for weekend travellers.

For many, the Geneva International Airport used also by locals when living in the Swiss cantons of Geneva, Vaud, and Valais in Switzerland, since it’s so close and easy to get to with a direct train or car. This is the same as for those living in the French regions of Haute-Savoie and Ain.

Nearby Tours

Chocolate Flavors Walking Tour of Geneva

50-Minute Lake Geneva Cruise

Geneva 2-Hour Tour of International Quarters and Old Town

Lausanne (Switzerland)

Population 2024: 465,000

Nestled on the northern shore of Lake Geneva in the middle, Lausanne is a picturesque city renowned for its hilly landscapes and the Olympic Museum . As the fourth-largest city in Switzerland, Lausanne boasts a rich cultural scene, including the Collection de l’Art Brut and the Lausanne Opera House.

When we visited Lausanne, it was a warm, sunny Autumn day. It was really lovely to walk around the city from the shopping area, down to Parc Milan (with some good views!), through the botanical garden and then down to the lakeside. From here there were boats you could start a tour with and a lovely wide promenade along the lake to enjoy a stroll.

The city itself is quite big, and we recognised many shops here available for the public, unlike the smaller villages. So it seems like a great place for a day of shopping on Lake Geneva.

Lausanne: 2-Hour Lake Geneva Cruise Along Lavaux Vineyards

Lausanne: Self-Guided Boat Excursion to Evian

Day Trip to Riviera Col du Pillon & Glacier 3000

Montreux (Switzerland)

Population 2024: 26,230

Famous for its annual jazz festival and Christmas market, Montreux is a charming town on the eastern shoreline of Lake Geneva. Like other locations, Montreux is surrounded by vineyards and the Alps nearby, so the views around are stunning.

Montreux offers a scenic setting and is known for its lakeside promenade where the most beautiful flowers are grown here. They make the perfect photo opportunities with the flowers, lake and mountains in the background! You can walk all along the promenade past the flowers to admire them all.

Just like the Jazz festival and Christmas Market , there are lots to do in Montreux all year round and for all ages. A popular visiting spot for tourists is to Château de Chillon, with ramparts, formal halls and a chapel with 14th-century murals.

Nearby Tours & Activities

Chaplin’s World Entrance Ticket

Montreux: In the footsteps of Freddie Mercury

Vevey (Switzerland)

Population 2024: 19,738

Nestled between vineyard-covered hills and the lakeshore, Vevey is a town known for its association with Nestlé and the Charlie Chaplin statue along the waterfront. The Alimentarium, a food museum, and the annual Fête de l’Escalade are among Vevey’s attractions.

We stayed here for our visit to Lac Leman, at the Astra Hotel Vevey 4*. This was a good location to sleep at as our base, with quiet rooms and easy walking distance to the train, boat and village area with restaurants.

The restaurants we can personally recommend include:

• Bla Bla Vevey – an absolute delicious Italian restaurant. Book a table on weekends for a spot!
• Le Carré – overall nice bar and restaurant with many choices and a few Belgian dishes too.
• KIZUKU Café – a busy little place with hotdogs and a nice range of drinks.

Veytaux (Switzerland)

Population 2024: 975

Veytaux is located just south of Montreux and a popular stop with locals and tourists, due to it’s famously known castle called Chillon Castle. The village is easily accessible by car or train, making it a popular day trip for tourists staying in nearby cities like Geneva or Montreux.

Chillon Castle

One of the main attractions of Veytaux is the stunning Château de Chillon , a medieval castle situated on a small island just off the shore. This castle is one of the most visited historic monuments in Switzerland and is a must-see for anyone visiting the village. The castle is open to the public and offers guided tours, allowing visitors to learn about the rich history of the castle and its previous inhabitants.

If you do not wish to go in, we still suggest a little walk along the lakeside to admire the castle.

Our Top Vaud Canton Content

The Most Luxurious Train In The World – The GoldenPass Railway: A Swiss Bucket List Experience for Train Enthusiasts

Most Beautiful Villages In Switzerland

Exploring the Winter Wonderland of Chateau-d’Oex Switzerland

Festival International de Ballons

We look forward to discovering more locations on Lac Leman on our own travels. There is so much to see and do around the lake that you definitely need time to take it all in and enjoy.

