Where can you find cosmopolitan cities, dramatic mountain
peak views, Alpine valleys and breathtaking vineyards? The Lake Geneva Region,
that’s where
The Lake Geneva
Region
One of the world’s most famous lakes, Lake Geneva, needs
little introduction. Over the years, the glittering Swiss lake has been home to
Hollywood royalty including Audrey Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin and David Niven,
and the inimitable Coco Chanel. Today, a virtually unparalleled constellation
of Michelin-started restaurants, sumptuous hotels, prestigious health clinics
and opulent boutiques continues to draw the world’s most stylist people to the
shores of Lake Geneva.
However, there is far more to the larger Lake Geneva Region
than even those already familiar with the chic city of Geneva might realize.
This diverse region encompasses several distinct environments: cosmopolitan
cities such as Lausanne, Montreux and Vevey; charming old villages and historic
chateaux; picturesque vineyards and Alpine meadows; spectacular, pristine
mountains; and countless lakes, rivers, gorges and waterfalls.
Lausanne Festival
One thing unites locals around Lake Geneva: a love for fine
food and wine. Whether you plump for fish fresh from the lake, served with Chef
Violier’s signature Dézaley chervil velouté at the three-Michelin-starred
Restaurant Hotel de Ville in Crissier (just one of the area’s 13
Michelin-starred restaurants) or a hearty croute au from age in a mountain refuge,
you won’t be disappointed, particularly if you wash down your food with a glass
of crisp local Chasselas.
While Lake Geneva’s restaurants invariable source fresh,
local produce, it’s hard to beat one of the region’s gourmet walking routes for
simple, authentic dishes. Following clearly marked, scenic paths you’ll pass
the fields, farms and vineyards where the celebrated local cheeses, cold meats
and wines are crafted, stopping for tastings at markets and welcoming inns
along the way.
Lavaux Vineyard
Oenophiles will be pleased to learn that there are also
several dedicated wine walks in the Lake Geneva Region, including one which
explores the celebrated Lavaux vineyards. These ancient terraced vineyards,
which unfurl uphill from the shores of Lake Geneva, have been awarded UNESCO
World Heritage Site status in recognition of the living “culture landscape”
they represent, testimony of the unique collaboration of monks, farmers and
artisans who created these intricate, suspended wine gardens.
Gather together a picnic in the medieval town of Lutry
before starting your exploration on foot. The walk will take you through the
hamlet of Chatelard and up steep vineyards to Montagny Castle before stopping
for a well-deserved lunch at the stunning Chemin des Echelettes viewpoint in
the village of Aran, which affords sweeping views across Lake Geneva and the
towering mountains beyond it. Pressing on through the narrow, atmospheric
streets of Grandvaux, you’ll descend to the pretty town of Cully, from where
you can look back at Lavaux’s steepest vineyard, Dézaley.
Lavaux’s steepest
vineyard, Dézaley
It’s also possible to soak up the views of vineyards,
lakeside villages, snow-capped peaks and pretty castles from the sun-kissed
decks of a splendid Belle Epoque paddle-wheeler boat. Eight of these
beautifully restored ships navigate their way serenely around Lake Geneva, each
equipped with an excellent restaurant, making for an utterly idyllic day out.
For more urban delights, head for the bright lights of
Lausanne, a city which bristles with fascinating museums, art galleries,
theatres, exclusive boutiques and festivals.
Wine Tasting in
Lavaux
For a peaceful stroll, amble along the lake promenade from
Montreux – turn left to reach the turreted Château de Chillon, perched
strategically on a rocky outcrop in the lake, or turn right to follow the
palm-tree and flower-adorned path to Vevey, one of the pearls of this “Swiss
Riviera”
