The Lake Geneva region is located in the French-speaking part of western Switzerland, a timeless, picturesque destination boasting classic mountain beauty and iconic hotels.
Visitors come from around the world for wine tastings in the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; outdoor activities including hiking and winter mountain sports; and the Vallée de Joux, the birthplace of Swiss watchmaking.
In October, the Aquatis Aquarium-Vivarium opened in Lausanne, an interactive cultural center, museum and educational institution. It’s the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe, containing close to 10,000 fish and reptile species from five continents.
Also this winter, the village of Château-d’Oex celebrates its 40th-annual Festival International de Ballons Jan. 27–Feb. 4, 2018. The town is famed as the start of the first successful around-the-world balloon journey in 1999 in the Breitling Orbiter by Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones. This year, more than 80 balloons from 20 countries will take to the skies.
If food is the main motivation for your trip to the Lake Geneva region, there is no shortage of world-class culinary experiences to be had this winter. Michelin-starred chef Franck Giovannini from Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville in Crissier was awarded Best Chef of the Year, and chef Florian Carrard at Hotel Valrose in Rougemont was named Discovery of the Year in Switzerland by Gault&Millau. There are 97 restaurants in the Lake Geneva region in the Gault&Millau 2018 guide and 12 restaurants in the Michelin Guide 2018.
If you’re traveling around Christmastime, enjoy Switzerland’s renowned holiday markets. The month-long Montreaux Noel features 160 chalets arranged along the lakefront, selling handmade goods and local food specialties. The nearby city of Lausanne has its own holiday festival, Bô Noël — a market with local food, wines and handmade goods.
Glacier 3000 expands its ski area for the 2017–2018 season with the creation of Red Run, which opened Dec. 20. At nearly five miles long, it will be the longest ski run on the glacier. Visitors can also take the Peak Walk, go dogsledding and enjoy a meal at the renovated Restaurant Botta. Visit the Lake Geneva website to learn more about skiing, sledding and other winter sports in Les Diablerets, Villas-sur-Ollon, Les Mosses, Leysin and other ski areas.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 22, 2024Choose Lompoc on California’s Central Coast for Outdoor-Focused Fun
If you’re in weather denial mode and resisting the urge to switch your closet over to sweaters and snow boots, keep summer going for a little longer in Lompoc, California.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight
As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Try This New Sea-to-Table Experience at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the oceanfront property on the pristine coast of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, just launched a new Sea to Table program in partnership with SpearMex, the region’s premier sea exploration experts. The new programming features a hands-on experience and ocean-to-table culinary journey combining sustainable fishing practices with personalized gastronomic techniques lead by Executive Chef Jorge González.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Waldorf Astoria Residences New York Announces Partnership with Bang & Olufsen
Waldorf Astoria Residences New York recently announced a partnership with Bang & Olufsen. The contemporary residences sit atop the legendary hotel, currently nearing the end of its expansive restoration.
Sponsored Content
Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Hotel Saint Augustine to Open in Houston’s Museum District Neighborhood
Hotel Saint Augustine, expected to softly open in Houston this December, is a design-savvy boutique hotel from Austin-based hospitality group Bunkhouse. The hotel will officially debut January 2025.
5 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Daily
Nov 21, 2024eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Château des Fleurs Review
Just a short block from the Champs Elysées, flower-bedecked window boxes grace the corner and clearly identify Château des Fleurs. This 37-room boutique hotel is one of Vivre-LMB’s five small hotels in Paris owned by Olivier Bertrand and his sisters and affiliated with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Sponsored Content
Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet
Condor Airlines completely renewed its long-haul fleet, featuring its new Airbus A330neo. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the A330neo is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers unrivaled comfort, ensuring an exceptional journey for every passenger. With its striking signature striped livery, the A330neo not only promises a memorable flight but also enhances the start of your vacation from the moment you step aboard.
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 20242 Miami Hotels Go Big for Black Friday, Cyber Monday
Two Miami hotels entice travelers this season to take advantage of some special offers. Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection, in the heart of Mid-Beach, offers up to 40 percent off the best available rate when booked by Dec. 30 for stays through Dec. 30, 2025. Book this offer.
ShareThis