If you have recommendations on where we should visit next, let us know in the comments!

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© Together In Switzerland, 2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Zoe and Togetherinswitzerland.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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Cyclotour du Léman traverses some of the most interesting terrain that Switzerland and France has to offer. From the gorgeous rolling hills of the Lavaux wine region, to one of Europe's most visited castles. And what better way to see it all than by bike?

Lavaux wine region

Sports city of Lausanne

Chillon Castle

Jet d'Eau, Geneva

Evian-les-Bains

Mont-Blanc Bridge

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Stormy Skies & Friendly Locals on Our Lac Leman Tour

Life lessons from our Lac Leman tour cycling adventure

Cycle touring enables you to spend the day outside immersed in the natural world and really take in your surroundings – that’s one of the many beauties of it. It’s the chance to truly unleash your inner adventurer , navigating your way across landscapes and being completely self-reliant as you do. This also leaves you pretty vulnerable to the elements and means, more often than not, you need to have your head screwed on. Like the rest of life, there are plenty of ups and downs, but this is what makes it all so exciting.

These two-wheeled adventures really teach you a lot – we know it sure did on our latest trip cycling around Lac Leman. Once again, we were reminded just how ruthless the elements can be and how vulnerable we are. This experience, in turn, also reminded us of the kindness from strangers – always a highlight with journeys in the saddle.

The 200km Tour du Leman has been on our bucket list since first arriving in the region. If your thighs are up to it it’s easily done in a day, but, knowing that we’d be in awe of the mountains and eager to get snap-happy, it seemed best to go for a relaxed two days instead.

As much as we like spontaneity, I’ll admit our trips are normally decided at least a week in advance, with some vague planning thrown in to boot – this was an exception. With 5 days freed up to complete the TRJ backpacking trail, and it then crashing to a finish with our mountain rescue ordeal , we still had a few free days. Wide-eyed for adventure yet, I suggested cycling the Lac Leman tour to J and we left the next morning. Rolling out from our front door was a pleasant surprise with such light gear in comparison to our normal long-distance tour set-up.

Day one started with gloomy skies and before long the heavens opened upon us, with soggy socks soon following. The forecast was pants so it wasn’t a surprise, however, you always hope the weather people have it wrong, don’t you? Not afraid to look like a wally I slipped on my waterproof shoe covers; J didn’t follow suit, a decision he rather regretted later (enter smug Sarah).

Despite the rain, we made good time mostly due to the uninspiring views of rain clouds and a desire to eat lunch somewhere dry. As luck would have it, we found the perfect lunch spot, perched under the shelter of a public toilet and maintenance building – a truly classy lunch location on Valentine’s Day Eve. We got some very funny looks from groundskeepers as we wolfed down our peanut butter sandwiches, still dripping with rainwater. 

Post lunch we put the pedal to the metal and reached the half-way point by 4 pm (a lot earlier than we’d intended, with nightfall not even on the cards).

Most of our time touring travels through remote, natural areas where wild camping spots are in abundance. The Tour du Leman travels pretty exclusively along populated stretches, with a lake to one side and beautiful S wiss villages to the other. Google Maps had helped us spot what looked like a woods close to the halfway spot, but, on arriving, it turned out this was actually completely bare vineyards. Not a very subtle place to shackle down for the night, especially as it was still light.

After considering the options for a few moments, just further down the road we spotted what seemed like the perfect place: a small peninsula by the lake with a cracking view of the snow-capped peaks against the moody sky – the perfect place to pitch I proclaimed. There was a caravan site next door which was closed, so the owner said we could camp on the land for free and even use the long drop loos – winner !

It definitely seemed like a place time had forgotten since the 80s. You know, one of those campsites that was probably thriving 30-40 years ago, and because of that has refused to modernise, still clinging to its former glory. It was quirky and we were grateful but the lack of running water meant we’d be filling up from the lake. Can’t beat a spot of protozoa in the morning, can ya?

