Description:
This original guide focuses on the least known but some of the most impressive spots of the eastern part of the Lake of Geneva; also known to the locals as the Swiss Riviera. You will base yourself in the Vevey-Montreux region, travel to nearly the French border at the Mouth of the Rhone River and take an excursion in the other direction for different kinds of scenery in the charming lakeside town of Morges.
This guide is appropriate for a variety of travelers including famlies and is adaptable in order to enjoy these places in the best way that will suit you (rigorously or relaxing). There are many options from which to choose.
You could also include or combine some these Hidden Gems with guides of the more well known areas of Gevena, Lausanne and Montreux. But if you just have a short time to travel on Lake Geneva and want to do something completely different (and very Swiss), this could be the guide for you!
[image of Hugo Pratt Statue in Grandvaux; courtesy of Dr. Hilary Murphy]
View Iternary mapDay Note:
If you are arriving in Switzerland by air the nearest airport is Geneva. There is the Swiss Rail Train station right in the airport which will take you to Clarens with only one change in about 1 and half hours. You can either take the train non-stop to Lausanne and change to the regional train to Clarens (very scenic) or take the train to Vevey and it's just a 5 minute train trip to Clarens. The train station is very near the hotel. If you have a lot of luggage,...read more
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Ermitage Hotel, Clarens
Contact:
- 021 964 44 11
- visit website
Location:
- rue du Lac 75
- Clarens,Vaud1815
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Sonja Holverson has admired this little mansion for years as she passes it frequently by on the Lake of Geneva paddle steamer stopping at the lovely port of Clarens. The restaurant is excellent and a favorite amongst the local population as well as residents in Montreux.
Description:
L'Ermitage is owned by Isabelle & Etienne Krebs who assure that you are well taken care of. The hotel offers a private lakeside garden where you will be pampered and awestruck at the view from the lakeside hotel just a 15 minute to Montreux along the gorgeous lake promenade. It is especially suitable for families and allows pets. There are parking facilities in a separate garage. Each uniquely designed room or suite has TV and a lake view. The restaurant serves gastronomic delights to guests as well as to locals who frequent their restaurant and garden terrace and the service is excellent throughout the hotel. Just a few steps to the bus stop that runs along the lake as well as the train station. The beauty of Clarens has even been written by visitor, Leon Tolstoï.
Sonja Holverson
Day Note:
Take the quick train ride to Vevey or the bus along the lake. Walk or take the bus up the main street, Route de Chatel-Saint-Denis and turn left at Rue du Chateau you will find the tiny village of Corsier and the Church of St.Jean Baptiste built in 1228 before the Reformation in the 1500s. Excellent views in all of this neighborhood.
Pause for a coffee at Cafe du Chatelard.
Walk further down the main street to the Communal Cemetery to pay tribute to some...read more
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Corsier Communal Cemetery
Contact:
- 022 751.90.60
- visit website
Location:
- , Chemin sur le Crêt
- Corsier-sur-Vevey,Vaud1804
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Little known piece of information for sports enthusiasts: Corsier hosts the headquarters of the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, the international governing body for amateur wrestling.
Description:
World loved actor, writer, director, producer, composer and choreographer, Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin left us a legacy of more than 80 films from 1914 to 1967, most of which were silent. His most famous was "The Tramp" in 1915 and this character is remembered best for its toothbrush mustache, bowler hat, bamboo cane and the signature walk. Charlie Chaplin was born in Walworth, London, England in 1989, worked and lived in the USA and spent most of his time in Hollywood, California. After being denied re-entry into the United States due to his political views during the McCarthy Era (the historical witch hunt for Communists in the 1950s). Charlie Chaplin took his family to Corsier, Switzerland where some of them still reside in the Chaplin family home. He passed on December 25, 1977 and is buried along side his wife, Oona, in a lovely spot with a fabulous view of the Swiss and French Alps along the shores of Lake Geneva.His daughter, actress Geraldine Chaplin, most famous for her role in Doctor Zhivago, from the 1957 novel by Boris Pasternack, is seen occasionally in the Chaplin family home and in Corsier and is an active contributor to the community. Also pay homage to another English... read more -
Cafe et Restaurant du Chatelard
Contact:
- 021 921 19 58
Location:
- sentier des Crosets 1
- Corsier-sur-Vevey,Vaud1804
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Select the Wild game in season or fresh lake fish and include some regional wines in any season from the Canton de Vaud or Valais. There is an excellent list from which to choose.
