Plan travel around Lake Geneva in Switzerland and France, with practical information on sightseeing, transportation, boat cruises, events, day trips, thermal baths, and destinations from Geneva and Lausanne to Montreux, Vevey, Yvoire, and the Alps.
Pleasure Boat Cruises on Lake Geneva in Switzerland
In summer, Lake Geneva pleasure cruise boats depart from Geneva, Nyon, Yvoire, Lausanne, Vevey, and Montreux. The romantic early-twentieth-century Belle Époque paddle steamers are the best for cruising on Lake Geneva.
Passenger Ferry Boats on Lac Léman
Regular passenger ferry services connect Nyon in Switzerland with Yvoire in France and Lausanne with Thonon and Évian.
Cruise from Geneva to Lausanne
CGN’s Lake Geneva boats cruise in around four hours from Genève to Lausanne via Nyon and Yvoire.
Thermal Baths and Hot Springs near Lake Geneva
Many thermal bath resorts, hot spring pools, and day spas are within easy driving or public transportation distance from Lake Geneva. The warm water baths are open year-round and particularly popular during winter.
Leukerbad in the Valais Alps is the largest (and best) hot mineral water spa resort near Lake Geneva. Leukerbad Therme is the best choice for families.
October: Free Swiss Classic British Car Meeting in St-Prex
The annual Swiss Classic British Car Meeting is on 3 October 2026 in St-Prex (near Morges) on the shores of Lake Geneva. More than a thousand classic British cars are expected at this free event.
Things to Do in Autumn in the Lake Geneva Region
L’Escalade — Only in Geneva City, Only One Weekend in December
L’Escalade, the top event on Geneva’s festival calendar, commemorates the successful defense of Genève against a Savoyan attack in 1602. The celebrations include parades, demonstrations, music, cannon fire, loads of chocolate, vegetable soup, and warm wine (vin chaud) – much of it is free.
- In 2026, L’Escalade is from 11 to 13 December 2026 in the heart of Geneva City.
Christmas Markets Around Lac Léman
Christmas is a beautiful and colorful time of the year in Switzerland. The Marché de Noël à Montreux is by far the best Christmas market in the region, but Geneva has the best Christmas lights and shop window displays.
2026 Christmas Market Dates: The main Christmas markets around Lake Geneva generally open around 19–20 November 2026. Montreux and Geneva run until 24 December, while Lausanne festivities continue through 31 December.
Best Christmas Markets on Lake Geneva
Montreux is the best, but visitors can also enjoy markets in Geneva, Lausanne, and Vevey, as well as many ski resorts and smaller towns.
Where to stay for the Christmas market period: Hotels in Montreux and ski resorts such as Zermatt and Leukerbad come at a premium during Christmas time. Cheaper deals may be easier to find in Geneva and Lausanne, where hotels aim more at business travelers, who are less likely to visit during the Christmas market period.
Latest Lake Geneva Travel Articles
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Visit the Free Morges Tulip Festival on Lake Geneva
Free Swiss Classic British Car Meeting in St-Prex (near Morges)
Best Summer Lake Geneva CGN Boat Excursions and Day Pleasure Cruises