With the night drawing in, wind speeds picked up and the walls of our tent began thundering and closing in around us. A quick check of the forecast showed heavy rain for the rest of the night but clear skies mid-morning, something worth holding out for. Our water stores were dry and this presented the first challenge of the evening: we attempted to fill our water filter from the lake, with one person anchored on the rocky shore and the other precariously lunging towards the water, but the choppy lake and slippy rocks made it impossible.

Back to the tent (with no water), the wind was ferocious and causing the walls of our tents to slap us in the face every time there was a gust, which was becoming more frequent. Fresh memories came to mind from the whiteout on the Jura only two days prior.

Just as we were attempting to turn in for the night a big white bright light illuminated the front of our tent. I shook J to see if he had noticed, or was it just me witnessing some unique natural phenomena or an alien invasion. It turned out it was the caravan park owner’s headlights who was shouting over the wind “are you guys okay?” . I unzipped the front of the tent swallowing the large amount of toothpaste I’d just shoved in my gob ( yuck ), only then realising how bad the weather was. The torrential downpours were turning the grassy patch we were camped on into a muddy bog, the fierce winds meant I could hardly open the tent flap and debris from nearby trees were being strewn all over the place.

The campsite owner (we never got his name) offered us one of his caravans for the night and invited J to go to look around whilst I (wo)manned the fort. I don’t know if J’s height and girth had been keeping the tent upright but as I attempted to pack up the bits and bobs strewn about the tent the whole right side completely caved inwards with the cold, wet canvas slapping me right across the face. I pushed it back only to have another gust of wind completely collapse the same side, knocking me backwards and landing me arse first on the open tube of toothpaste, spewing everywhere, with my camping matt taking the brunt of it. I managed to salvage J’s new Arcteryx coat without him being any the wiser (until he reads this that is). 

J returned dripping wet and was a bit puzzled to see me mopping up toothpaste, but he had great news. Turns out this man who owned this humble caravan park was one of the kindest souls on the planet, offering us one of his empty caravans with electricity and a heater for the night. We crammed our sleeping bags and belongings into our moist panniers and made a run for it through the relentless rain, leaving our tent standing on its own, to the warmth of the caravan. With all but our shelter now safely inside our new lodgings, we ran back to our perfect camping spot  in the brutality of the storm to see our badly beaten tent almost being carried off by the wind, with half the poles unearthed and poles bent. 

Wrapping my now numb fingertips around the wet canvas, which felt almost impossible to hold, seemed like the most important thing in the world at the time. As J took out the pegs I was responsible for ensuring the bloody thing wasn’t claimed by the storm and lost to the lake. Surrounded by the angrily lapping waves and with the raindrops stabbing my exposed face I attempted to hug the tent with all my extremities. Who thought camping on a peninsula by the lake would be a such a good idea anyway?!?!

Clinging on to the dripping structure as it frantically flapped in the gusts, almost being pulled right from our grip, we attempted to get to more sheltered ground. Sliding through mud and puddles we made it to the safety of the caravan park where we disassembled the tent at record speeds before piling into the caravan. The thought of lugging around a wet tent on the bike the following day seemed like the least of our worries. 

It was in the comfort of the heated caravan that our minds were finally able to take-in the tribulations of the night. For the second time in a week, we’d been at the mercy of the natural world, and, had it not been for the kindness of that stranger whose name we didn’t even get, it would have been a long, wet, cold and very unenjoyable night. Our tent has suffered though, even if it was only exposed to the elements for a few hours. 

“Maybe people just don’t do things like this in the winter?” J pondered as we warmed our cockles under the cotton blanket we’d been kindly lent. “Well, at least mountain rescue wasn’t needed” .

The following morning was a stark contrast to the night before. Waking up just before dawn, we ventured outside to be met with gently lapping waves beneath an atmospheric sky, with gentle hints of pastel pink. At our original camping spot Betty and Roger hadn’t been swept away (despite my paranoia) and we listened to the birds morning song as the sun gradually rose on the horizon. It was as if the new day brought a completely new perspective. The warming sun gently lit up the landscape as the snowy mountains in the distance started to become visible for the first time, whilst the clouds gave give way to streams of pink, orange and moody purples. With snowy mountains now back in our sight. we were motivated to get back in the saddle. 

