The majestic Alps are fraught with many mysteries, to solve which travelers from different parts of the world come to their feet. One of these secrets was Lake Geneva, Switzerland. The crystal clear waters of this reservoir fascinate with their serenity, and the bright green hills surrounding it, behind which the snow-white caps of the Alpine Mountains hide, have a special magic.
The lake is often compared to a giant mirror: after all, its surface is so calm that it can accurately reflect nearby houses and trees. Not surprisingly, this place has become one of the most visited in Europe, and it is ready to offer its guests resorts and entertainment for every taste.
General information
Lake Geneva, or Leman, as the French call it, is the largest body of water in the Alps and is the second largest lake in Central Europe. Its northern coast is in the possession of Switzerland, while the southern coast belongs to the waters of France. Lake Geneva covers an area of 582.4 square kilometers, of which 348.4 square kilometers belong to the Swiss state. If you look at the map, you can see that the reservoir has the shape of a crescent, the tips of which are facing south.
The length of Lake Lehman is 72 km, and the width in some places reaches 13 km. The deepest point of the reservoir is recorded between the cities of Evian-les-Bains and Lausanne: its value is equal to 310 meters. The lake has a glacial origin, so it is quite cold and suitable for swimming only in the summer months, when the sun’s rays warm up the water to 21-23 °C.
The reservoir is the main transport artery connecting the cities located around it, between which ships run daily. To ensure navigation around Lake Leman, 22 lighthouses were installed, which also give signals to fishermen and athletes about the approach of bad weather.
Nature, flora and fauna
If you look at Lake Geneva in Switzerland, the amazing nature of the region attracts the eye even in the photo. There are many parks and nature reserves, as well as botanical gardens, which can be found both in urban resorts and in the mountains.
The largest center of nature in Switzerland is the La Pierrez Nature Reserve, whose landscapes change one after another, as if in a kaleidoscope. The park covers an area of 34 square kilometers and is a mixture of valleys, rocks, meadows and gorges. Mountain goats, chamois, bears, lynxes and marmots live here, and among the birds you can find golden eagles, partridges and falcons, owls and woodpeckers.
Leman is a real treasure trove for the fisherman, in the depths of which hides a rich underwater world. Among the inhabitants of Lake Geneva, you can find pike, perch, trout, crayfish, whitefish and many other fish species.
On a note! Swiss law allows you to use the reservoir for fishing with a single hook without a license. However, fishing with the use of spinners requires a special permit.
Since Lehman is protected from northerly winds by a chain of Alpine Mountains, the region has a peculiar climate. And if in winter Lake Geneva can still be doused with a dry cold wind, in summer it will reward you only with a soft warm breeze. In July and August, the air temperature in the area of Lake Leman can warm up to 30 °C, which allows the local population to grow grapes safely. The region is dominated by subalpine vegetation, and palm trees are often found in local resorts.
Cities on the shores of Lake Geneva
Lake Leman is not accidentally called the Swiss Riviera: after all, several picturesque resort towns are concentrated on its shores, each of which has its own entertainment and attractions.
Geneva
Geneva is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland with a population of 200 thousand people, located on the south-western tip of Lake Leman. Its peculiar symbol was the majestic fountain of the Same-Do, beating directly from the reservoir with a jet of 140 meters in height. Surrounded by flowers and greenery, Geneva is full of parks and squares, cultural monuments and historical sites that are definitely worth visiting:
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- The Basilica of Notre-Dame
- Flower Clock
- The Wall of the Reformation
This Swiss city can rightly be called a cultural center: after all, it has about 30 different museums. Geneva is of great value to the entire international community, as it is home to the headquarters of many international organizations, such as the Red Cross, the WTO and the UN.
Montreux
Once a small settlement of fishermen and winemakers, today it has grown into an elite resort town, considered one of the best not only in Switzerland, but also in all of Europe. Montreux, with a population of only 26,000, is located at the easternmost point of Leman.
Photos and descriptions of this resort on Lake Geneva make it clear that this place is not for those who are used to saving money: luxury hotels, elite clinics, top-level restaurants, expensive boutiques meet tourists at every turn.
