Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva, or Lake Léman as it is known in French, is the largest lake in Switzerland and also ranks as Europe's largest lake as well. The name Lake Léman is derived from the first records of Lake Geneva, which date back thousands of years to the era of the Roman Empire, when the Romans called it Lacus Lemanus.
In the Middle Ages it became known as Lac de Lausanne, but as the city of Geneva rose in prominence this famous body of water became known as Lac de Genève or Lake Geneva. Today, thanks to a multitude of colourful racing yachts and high-performance catamarans, Lake Geneva offers a thrilling scene and fabulous backdrop for any European break. Grand Lake Geneva & Petite Lake Geneva -
Regulated by Seujet Dam near Geneva, the waters of Lake Geneva come under both French and Swiss jurisdiction. In Switzerland, the Lake covers the cantons of Geneva, Valais and Vaud and in France, the Haute-Savoie. Lake Geneva is bordered on its southern shore by the Chablais Alps and on the eastern side of Lake Geneva are the towering Bernese Alps.
Lake Geneva is in view of Mont Blanc and the Grand Combin summit in places. Displaying a moon shape that belies its glacial beginning, the water is divided into a large lake or ‘Grand Lac' and a smaller lake known as ‘Petit Lac'. Cities found along Grand Lac include Haute-Savoie, Évian-les-Bains, Montreux, Séchex, Clarens and Lausanne. On the Petit Lac, you can discover the beauty and charms of cities and towns like Cologny, Messery, Anières, Collonge-Bellerive and Geneva. Musée d'Art et d'Histoire -
Since it is made up of four different sites across the city, the Musées d'Art et d'Histoire is one of the largest museums in Switzerland. Those interested in everything from archaeology to fine arts will find a collection that will captivate them here, as visitors are able to bear witness to the history of civilisation and art from prehistoric right up to modern times.
More than 7,000 artefacts and artworks are on permanent exhibition thanks to this impressive group of collections and a compelling programme of temporary exhibitions keep visitors returning time after time. Everything from bold Picasso paintings to intricate watch-making displays may be exhibited from one month to the next, so why not take a look at the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire website to find out what will be on offer during your visit to Geneva? United Nations European Headquarters -
Frequently referred to as the ‘heart of Europe' the United Nations European Headquarters are a superb place to visit. This centre of international importance is housed in the Palais des Nations, which is itself an outstanding testimony to twentieth century architecture. Thanks to the building's location in beautiful parkland overlooking Lake Geneva, a visit here promises to deliver splendid views of the Alps and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc.
Around 100,000 visitors, take the official tour of the ‘Palais des Nations' each year, which is available in more than 15 languages and lasts for one hour. Tours take in a host of features and points of historical interest, including The Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, decorated by famous artist Miquel Barcelò, The Council Chamber, where many important historical negotiations have taken place and gifts that have been presented by various countries to the United Nations Office in Geneva. The perfect hotel for your trip to Geneva -
A landmark hotel near Lake Geneva, the Hotel Warwick combines high standards of service with sophisticated lodging and amenities. Our hotel guests can enjoy fully renovated rooms and suites with new furnishings and private terraces.
Hotel Warwick Geneva also boasts fine dining facilities at two restaurants, a welcoming bar, complimentary in-room internet access, elegant meeting spaces and legendary Swiss hospitality, which will make your stay in Geneva an unforgettable experience.