Water was still an issue (we hadn’t figured out a way of safely lunging into the lake) so breakfast was a dismal affair of dry porridge with a shot of tea for J and a shot of coffee for myself – it was rank – but it did the job.

The second day couldn’t have been more different from the first – we covered a mere 3 miles in one hour . Not because of tardiness (well sort of), but because of the views. It was impossible not to keep stopping and standing in awe at the vast lake against blue skies and rugged, snow-capped mountain peaks stretched out before us. Weaving along the lakeside path through Montreux, then peddling through wintery wetlands, every corner gave way to a new magnificent view.

Breathtaking views aside, we still had 100 km to cycle and our 3 mph wasn’t going to get us there anytime soon. Considering the ease of our first 100 km, this second half was actually pretty tough and we definitely felt it. Perhaps it was delayed onset from the trials and tribulations of the previous night? Either way, our bums grew sore, shoulders began to ache and we were reminded of the ferocious appetite cycle touring gives you. A loaf of bread, a jar of pate, four flapjacks, a packet of nuts, handfuls of dried fruit, and some banana bread seemed to make only a little dent but took us all the way to the home stretch.

The trip made us all that more eager to get back in the saddle next month with India in our sights, confirming the reasons we the touring lifestyle. It also reminded us about how vulnerable you can be when your home is made from three poles with a sheet of canvas and how a little bit of compassion from a complete stranger can really get you out of a sticky situation.

Have you had any encounters with kind strangers on your travels that really helped you out? Tell us in the comments below!

Keep exploring…

Tales from that time we got saved by mountain rescue , the great outdoors and facing fears , the ethical adventure expedition 2020; biking, hiking, swimming and climbing all the way to india, leave a reply.

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THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD

Lake Geneva is one of the most stunning and enjoyable road trips you could ever take

Driving anywhere in Europe is pretty stunning if your eyes are open. (And we hope they are!)

One of the most memorable drives is from Geneva to Montreux along the north (Swiss) side of Lake Geneva, known as Lac Léman by the French, which completely confuses some tourists. Mostly owned by the Swiss, and one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, it is shaped like a large French croissant. You can see the mountains of the thermal spa town Évian-les-Bains, where the ​bottled​ water comes from on the French side, opposite Lausanne, in Switzerland. You’re at the edge of the Alps and the Jura mountains, around 1200 feet above sea level, and the views are stunning.

Some of the main towns along the north lakeside are Morges, Lausanne, Vevey (home of mega-company Nestle) and Montreux, where the iconic Jazz Festival happens annually for two weeks starting the end of June.

The Comedy Festival and Montreux Christmas Market are also worth checking out in December.

Taking the coastal road Route 1, (as opposed to Highway 9, alright?), the entire drive from Geneva to Montreux takes just over two hours if you drive fast, although that’s not recommended as: 1) speeding tickets are expensive in Switzerland, and 2) you’ll miss the scenery. Remember: That’s the whole point of the drive. So here are a few cool things you can do on the way and places to stop and stay.

First, go to Geneva , the city where conventions are made, unmentionable deals signed and vast fortunes hidden. Rent a car with Elite Cars — OK, we’re being snobby here but on the other hand this is not a trip to be economical on, although you certainly can rent cheaper, good cars elsewhere. But Elite has Aston Martins at around $850 per day, and Ferraris, Audis, Porsches, SUVs and Minis to choose from, plus a Tesla Roadster (like the one Elon sent into space… I wonder how Spaceman is doing?) for around $280 per day, which is not bad! They can deliver or send a chauffeur-driven limousine to Geneva International Airport to get you and your bags and have several locations across Europe, so you can rent the Lamborghini in Geneva and drop it in Rome. If so disposed.

