Welcome to Destination Leman!

Destination Léman > Non classé > Welcome to Destination Léman!

Why choose the Lake Geneva region for your holiday?

This question shouldn’t even need asking!! But we’re going to take the time to show you why you absolutely must visit the shores of our beautiful Lake Geneva at least once in your life (you’ll definitely be back)!

To start with, we’re in one of the most beautiful regions in France: Haute-Savoie! You might think we’re being a bit biased… but sometimes you just have to face the facts: “it’s lovely here!” If you can’t find us in the top 5 most beautiful regions in France to visit, it’s simply because the journalist hasn’t been here yet! Sorry, we’re getting sidetracked.

Let’s get back to the point, even if it’s more fish than sheep you’ll find round here. You know, fish is really delicious. Fried perch, fillets of lake féra… two of our many specialities! Because here, you’re on the shores of the largest lake in Western Europe: Lake Geneva, and right next to the Alps in the heart of the Chablais Geopark!

To whet your appetite even more, we’ve put together our TOP 10 must-see attractions in the area! This is, of course, just a brief taste of all the wonderful things you can see, do and enjoy here. If you’d like to find out more, feel free to browse our website, check out our social media or give us a call! As enthusiasts, we’ll be happy to share our little secrets with you – just the touristy ones, for now.

What is Destination Leman?

To make things clearer, here’s a little map!

We cover the tourist area comprising the 25 municipalities of the Thonon-les-Bains conurbation. Have you heard of it? Yes, the water, but there’s also the town, the thermal baths and loads of little gems around the lake in all our municipalities!

You can come and meet us to discuss our little secrets at the blue dots; we can put together a personalised itinerary for your trip, including events, activities… everything YOU fancy!

And now, on to the TOP 10!

 

 

1. Relax and unwind on the fine sandy beach at Excenevex … It’s just like being by the sea, but even better! You can build sandcastles, sunbathe on deckchairs, have fun on pedalos, sip cocktails, play beach tennis or beach volleyball … all whilst enjoying breathtaking views of the Pre-Alps!

Plage d'Excenevex

 

 

2. Visit the medieval town of Yvoire! This 14th-century market town, which can only be explored on foot, has miraculously preserved precious reminders of the past: a castle, ramparts, gates, period houses… a well-preserved place that will transport you back in time. A national winner of the floral display competition, Yvoire is a member of the prestigious Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Throughout the season, artisans, art galleries, small shops, restaurants and terraces bring the town’s streets to life.

 

 

3. Take a walk along the shores of the Domaine de Rovorée La Châtaignière to admire the magnificent turquoise hues of the lake water! The Domaine is one of the largest natural sites open to the public on the French shore of Lake Geneva. Here you will discover a sensitive natural area home to an ancient forest with centuries-old chestnut trees, lake shores featuring tufa caves and medieval ruins, forest and shore birds, and a splendid panorama of Lake Geneva.

 

 

 

 

4. Make the most of the lake by hopping on a paddleboard, canoe, kayak, rowing boat or even a catamaran! Speed lovers, why not give wakeboarding or tubing a go? Great memories guaranteed!

 

 

 

5. Watch the sunset from the Châteaux des Allinges! Pop into the market to put together a little basket of local produce and head up to the châteaux for a picnic, with a 360° view of the lake, the mountains and the hills of the Chablais! If you’re an early riser, it’s also a lovely spot to watch the sun rise behind the Dent d’Oche.

 

 

 

6. For sports enthusiasts and/or thrill-seekers, why not try one of the many outdoor activities on offer: mountain biking, paragliding, via ferrata, tree-top adventure courses, rafting, rock climbing…

 

 

 

7. Try all our delicious local produce!! Fish, cheese, cured meats, terrines, duck specialities, snails, wines, beers, fruit, vegetables, jams, biscuits… Straight from the producers, on the tables of our restaurants and on the stalls at our markets!

8. Discover and learn new things!

Visit the Parc des Aigles du Léman and watch one of the shows to admire the birds in flight, discover the different species of lake birds and birds of prey, and find out more about the white-tailed eagle reintroduction programme in the Lake Geneva region. Europe’s largest eagle is back!

Learn how to make a fire or hunt a mammoth at the Museum of Prehistory and Geology in Sciez! Every holiday, the museum offers a range of fun activities centred on the history of humankind and the Earth, so you can learn whilst having fun….

 

 

9. Enjoy an aperitif in the charming village of Nernier and soak up the last rays of sunshine of the day over Lake Geneva. A picturesque village on the shores of Lake Geneva, dotted with murals and poems carved into the stone, Nernier pays tribute to the major Romantic writers of the 19th century, notably Lamartine, Shelley and Byron, whose visits have left a lasting mark on the collective memory.

 

10. Get out and about! Laugh, dance and sample local produce! All summer long, the area is brimming with events, local markets and shows to suit every taste!

Les Eclectik’s on Sciez-sur-Léman beach, Electro Thursdays in unusual venues, the XNV Beach Festival on Excenevex beach, or the Jazz Festival in the medieval town of Yvoire!

But there’s also theatre, circus, street art, and gastronomy with gourmet markets and local produce markets… you’ll always find something to round off your days on a festive note! Discover the full programme!

 

There you go! Try telling us you don’t fancy coming now! Come on, see you soon at Destination Léman!