The largest cities on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) are Geneva (Genève) and Lausanne in Switzerland. Other notable towns include Nyon, Montreux, Morges, and Vevey in Switzerland and Thonon-les-Bains, Évian, and Yvoire in France
Although most of the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) are populated, urban settlements are relatively small. Most towns are on the northern lakeshore in Switzerland while the French southern side is more sparsely populated. Geneva (population 190,000) and Lausanne (130,000) are the only two cities in the Lake Geneva region with around a million people living in the larger metropolitan area around Geneva. Most other towns are small – only Thonon-les-Bains (32,000) and Montreux (25,000) have populations exceeding 20,000. Trains are a good way to travel in the region with tickets often easier to buy from Trainline than SBB when on short visits.
The inhabitants of the Lake Geneva region are relatively rich and well-educated. As a result, more culture and entertainment are available here than would normally be expected in such small cities. The Lac Léman region is rich in cultural events and festivals with endless outdoor activities too. Wine and good food are appreciated with many fine hotels and restaurants available in even the smallest towns.
International Geneva
Geneva (Genève in French, Genf in German) is the largest and most visited city on Lake Geneva. Geneva is famous as the seat of a large number of international organizations and companies. Geneva has the largest number and variety of hotels and restaurants in the region. Hotels are pricey, especially during major conferences, but bargains are available during quieter periods.
Major attractions of Geneva include its lovely waterfront with expansive parks, museums, a compact old town, high-end shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
Geneva has an excellent public transportation system, which seamlessly integrates trains, trams, buses, and boats into a single transportation ticket. Geneva International Airport (GVA) is only minutes by bus or train from downtown while high-speed trains run from Geneva-Cornavin Main Train Station to all parts of Switzerland and France. Excellent train connections are available from Geneva to Lausanne and all towns on the northern shores of Lake Geneva and deeper into Switzerland whether up the Rhone Valley into Valais or inland to Fribourg, Bern, Basel, and Zurich.
Lausanne – Olympic Headquarters
Lausanne is for many the most beautiful city on Lake Geneva. It has a less international feel than Geneva with a larger permanent population and a more laid-back appearance. Lausanne has fewer hotels and not necessarily cheaper than Geneva. Lausanne is the capital of canton Vaud (Waadt in German) and has a large student population.
Lausanne is beautifully located on several hills that make for steep slopes but lovely views and panoramas. Lausanne’s waterfront area in the Ouchy neighborhood is hugely popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Lausanne has a few interesting museums, including the Olympic Museum, one of the finest Gothic churches in Switzerland, and shopping at less expensive prices than in Genève.
Lausanne has an excellent public transportation system with bus and train links to all nearby towns. Lausanne also has excellent rail links to Geneva, Paris (TGV), and all parts of Switzerland. Passenger ferry boats link Lausanne with Évian and Thonon-les-Bains on the French side of Lake Geneva.
Swiss Towns on Lake Geneva
Montreux is probably the most famous town on Lake Geneva. It is mostly associated with the annual Montreux Jazz Festival but it is also a lovely town to visit year-round. Its waterfront with posh hotels is beautifully maintained with manicured lawns and flower beds. It plays host to the best Christmas market in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Nearby Chateau de Chillon is the most popular historic castle in Switzerland – Buy tickets online.
Prosperous Vevey sports the headquarters of Nestlé, an interesting food museum (Alimentarium), a large Camera Museum, a lovely waterfront area, and is the gateway to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage-listed Lavaux vineyards and wine-growing region. Chaplin’s World is a museum in the house where Charlie Chaplin lived his final 25 years.
Morges has a lovely castle with several museums, a small old town, and an inviting waterfront area. Morges hosts several events and festivals each year including the spectacular (and free) tulip festival each spring and the historic British car meeting early in October.
Nyon’s white castle offers spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the French Alps. On a clear day, the views reach to the Jet d’Eau in Geneva and Mt Blanc in France. A regular ferry boat service links Nyon with medieval Yvoire on the French side of Lac Léman.
French Towns on Lake Geneva
Évian-les-Bains is the most famous Lac Léman town in France. This spa town, famous for its water, is a popular summer resort with many spa facilities and cultural events. The passenger ferry boat to Lausanne is often the best transportation method, although the Leman Express network provides good links to Geneva city and airport.
Yvoire is probably the most picturesque town on Lake Geneva. This small town kept much of its medieval look and is a hugely popular tourist day-trip destination. The passenger ferry boat to Nyon offers the easiest public transportation to Yvoire.