Head to Rte 1 (Route de Lausanne) to drive around the edge of the lake and through the lakeside villages with histories of Roman settlements. Your maps app may want to take you on Highway 9/E62. Unless you’re in a hurry and need to get to Montreux in just over an hour, ignore it. Take the scenic lake route. Slowly.

Drive north out of Geneva, away from the international terminals, and back in time.

No matter how many times you see the lake, it is, everyday, a gasping surprise. Around every corner, each view of the clear pristine blue sky and water and green reflecting mountains abound, and the sun warms brightly.

If you need to rest to recover from the airport, about five miles north of Geneva on the coast, pass through Chambesy and visit the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. It’s free of charge, has a herbarium of medicinal and botanical plants, all sorts of spectacular flower gardens and green spaces to relax, and it’s on the lake. Take a picnic!

All along your drive there are opportunities to stop and walk lakeside. Morges is the next interesting town to enjoy. You can pull over and take a little red train (only on Thursday afternoons from mid July until the end of August, plan accordingly) on a wine tasting tour. It’s maybe a better idea than driving. We think. And the train’s not really a train, it just looks like a train….. It won’t matter after the second wine cellar!

In Morges town there’s a castle to explore, an artisan market at the weekends and plenty of cafes and patisseries (exquisite pastry shops) on cobbled streets where you can sit and watch the world go by, and it goes slowly there.

Lausanne is 38 miles from Geneva and was once inhabited by the Romans. It’s the fourth largest city in Switzerland. A university town, yet slow paced and chic with cobbled streets, narrow alleyways, boutiques, galleries and bars set in 13th century buildings and old monasteries. Through the years Lausanne has attracted great artists and poets such as Rousseau, Voltaire, Hemingway, TS Eliot, Shelley and Byron, it now headquarters the International Olympic Committee and is a haven for water enthusiasts. It has the most beautiful Gothic cathedral in Switzerland, Cathédrale Notre-Dame, The Museum of Photography and The Museum of Raw Art (L’Art Brut).

Go to The Olympic Museum  for the history of and all things Olympic.

Beau Rivage Palace in Ouchy, Lausanne

Stay in luxury with a balcony overlooking the lake and The Alps for around $650/night, or lounge by the pool overlooking the lake. Either way it’s peaceful for the soul. It has the time-stood-still feel of Hollywood in the 1950’s, a touch of elegance. The food and the Swiss hospitality is impeccable. There are a few restaurants to choose from at the hotel including the brasserie style relaxed Cafe Beau-Rivage on the terrace overlooking Lake Geneva. You will not want to leave.

Leaving Lausanne driving east on Rte.1, the steep terraced vineyards of Lavaux climb on your left for miles of green. They were created by monks 800 years ago. There are small wine caverns to visit in chocolate box villages with stunning views of the lake and the French Alps on the other side. This is where the fun begins. You can sit at a re-versioned wine barrel table on a barrel stool where you’ll be served the local Tomme cheese, a mild round white cheese, on a wooden board with a knife and a baguette, a delicious salami (even if you don’t like salami) and your demi-bouteille of wine of choice. But then who doesn’t eat salami after a bouteille or two…?

If you make it to Vevey , stop in the town for fondue made the traditional way with kirsch, white wine and gruyere, or, in winter, a mid-afternoon hot chocolate. You’re in the land of cheese, wine and chocolate, so you have to. Vevey is casual and relaxed.

Memorable in any restaurant along Lake Geneva are the Fillets de Perche. The small fish that come directly from the lake are a speciality from June to October. Try them simply Meunière (with brown butter, chopped parsley and lemon) with a good Cotes du Jura local Chardonnay.

Fifteen miles from Lausanne in the village of Corsier-sur-Vevey overlooking the lake, the Charlie Chaplin Museum is set on the large estate where Chaplin spent the last twenty five years of his life, with his fourth wife Oona and a few of his eleven children. Opened in 2016 it’s an immersive experience paying tribute to the silent era comedian who became one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars. You can see some of his early screen work from 1914 onwards. Chaplin moved to Switzerland in the 1950s after Senator McCarthy barred him from the U.S. over suspicion of his Soviet ties. He was later knighted by the Queen, in 1975, and received a 12-minute standing ovation at the Oscars in 1977. He died on Christmas Day that year.

