Le Bouveret and St-Gingolph (south-east shore, Valais)
This is where most of our Lake Geneva properties are. Le Bouveret has a marina, a beach, the Aquaparc water park and Swiss Vapeur Parc, where children ride miniature steam trains. St-Gingolph, a few minutes west, is split in two by a stream that marks the French border. Lake boats reach Montreux in around 40 minutes. Geneva airport is around an hour and a quarter by car.
Best for: Families who want a water park, lake swimming and boat trips
Not for you if: You want an old town with plenty of restaurants: Le Bouveret is a small resort village.
Montreux, Veytaux and La Tour-de-Peilz
Montreux runs along a sheltered bay, with palm trees, flower beds and a lakeside promenade that leads to Chillon Castle at Veytaux. A rack railway climbs to the Rochers-de-Naye for views across the lake and over the Alps. La Tour-de-Peilz, between Montreux and Vevey, is smaller, with a harbour and a games museum in its castle. Blonay sits up the slope, the start of the Blonay-Chamby heritage steam railway.
Best for: Lakefront walks, Chillon Castle and the jazz festival
Not for you if: You want a quiet July: the Montreux Jazz Festival fills the town for two weeks.
Villeneuve and Noville (eastern end of the lake)
Villeneuve is a small walled town at the eastern tip of the lake, a few minutes by train from Montreux. Noville lies on the flat land of the Rhône delta, beside the Grangettes nature reserve, where reed beds and paths attract birdwatchers. Both are quieter and usually better value than Montreux itself. Geneva airport is a little over an hour away.
Best for: Quieter stays near the water with nature walks
Not for you if: You want lots of choice: we have only a few homes here.
Lavaux (Lutry and Le Mont-Pèlerin)
The Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, climb in stone terraces above the lake between Lausanne and Vevey. Lutry has a lakefront old town and a market, and village wine cellars open for tastings. Le Mont-Pèlerin sits high above Vevey, reached by funicular from the town, with wide views over the water to the French Alps. Lausanne is 10 to 15 minutes away.
Best for: Couples who like wine, terraced vineyards and big lake views
Not for you if: You don't like steep lanes: Lavaux is built on a hillside.
Lausanne and La Côte (Lausanne, Saint-Prex, Luins)
Lausanne has a Gothic cathedral, the Olympic Museum at Ouchy and a metro that climbs from the lake to the old town. West of the city, La Côte is wine country. Saint-Prex is a small walled village on the shore near Morges, and Luins sits among vineyards above Rolle. Geneva airport is 30 to 45 minutes from La Côte.
Best for: A city base or a vineyard village between Lausanne and Geneva
Not for you if: You want flat walks into town: central Lausanne is built on steep hills.
Geneva
Geneva has a small old town on the hill, the Jet d'Eau fountain and lakeside parks with public bathing spots such as the Bains des Pâquis. The yellow Mouettes water taxis cross the harbour. The airport is around 10 minutes by train from the main station, which makes Geneva the simplest choice for a long weekend.
Best for: City breaks close to the airport
Not for you if: You want a holiday-village feel: Geneva is a working city with business prices.