Description:
Located in the center of the charming Corsier village above Vevey, the cafe is a frequented meeting place for the locals and one could imagine members of the Chaplin family dropping by now and then since their mansion is nearby (which is now scheduled to be turned into a museum in tribute to Charlie Chaplin's life). Chef Stoppele prepares each generous dish personally and the service staff are professional and attentive. Although this is a small village, you should make a reservation if you are dining here
Sonja Holverson.
Day Note:
Take a lazy train ride through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lavaux Vineyards, through Lausanne to one of the local favorite towns on the lake: Morges. There are a choice of activities in Morge from sailing on the galley ship, stroling along the long promenade or just sitting on a terrace admiring the view and watching the locals.
After your return in the evening, if you're in the mood for Asian food, you might try the Mai Thai restaurant on the lake very...read more
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Mai Thai Restaurant
Contact:
- +41 21 964 2536
- visit website
Location:
- rue du Lac 40
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Local Expert Sonja Holverson suggests: Number 33 Chu Chi Kung CHF 36.00 Giant prawns with with red Thai curry or Number 45 Kaeng Phet Ped Yang CHF 30.00 Breast of duck with red curry and pineapple
Description:
One of the best Thai restaurants in the region located on the shores of Lake Geneva. In good weather there is a wonderful terrace right on the lake across from the main restaurant. For Asian food in this region which tends to be a bit expensive, it is reasonably priced. Excellent and warm service providing large portions. Very authentic Thai decor inside the restaurant.
Day Note:
By now you should be adjusted to the time zone and ready for some more active Alpine adventure. On foot or by cog-wheeled train from nearby Montreux, your destination today is straight up to Rochers de Naye which you have been looking at above you for days now.
If you opt for the hike (and I highly recommend it) take the cog-wheeled train to Hauts-de-Caux and you'll find the trailhead to Rochers de Naye. Go via Libosan, it's easier and more scenic. Be sure...read more
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Rochers de Naye
Contact:
- visit website
Location:
- Rochers de Naye,Vaud
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Local expert, Sonja Holversonsuggests:if you want to hike, take the easier trail from "Hauts de Caux" via Liboson which meanders more and is not straight up as the other trail. Have food and water. It takes 2.5 hours to go up and a lot of energy, especially in the rocky areas at the top.
Description:
Once at the top of Rochers de Naye, you have a fabulous panoramic views of the Swiss and French Alps including Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe located on the French side of Lake Geneva. On the way up as well as at the top, you will see paragliders and hang-gliders jumping off. Don't miss the La Rambertia Alpine Garden, where around 1000 various species of plants from all over the world are on display. For families with children there is a Marmot Paradise exhibition as well as Mongolian Yurts which hold up to 8 persons in which to spend the night. There are also rooms in the "Plein Roc" facility as well as full restaurant service. Picnickers are welcome to eat on the deck if the restaurant is not busy but sometimes it's nice to find a spot on the slopes and absorb the natural beauty in peace.
Sonja Holverson
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Caux Village
Contact:
- 021 963 63 80
- visit website
Location:
- Rue du Panorama
- Caux,Vaud1824
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Local Expert,Sonja Holverson: Instead of getting off in Caux, you can continue to the next stop "Hauts-de-Caux" which is the trailhead for hikes to the Dent-de-Jaman and the "Rochers-de-Naye. Parking is available and there is a small bistro for coffee and snacks before you set out.
Description:
Caux is literally straight up from Montreux and a wonderful trip on the cogwheel train can take you there. Occasionally they operate some of the historic trains which is special day and lots of locals participate. When you arrive at the Caux train station you will find a lovely terrace (and a breathtaking view) and restaurant to relax in during your visit which is rather short in this tiny village unless you go hiking. Most non-hikers just go to Caux or stop and then continue on to the top of the Rochers-de-Naye. The extraordinary structure that is seen from miles away on the mountain side that is located in Caux is referred to as the Caux Palace (former Grand Hotel). Today it is the home of the tourist office, a hotel school, and a conference venue that is frequented by the Forum for Human Security which focuses on conferences with the theme of building world peace.