Alimentarium – the food museum –   on the lake shores of Vevey marked by the extremely large silver fork protruding from the lake (it’s big). It’s the first museum to focus on nutrition.

The first commercial milk chocolate bar was created in Vevey in 1876 by Daniel Peter, and three years later was produced for the first time by Lindt in the city of Bern, an hour away.

There are folk markets every Saturday in Vevey from the second week of July through August.

The Hotel Victoria in Glion, in the municipality of Montreux.

The old magnificent — and a member of the discerning Relais & Chateaux family — Victoria Hotel in Glion is the perfect place to stay if you need to be around Montreux for a few days, and who doesn’t? It sits in a peaceful setting above the town with gorgeous views of the lake and the Alps and is connected by a funicular (a hillside steep cable train) leaving four times an hour and taking six minutes. There’s free parking and Wi-Fi at the hotel to upload all your great photos and the food is hand-picked by the chef, and divine.

The hotel is convenient for Montreux Casino, the festivals, Chillon Castle and has an outdoor pool. Pretty hip people stay here. And if you’re reading this you’re already hip.

TREAT YOURSELF

Luxury retreat and spa Clinique La Prairie, Montreux. You may know the $500 La Prairie caviar face creams sold in high-end department stores? They work by the way but this is where it all started. The clinic used to be famed for injecting a lamb cell fetus recipe into celebrity clients for the sake of virility and rejuvenation. It apparently worked so well that clients came back for more. Michael Jackson and Liz Taylor were reported fans as was good ol’ J.R., Larry Hagman. It consisted of around sixteen buttock injections spaced over a number of days in the luxurious old chateau. Ouch, I guess.

The clinic is now an expanded state of the art medi-spa, where just about anything beautification-wise can happen, inside and out. However they no longer inject you with lamb’s fetus (now you want it, right?) and they have another aesthetic line, as La Prairie cream was sold off in 1990. It’s good to know there are some alternatives.

Bookings are taken for up to six days of treatment and are tailor made. They do medical checkups, master detox, blood analysis, rebalancing and a plethora of skin, beauty treatments and cell therapies. You will not be the same person when you leave as when you arrived. You may not even look the same. You will certainly be lighter in the pocket.

Do this as a whole separate trip and they’ll pick you up in Geneva in their luxury limo and whisk you away to extreme relaxation. (At Geneva airport it seems like one can be in serious danger of being run over by rampaging luxury limos.)

Pont de Brent

For lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Mondays.

You just must. It’s another Relais & Châteaux so you know they’ll take extra care of you.

Montreux is famed for its flower pathways – stroll thirty minutes along the lakeside to Chillon Castle – an old Roman outpost to guard the Alpine passes. The first record of the castle comes from 1005 when it belonged to the Bishops of Sion.

The huge castle also has boat access from Lausanne and is incredible to approach from the lake against the backdrop of the mountains. It really is stunning. It will take your breath away.

For hiking and views – take the train from Montreux station to Les Rochers-de-Naye . It’s the highest point near Montreux. You’ll reach almost 7000 ft in an hour. It’s an incredible place to view the lake and the train takes you through a number of small Swiss villages with wooden chalet and old stone houses. There is often snow on the peaks here so it’s not advised to arrive in your flip flops. If you still have them.

You like cheese and you like chocolate? This is the trip for you: Take the vintage chocolate train from Montreux to the Cailler chocolate factory in Broc. You’ll stop in Gruyere, where you can see how the cheese is made. Golden cows, bells around their necks, soft gentle sounds of tink-a-tink through the crisp clean mountain air. It’s another place and time, full of really good cheese and chocolate!

After Montreux keep driving east through Switzerland. It’s a great route to take into northern Italy, through the Alpine Pass and up through the Grand St Bernard tunnel at 8000 ft is a magical experience through the mountains. Crossing the border into Italy, wind down James Bond hairpin turns to the hip town of Aosta, and on to Milan, and Rome. Where you’re dropping off that car, right?!

