Attractions - Switzerland

Attractions - Bern

Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland

The Lake Geneva Region – technically the canton of Vaux – is diverse, with three distinctive areas: the Jura mountains to the west, the relatively level plains of the Mittelland in the centre and the Alps to the east. It has something for everyone.

Lausanne, Switzerland’s fifth largest city, is the main city in the Lake Geneva Region. It is beautifully located on top of some hillsides surrounded by forests and meadows. Visit the cathedral, widely considered to be the best Swiss example of a Gothic church. Be sure to climb the tower to get one of the most stunning and panoramic views of the city and lake. There are plenty of interesting museums in Lausanne. For a different experience, check out the Musée de l’Art Brut, founded by the French artist Jean Dubuffet in 1976. None of the artists have had any conventional training and include prisoners and mental health patients. For a more conventional museum trip, visit the Museum of Fine Arts at the Palais de la Rumine or have a look at the Olympic museum. There is an abundance of fine restaurants in Lausanne, with some excellent fish restaurants on the lakeshore. From Lausanne, head eastwards into the Lake Geneva Riviera. Montreux and Vevey are the main towns in this beautiful area of vineyards and lakeside views of the mountains. Montreux is home to many festivals, including the famous Montreux jazz festival, held each year in July and the Montreux-Vevey Music Festival of classical music held from late August to September. Take a train to the Rochers de Naye and look down from over 2,000 metres at Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains.

T o explore the northern part of the region, start off at Yverdon-les-Bains, western Switzerland’s major spa resort. Take the opportunity to soak yourself in one of the many outdoor thermal spas. Visit one of the many museums or exhibitions, shop, or travel to the nearby medieval town of Grandson. If you have time, head further north to Avenches, former capital of Roman Helvetica. For summer hiking and winter skiing, travel east to the Alps. If you go to Les Diaberets, you’ll even be able to ski in the summer! The Les Diaberets glacier lies at a height of 3,000 metres and offers spectacular views of the area. Apart from skiing, why not have a go at mountain biking, paragliding or one of the other exciting adventure sports on offer.

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