Over 70 kilometres long, Lake Geneva is the largest freshwater lake in Western Europe. It's perfect for swimming as well as discovering its many beaches, and you'll find all manner of aquatic adventures: sailing, water skiing and stand up paddle boarding, to name a few.
Exploring Lake Geneva
A stunning natural environment
This crescent-shaped body of water divides its banks between the Alps and Alpine foothills on one side, and the vineyards of the Côte and Lavaux - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - on the other.
Lake Geneva never ceases to enchant its visitors and residents, whether they are on the Swiss or French side.
A meeting spot that's not to be missed
During the summer season, more than 100 sandy or pebble beaches welcome bathers and sunbathers to their shores. Numerous restaurants open their terraces and offer fillets of perch or féra, Arctic char and pike freshly caught in the waters of this lake of glacial origin.
But Lake Geneva knows how to charm its visitors whatever the season - whether in spring, when nature bursts into a thousand colours, under the magical lights of autumn, or in the soft winter mists. And this immense expanse of water changes colour according to the time of day, the sky sometimes merging with its waters...
A steam cruise on the lake
The CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation) has a unique fleet of 8 Belle Epoque boats, the oldest of which, the "Montreux", is a steamer built in 1904. A Belle Epoque cruise has to be the most elegant and comfortable way to discover Lake Geneva!
From April to October, all lines are open, but it is also possible to take the cruise in winter, especially between Geneva and Lausanne.
Our trip begins on the Quai du Mont-Blanc in les Pâquis at one of three piers where you can board a CGN boat, a mere five minutes from the Bristol.
As soon as you enter the ship, you are struck by the impressive machinery that powers the Savoie. Launched on 7 January 2014, this refined and elegant ship was completely renovated in 2006. It is the only preserved unit of the "60 m" series with a classic steam engine.
The moorings are cast off and the powerful engine of almost 1,000 horsepower starts up. The Savoie makes its way past craft dwarfed by the 68-metre-long steamboat.
On the sides the paddle wheels of what is considered one of the jewels of the Belle Epoque fleet are running at full speed.
Yvoire, a remarkable medieval French village, is only an hour and a half away by boat, while the Olympic city of Lausanne can be reached in three and a half hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a one-of-a-kind trip.
A panoramic view of Lake Geneva and the Alps
As with Swiss trains, the CGN boats have first and second class. In first class, the lounges are beautifully decorated and very comfortable, ensuring a pleasant journey. Some cruises also offer a delicious menu, subject to reservation. The promise of relaxation and eating well!
A few steps lead to the upper deck. Don't forget your cap and sun cream to enjoy the panoramic view of the lake, vineyards and nearby mountains. And since the border passes through the middle of Lake Geneva, it is difficult to know exactly whether you are sailing in Switzerland or in France.
All year round Lake Geneva is a wonderful playground for sailors and nature lovers. Its waters also host major sporting events such as the Bol d'Or Mirabaud, the longest inland lake regatta in Europe.
Can you make out the famous Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe at over 4,800 metres?
A city pearl at the gateway to the mountains
On your way back, you'll catch a magnificent view of the Salève, the iconic mountain of the Alpine foothills in the nearby Haute-Savoie. Overlooking the Annemasse and Genevois region, the Salève offers visitors and hikers a breathtaking panoramic view.
Next, the 140-metre-high Geneva Water Fountain comes into full view. An icon of the city and major tourist attraction, it has been an integral part of the landscape since 1891! If you're not afraid of the humidity, take the jetty which goes all the way up to a few metres from the base, where you can admire the outlet nozzle projecting half a cubic metre of water per second at more than 200 km/h.
The Geneva harbour offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre, which overlooks the city, as well as the Pâquis Baths, a favourite spot for bathers in the summer and a favourite with fondue lovers in the winter.
A smooth landing
You arrive at the English Garden, home to the famous flower clock with its 12,000 flowers, allowing you to discover the city close by from an entirely new angle. The boat makes its way among swimmers, pedalos and other boats. The piloting of a steamboat is reserved for the elite of captains, as the training requires 300 days on the job to be able to take the federal exam.
If you have some time left, you can walk along the lakefront to Genève-Plage (Port Noir), where the yellow boats of the Mouettes genevoises will take you across the harbour to the Pâquis (Quai du Mont-Blanc), just a few minutes away from the Hotel Bristol.
Founded in 1897, the Mouettes genevoises is a network of four lake lines operating year-round since 2004. Its shuttle boats leave every 10 or 30 minutes and offer a fun way to get around.
Your Geneva Transport Card, received at check-in, allows you to use all public transport in Geneva for free, including buses, trams and the Mouettes genevoises.
Any questions?
Our concierge is at your disposal and will be happy to help you.