Just to note, Geneva to Rome, if you pack sandwiches and don’t stop and there’s no traffic, you can make it in a day. But we don’t advise you do it that way.

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Lake Geneva Boats: Spring Pleasure Cruises on Lac Léman

CGN pleasure boat cruises depart daily on Lake Geneva during spring — mid-April to mid-June — from Genève, Lausanne, Nyon, Vevey, Montreux, Chillon, Evian and smaller ports.

During the spring season from mid-April to early June, CGN pleasure boat cruises depart daily from most ports on Lake Geneva in Switzerland and France. Popular cruise routings are return trips from Geneva but arguably the best cruises are in the upper lake region where boats cruise past the vineyards of the Lavaux with the Alps in the background. Passenger ferries are options for sightseeing excursions, especially from Lausanne to Evian and from Nyon to Yvoire. Lunchtime and dinner cruises are popular too with reservations highly advisable if planning to eat on board.

Pleasure Cruises on Lake Geneva in Spring and Easter

In 2024 , the spring season timetable starts on 20 April but several cruises are already possible on Sundays and over the Easter weekend, which in 2024 falls on the last weekend of March and the first few days of April. Gourmet lunch cruises will be available every day from 29 March to 1 April with boats departing from Geneva, Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux, and most ports on the upper lake.

During the spring season, boat cruises are possible daily on Lac Léman, although the options remain higher over weekends. The spring timetables of CGN are in operation from mid-April to the end of May.

In spring, Lake Geneva boat cruises are on four basic routings:

• Geneva circular roundtrip cruises — usually around an hour. ( Book 50-minute cruises from Genève online .)
• Geneva to Lausanne — almost four hours — often with stops possible at Morges, Nyon, and Yvoire (in France).
• Upper Lake area from Lausanne to St Gingolph with stops amongst others at Montreux, Vevey, and Chateau de Chillon.
• Ferry services — short crossings between Switzerland and France — from Lausanne to Evian and Nyon to Yvoire. ( Passenger ferries operate year-round.)

The historic paddle steamers are the best choice and fares are the same as for more modern boats — paddle steamboat cruises are usually clearly marked as such in the published timetables.

Spring Pleasure Boat Cruises from Genève

Circular cruises from Geneva are possible three to six times per day during the spring season. The basic cruise is just less than an hour and departs from Geneva and stops on demand in Bellevue. Modern boats are mostly used on this routing.

Lunchtime cruises are often available and are usually on a historic paddle steamboat — the cruise is longer (and more expensive) with lunch optional and best reserved in advance. Dinner cruises are mostly on Friday evenings with reservations essential. Fondue is served on Friday dinner cruises until late May.

Geneva has several departure points with not all boats stopping at all landings. The most important departure points are Genève Mont-Blanc (on the station side of the lake near the bridge across the Rhone) and Genève Jardin Anglais (old town side of the lake).

A further cruise option in Geneva is the Mouette boats which are part of the public transportation system and therefore use the same tickets as the tram or bus (but far more fun).

Cruises between Geneva and Lausanne via Nyon and Yvoire

Cruises to Nyon , Yvoire , and Lausanne are further options when cruising from Geneva. (However, if time and budget allow, it is better to take the train and cruise on the more spectacular upper part of Lac Léman.)

Basic options when cruising from Geneva are to beautiful medieval Yvoire in France or to Nyon in Switzerland. depending on the cruise, boats may also call en route at Versoix and Coppet .

In spring, the full Geneva to Lausanne cruise — nearly four hours — is only possible on weekends. In addition to the above, these cruises may also call at Rolle, St-Prex , Morges , and St-Sulpice .

These line cruises are commonly taken only one way with sightseeing at the destination and then return to Geneva by train (or vv). During spring, the cruises are often not frequent enough to plan on continuing the journey on a later boat. The railway links and bus services on the Swiss side of the lake are very good. Frequent ferries are available between Yvoire and Nyon but don’t miss the last boat — Yvoire offers limited alternative public transportation options back to Geneva.

