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Destination:

Geneva


Activities


Boat Cruises

A steamship cruise is a wonderfully relaxing way to enjoy the scenery of the Swiss Riviera. CGN operates a range of scenic cruises, from a one-hour boat cruise of Geneva’s shores to gourmet and gastronomic cruises, to Belle Époque excursions aboard an historic paddle steamer.


Sailing/Yachting

A number of sailing clubs around the lake offer yachts and sailboats for rent.

Geneva:
Marti Marine Tel. +41 22 732 88 21
Les Corsaires Tel: +41 22 735 43 00
Swissboat  Tel: +41 22 732 47 47

Versoix (approx 6 miles from Geneva):
Centre Nautique Moby-Dick Tel: +41 22 755 12 76
Club Nautique de Versoix Tel. +41 22 755 35 00

Port Valais (near Montreux):
Grand Largue Tel: +41 79 220 20 00


Hiking

With spectacular mountains all around the lake, opportunities for every type of hiking abound, from nature trails to Nordic walks to technical climbs. Switzerland has over 38,000 miles of well-marked trails, many accessed by ski lifts or cable cars. The Alpine hiking season runs from mid Jun-mid Sep (May-Oct at lower elevations such as Lake Geneva, which is 1230 feet above sea level). Even at low elevations, be sure to dress in layers, wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water and sunscreen – if you are going on a long hike, let your hotel know where you’re headed and when you plan to return.

For an easy, scenic hike near Lake Geneva, try the Lavaux Terraces. This vast network of walking trails leads through the historic Lavaux wine region (a UNESCO World Heritage site) above Lausanne, Vevey and Montreaux. Or check out the Mike Horn Family Trail at Château-d'Oex, complete with a treasure hunt, zip-lines, and other fun activities.


Hot Air Balloon Rides
Château-d'Oex, 17 miles from Gruyères

Château-d'Oex achieved fame as the take-off point for the first around-the-world balloon flight in 1999. This mountain village has a microclimate that makes it ideal for ballooning, and is one of the world centers of the sport. 3-4 hour passenger flights are available (the flight itself is 1 hour). Flights available twice daily year round – in winter, afternoon flights will only take place if morning flights are filled.


Winter Sports

The Alps are home some of the most famous ski resorts in the world. Runs can be steep and narrow, not necessarily ideal for kids. The ski areas of the Jura region (including La Dôle, Mont-Tendre and Chasseron) offer gentler slopes, good for beginners. Though there are dozens of resorts within an hour or two of Geneva, we suggest staying in one of the charming ski villages, which are quiet, free of cars, and surrounded by unbeatable mountain scenery. If the downhill slopes are too much, there are plenty of other winter activities, like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, sleigh rides and ice skating.

Winter weather can be unpredictable, with the mountains getting little snow some years. Ski resorts open as early as October (for glacier skiing) or whenever the first snowfall happens (usually December), and stay open till mid-April or even May.