Geneva & Lausanne Lake Geneva Region
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Intro
The Lake Geneva Region is home to its two main cities, Geneva and Lausanne. The region extends from the peaceful Jura Mountains up to the fascinating Alps Vaudoise and along the crystal–clear and majestic lake that blends into the authentic charm of the landscape.
The symbol of the «world’s smallest metropolis» is the “Jet d’eau” – a fountain with a 460-feet-high water jet at the periphery of Lake Geneva. Most of the large hotels and many restaurants are situated on the right-hand shore of the lake. The old town, the heart of Geneva with the shopping and business quarter, holds sway over the left-hand shore. St. Peter’s Cathedral dominates it. However, the actual center of the old town is the Place du Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in the city. Quays, lakeside promenades, countless parks, lively side streets in the old town, and elegant shops invite guests to stroll. One of the best-maintained streets is the Grand-Rue, where Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born. The «mouettes,» a type of water taxi, enable crossings from one lakeshore to the other, while larger vessels invite visitors to enjoy cruises on Lake Geneva.
Geneva is Switzerland’s most international city, as it is where the European seat of the UNO is based. Even the International Red Cross directs its humanitarian campaigns from here. Besides being a congress city, Geneva is also a center for culture and history, trade fairs, and exhibitions. The «Horloge Fleuri,» the large flower clock in the “Jardin Anglais” (English Garden), is a world-renowned symbol of the Geneva watch industry.
Both an urban location and a coastal resort, nestled between lake, mountains, vineyards, and forests, Lausanne owes its appeal to its “dolce vita” lifestyle. Elected the best small city in the world by Monocle, it offers all the attractions of a metropolis, yet on a human scale. Discover unique museums such as Plateforme 10, Lausanne’s new Arts District, or the Collection de l’Art Brut (Outsiders’ Art Collection), experience anew the values of Olympism by entering the Olympic Museum, a unique place in the world, and enjoy lively nights out in the heart of the city or on the shores of Lake Geneva. Let yourself be tempted by our innovative gastronomy that reinterprets tradition by showcasing local products and artisan producers. And … breathe! Lausanne also has a breathtaking natural setting with Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the Jura mountains as a backdrop and the Lavaux UNESCO terraced vineyards close by.
The town is built on three hills, surrounded by vineyard-covered slopes, with Lake Geneva at its feet. Rising impressively from the opposing French lakeshore are the Savoy Alps. The attractive old town is largely car-free. Small alleyways with cafes and boutiques shape the streetscape in the medieval city center.
Adjacent to the Lavaux vineyards, the sister destination of Montreux Riviera is home Chillon Castle, Chaplin's World, the Queen Studio Experience and of course the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival.