Cruises on the Upper Lake in Spring

The Haut Lac (Upper Lake) is the most beautiful part of Lake Geneva. In any season, the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage-listed vineyards of the Lavaux region between Lausanne and Montreux are spectacular while snow-covered Alpine peaks are constantly in the background.

Even in spring, cruises on this part of Lake Geneva are frequent and as an added bonus, most cruises are on the historic paddle steamers Italie (1908) and La Suisse (1910). These boats have beautiful restaurants — especially in first class. Reservations are highly recommended — even if not eating here, consider having a coffee after the main service has finished and tables become available.

In spring, it is usually possible to start (or complete) two cruises per day from Lausanne to Vevey — an hour cruise. Around six cruises per day do the circular cruise from Vevey via amongst others Montreux, Chateau de Chillon , and St-Gingolph in around two hours. Chateau de Chillon claims to be the most popular monument in Switzerland — it is fun to visit —  buy tickets online in advance .)

The basic routings are as follows but note not all boats call at all ports on all cruises:

• Lausanne to Vevey(or reverse) in an hour with stops at Pully, Lutry, Cully, and Rivaz-St-Saphorin in the Lavaux region.
• Circular cruises from Vevey Marché in two hours with stops usually en route at Vevey-La Tour , Clarens, Montreux , Château de Chillon , Villeneuve, Le Bouveret, and St-Gingolph. Boats from St Gingolph usually cross the lake directly back to Vevey but a few cruises are possible in the reverse direction starting from Chateau de Chillon and Montreux.

Travelers setting out early could use later boats if stopping en route for sightseeing. Railway connections are very easy from all ports except St Gingolph and Le Bouveret. The train-boat connections are easiest at Vevey-Marché (flat walk and very frequent trains) and Montreux — escalators. From the lakeside Lausanne-Ouchy (and Olympic Museum ) to Lausanne train station (and Gothic cathedral ), use the metro — otherwise, it is a long, very steep walk.

Ferry Boats on Lake Geneva

The regular ferry boats on Lake Geneva are further options for cruising on Lac Léman but the cruise may be as short as 20 minutes.

For tourists, the two popular passenger ferry boat routings on Lake Geneva are:

• N3 : Nyon in Switzerland to Yvoire in France — 20 minutes up to 15 times per day
• N1 : Lausanne to Evian — 35 minutes up to 12 times per day. The Leman Express made travel by rail between Geneva and Evian significantly simpler in recent years but the ferry to and train from Lausanne are still often the better choice.

As these ferries cross the border, Swiss customs checks are occasionally made. Furthermore, travel regulations in France may at times be different than in Switzerland.

It is essential to buy ferry boat tickets before boarding boats — fines are steep.

Tickets for Lake Geneva Boat Cruises

CGN operates all Lake Geneva boat cruises — a few local sightseeing and circular cruises are also available in especially Geneva. Tickets may be bought in advance online, often as part of railway tickets, at boat landings, and from vending machines.

In smaller towns, tickets may also be bought immediately when boarding the boats. However, on the ferry boats and any boats with the Autocontrôle (an eye symbol), tickets MUST be bought before boarding, or expect a heavy fine if tickets are checked.

Many special tickets are available to make cruises cheaper. The half-fare card is valid while the best savings deal for families is the Carte Junior . CGN also has cheaper day tickets and special family tickets worth considering especially for longer cruises. If the budget allows, first-class tickets are worth the surcharge for better views and open decks.

More on Lake Geneva Pleasure Boats and Cruises:

• Pleasure Boats and Ferries on Lake Geneva
• Lake Geneva Boat Cruises in Spring
• Passenger Ferries on Lake Geneva
• Book Cruises at GYG or at CGN
• Passenger Ferries and Cruises from Lausanne to Evian and Thonon
• Savings Tickets for CGN Lake Geneva Boat Cruises
• Summer Lake Geneva Boat Excursions and Day Cruises
• Spring & Autumn Cruises on Lake Geneva
• Winter and Christmas Cruises on Lake Geneva
• Pleasure Boat Excursions to Yvoire
• See the Historic Paddle Steamers at the Parade Navale
• New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruises on Lake Geneva

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