The “Lac Léman” (or Lake Geneva as most call it)– Europe’s largest lake, part French, part Swiss, and home to the UNESCO-protected Lavaux vineyards, the majestic Château de Chillon an array of picturesque lakeside villages and many more secrets just waiting to be uncovered. If you don’t believe us, just ask Charlie Chaplin who spent his final years here…
As travel designers, we find that many of our clients are keen to take in the beauty of its 580 square kilometers of pure blue, but are always asking where they can catch the best pictures. Here are our five favorite spots to capture the perfect photo that you can explore on your own or through our private day tours:
THE LAVAUX VINEYARDS
The classic, but our personal favorite… amidst the vineyards of the Lavaux, overlooking the rooftops of its chocolate box villages, with the French Alps plunging into the turquoise blue waters. Just cruise through, and make sure to have enough time… you’ll want to stop pretty much, everywhere.
If you’re looking to enjoy the summer with a good apéro and fantastic views, we recommend Le Deck in Chexbres (Route de la Corniche 4) which has some of the best views!
MONTREUX
For those who are not big fans of driving through tiny roads, we recommend you just walk along the flowery promenade in Montreux… the views over the French Alps and the lake are second to none.
Insider Tip: if you’re up for some exercise, you can walk all the way to the iconic Chateau de Chillon, which takes about 45 minutes. Along the way, as you arrive in Veytaux and pass the tennis courts, you’ll find the most dreamy photo spot overlooking the castle:
LES ROCHERS DE NAYE
For the more sporty kind, you cannot miss the “Rochers de Naye” plummeting over Montreux and Lake Geneva. Take the train up from Montreux to an altitude of 2’042m, where you can enjoy a number of hikes with breath-taking views at every turn. The little ones will love coming here to see the “marmot paradise”!
GENEVA
If you’re just in Geneva for a quick stop, do not fret! One of our most beloved places to take in Lake Geneva is just on the outskirts, 10 minutes from the city center by car in the exclusive neighborhood of Cologny: Chemin de Byron 30. Don’t forget to bring a picnic – believe us, you’ll want to stay more than just a few minutes here!
THE VIEWS YOU CANT GET ANYWHERE ELSE…
And then… there are the views you can’t catch anywhere else, but aboard your own private boat, with our guide brisking you away from the crowds. You’ll have front-row seats to the paradise setting in front of you, with a glass of local wine in your hand. How does that sound for an unforgettable experience?
Because your holidays are too precious not to be extraordinary, we at Chantal & Max Switzerland Travel Design save you the time and stress of internet research, and seamlessly connect you to the heart of Switzerland with our bespoke private tours, unbiased local insight and uniquely-crafted experiences. Contact us at info@chantaletmax.com or by clicking here for your custom-designed luxury vacation to Switzerland that you will never forget!