Sonja Holverson
Day Note:
It is not often that you can visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you are staying right in the heart of one. The Lavaux Vineyards Terraces that stretch for about 25 miles along the shores of Lake Geneva are now on the sought-after list of wonders to treasure for always. There are many quaint untouched villages that will now be preserved and any f them are are worth visiting. You can hike all around the vineards (short or long hikes). My favorite village is...read more
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Grandvaux Village
Contact:
- 021 799 92 23
- visit website
Location:
- Place du Village
- Grandvaux,Vaud1091
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Local Expert, Sonja Holverson suggests: dine or have a coffee in the "du Monde" restaurant terrace located in the center of the village with an unbelievable view. Or just get a drink from the local bistro and sit in the town center with the same view!
Description:
Founded on Roman and Celtic ruins, Grandvaux has seen its name change many times. In the 15th century, it was Grantval and eventually became Grandvaux in the 18th century. Still talked about in Grandvaux is the visit of his majesty the Emperor Hirohito of Japan in October 1971. Excellent relations have continued with Japan as a result of this visit and the twin city of Grandvaux become the commune of Nagara Furusato Mura located 60 miles from Tokyo Starting out with 40 winemaking families, modern Grandvaux will soon see a population of 2'000. Not all are working with wine and many professionals work in Lausanne and reside in this picturesque paradise only 15 -20 minutes to the center of Lausanne. However, everyone participates in the community winemaking activities in some way. Grandvaux is especially known for its "chasselas" grapes and "pinot-gamay". There are many festivals, wine tastings and other events for everyone to enjoy. Just sitting on the balcony of the town square is enough to occupy anyone with the Alpine and lake view that surrounds you. Sonja Holverson
Day Note:
Fill your morning with culture and beauty by taking a morning bus or even a boat to the Medieval Chateau de Chillon on the Lake Geneva shores, for a visit. Take your swimming gear with you but it's not for jumping out of the very high up chateau windows into the lake! After your visit of one of the most interesting and intact castles in Switzerland, you can take a bus to Le Bouveret, a small town at the mouth of the Rhone River and just let yourself go in the...read more
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Aquaparc
Contact:
- 024 482 00 00
- visit website
Location:
- Route de la Plage
- Le Bouveret,Vaud1897
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Local Expert, Sonja Holverson tells us: Acquaparc is every child's dream of a water park and a relaxing place for adults as well. It's very colorful, elaborate, full of fantasy and games and very very clean and well managed.
Description:
Caribbean adventures in Switzerland at Aquaparc! An enormous interior and exterior water park awaits your kids (and you) in all types of weather. Discreetly situated under the Swiss Alps at the mouth of the Rhone River in quiet little unknown town of Le Bouveret, this secret island of just plain fun is very popular with the locals and in-the-know tourists who need a break from sightseeing. Two thirds of a mile of descent on the Glisse will keep you sliding and of course there is the indoor pool with the big waves. But your kids will also discover the Captain Kids area with all its pirate fantasy as your children float down sinuous "rivers" with waterfalls, grottos and pirate ship canons. On sunny days there is the Splashlagoon, a playland aquatic dream with a sandy beach, an outdoor pool (and the largest lake in Europe!) and "pedalos" as well as many types of games to maybe even get your kids speaking some French. But why should the kids have all the fun when Aquaparc also has Paradise for adults to distress and relax. Well-being is guaranteed!
Sonja Holverson
read more
Day Note:
To return to the Geneva airport, it would be easiet to take a taxi to the Montreux train station where you can catch a fast Inter-Regional directly to the Geneva airport. For about 1 hour and 20 minutes you catch your final glimpses of the terraced vinyards slopes of Lavaux and the Swiss and French Alps bordering the shore of Lake Geneva.
Lausanne
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Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne
Contact:
- +41 21 612 7612
- visit website
Location:
- avenue de Rhodanie 4
-
Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Excellent hotel for families due to the location and the casual restaurant with good quality food. The also have good meeting rooms and fine dining available. There is a nearby metro to take you uphill to the center of Lausanne.
Description:
Mövenpick is a Swiss brand that is well loved as much for its food products (especially the ice cream) as its international hotels. The Ouchy property is 4*, modern and right on the shores of Lake Geneva close to the boat quais and Ouchy park and promenade with fabulous views available from the rooms. It offers a variety of restaurants from fine dining to casual as well as banqueting. It can be an ideal family hotel, single guests, couples, and corporate travelers to whom it can offer conference services and facilities. It is near the metro that goes straight up hill to the center of Lausanne and the Vielle Ville (old medieval town) and near many other very diverse restaurants and lakeside terraces.
- Destination(s): Lausanne
- Type: Kid Friendly,Off the Beaten Path,Romantic
- 6 DAYS
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