Every year a jazz festival is held here, which attracts famous musicians from all over the world. Among the notable places of Montreux, it is worth highlighting the Chillon Castle, which is located in the suburbs, and the Freddie Mercury monument, installed on the embankment of Lake Leman.
Lausanne
Lausanne is located on the north-eastern shore of Lake Lehmann in Switzerland, surrounded by beautiful hills and vineyards. This well-groomed, plant-filled city of 128,000 people is rich in historical sites and museums, and its many parks have become a favorite place for leisurely walks. In order to get acquainted with Lausanne, it is important to visit its unique attractions:
- Ancient castles of Beaulieu and Saint-Mer
- Gothic Cathedral of Lausanne
- Olympic Museum
- The Gothic Church of St. Francis
- Ryumin Palace
Travelers enjoy strolling through the medieval quarter of Ville-Marchais and exploring the most valuable exhibits displayed in Lausanne’s art galleries.
Vevey
The small town of Vevey in Switzerland with a population of 19.5 thousand people is located on the north-eastern shore of the lake. Famous all over the world for its fertile vineyards, this eco-friendly resort is characterized by tranquility and comfort.
If you happen to be in Vevey, be sure to take a walk around the Grand-Place, visit the old cafe de La Clef and climb to the top of Mont Pelerin. This resort was appreciated by many celebrities: it was here that the talented actor Charlie Chaplin spent the last years of his life, in whose honor a monument was erected in the city square. Like other cities in Switzerland, Vevey boasts unique museums, among which the Wine Museum, the Museum of Photography and the Food Museum deserve special attention.
Evian-les-Bains
Evian-les-Bains, one of the oldest European thermal resorts, is located on the southern shore of Lake Geneva in France. This secluded place with a population of only 8,600 people is famous for its first-class balneotherapy, for which English monarchs and aristocracy came here for a long time to be treated. And today, these procedures can afford any traveler who has visited Evian-les-Bains.
There are surprisingly few tourists here, so the atmosphere in the city has a calm and measured rest. Evian-les-Bains has excellent water connections to all cities on the Swiss Riviera, so getting here for spa activities is not difficult.
Thonon-les-Bains
Thonon-les-Bains is the largest resort town located on the southern shores of Lake Leman in France. It is very popular with tourists due to its numerous thermal springs. The unique Savoyard architecture of Thonon-les-Bains, with its shops and souvenir shops, stands out among other cities on Lake Geneva.
There are several interesting sights here, among which the following are of particular value::
- Ripai Castle
- City Hall
- Central Square
- Old St. Paul’s Church
Thonon-les-Bains is located right at the foot of Mont Blanc and the Chablais mountain range, which can be reached by funicular and enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding area.
Things to do
In addition to exploring the main resorts of Lake Geneva, where there are many attractions, tourists have a great opportunity to visit local events and arrange a real attraction of water entertainment.
- Food and wine fairs. Sophisticated travelers who know a lot about fine food and good drinks will appreciate gastronomic tours, where everyone has the opportunity to visit cheese, chocolate, wine and beer fairs and buy the product they like.
- Diving. Lake Geneva is a real godsend for divers. At the bottom of the seemingly calm reservoir lies a world of sunken ships, near which outstanding representatives of marine flora and fauna scurry.
- Boating and kayaking. A water trip through a reservoir among the Alpine Mountains is a dream of any tourist, which is realized here on Lake Leman.
- Mountain bike rides. Swiss resorts are ideal for cycling trips, where you can experience the pristine beauty of nature and enjoy the mountain scenery.
- Festivals. Swiss cities often host a variety of cultural events (jazz festival, tulip festival, grape harvest, various carnivals), which will make a great addition to your holiday on Lake Leman.
Conclusion
If you love the outdoors, but are not ready to give up the benefits of civilization, go to Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Its nature, resorts with their parks and cultural monuments, developed tourist infrastructure and a lot of entertainment will help fill your vacation with pleasant impressions and spend a first-class vacation.
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