One of the best ways to see Geneva, especially in fair weather, is to take a ‘Mouette’ boat and tour the lake. The boats (with guided commentary in English), operated by Swissboat, ply the lake and the Rhône (cruises last from 40 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes) – the company also operates a regular shuttle service from Place du Molard to Quai du Mont-Blanc and Quai Gustave-Ador. Smaller companies offer similar tours.
Geneva tours and excursions
Geneva tours
Bus tours
Key Tours organises a choice of tours covering Geneva’s star attractions, as well as incorporating the considerable charm of the surrounding countryside. The company’s five-hour tour combines a tour of the main urban sights, a trip to the countryside and, for good measure, a cruise on Lake Geneva.
Telephone: (022) 731 4140.
Website:
www.keytours.ch
Walking tours
The Geneva Tourist Office offers a selection of guided tours in French, German or English around some of Geneva’s mainstream sights, as well as the kind of quirky tucked-away places that only guides ever seem to know about. Options include an Old Town tour, or a themed visit in the footsteps of 16th-century reformer John Calvin. Private tours are also available.
Telephone: (022) 909 7000.
Website:
www.geneve-tourisme.ch
Excursions from Geneva
Lausanne
This lakeside city, just 61km (38 miles) from Geneva, is easily reached by a 40-minute train journey from Cornavin station. Lausanne's pedestrianised, hilly streets are perfect for wandering. The Rue du Pont leads to the Place de la Palud, with its fountain and Renaissance Mairie (town hall). Nearby, the turreted towers of the Romanesque-gothic cathedral offer the best views of Lausanne, Lake Geneva and the Savoy Alps. The Musée Historique de Lausanne has a rich collection of religious art, while the Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts displays work by local artists.
Lausanne Tourisme
Avenue de Rhodanie 2, Lausanne
Telephone:
(021) 613 7373.
Website:
www.lausanne-tourisme.ch
Lavaux vineyards
Wine production in the Lavaux vineyards, just east of Geneva, dates back to Roman times. Today, this picturesque region flanking the steep northern slopes of Lake Geneva is dotted with beautiful wine-producing villages such as Chexbres, Rivaz and St Saphorin, offering superb wine-tasting opportunities in their local cellars. Follow the 32km (20-mile) Lavaux Wine Trail from Lausanne's Olympic Museum to Villeneuve for spectacular views of the lake, or climb aboard the Lavaux Express tourist train (www.lavauxexpress.ch) at Lutry to explore the area.
Montreux-Vevey Tourisme
Rue de Théâtre 5, Montreux
Unesco:
Yes
Telephone:
0848 868 484.
Website:
www.lavaux.com
Montreux and Château de Chillon
Situated on the north shore, at the eastern end of Lake Geneva, Montreux is the gateway to nearby ski resorts like Gstaad, Leysin and Château d'Oex, as well as the mountains of the Valais canton further afield (of which the Matterhorn is the most famous peak). Montreux is 93km (58 miles) from Geneva and can be reached by frequent trains and also ferries during the summer. The town offers mountain-biking, rafting and paragliding, and sits close to the most famous castle in Switzerland, the Château de Chillon (www.chillon.ch).
Montreux-Vevey Tourisme
Rue de Théâtre 5, Montreux
Telephone:
0848 868 484.
Website:
www.montreuxriviera.com
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