A cruise on a Belle Époque paddle steamer
CGN sails five Belle Époque paddle steamers on its main cruises, with French stops at Évian, Thonon and Yvoire.
CGN, press release of 18 April 2026
Chablais · Haute-Savoie · 372 m
Lake Geneva, the French side
Lake Geneva webcams
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Lake Geneva (French shore, Évian)
14°
372 m · 11 km/h7-day forecast
| Day | Lake Geneva (French shore, Évian) 372 m | Wind 372 m | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 11 Oct | 11° / 15° | 12 km/h | |
| Mon 12 Oct | 8° / 17° | 9 km/h | |
| Tue 13 Oct | 11° / 18° | 8 km/h | |
| Wed 14 Oct | 13° / 22° | 8 km/h | |
| Thu 15 Oct | 13° / 22° | 11 km/h | |
| Fri 16 Oct | 14° / 23° | 11 km/h | |
| Sat 17 Oct | 10° / 17° | 38 km/h |
Weather-model estimates at the stated altitude of each point, not measurements. Source: Open-Meteo, updated every hour.
Lake Geneva, Lac Léman in French, is the largest lake in the Alps: 580 km² and more than 300 m deep. The French–Swiss border runs down its middle. This guide covers its French shore, 58 km of coastline in Haute-Savoie, from the Petit Lac near Geneva to Saint-Gingolph, at the foot of the Chablais mountains.
On the French side, people come for the spa towns of Évian and Thonon, the medieval village of Yvoire, Excenevex (the only natural sandy beach on this shore), the wild Dranse delta and the viewpoints of the Mémises. The Léman Express train links Geneva with Thonon and Évian, and CGN boats cross to Lausanne and Nyon.
Lake Geneva in pictures
6 photosYvoire and its castle seen from the lake (August 2019). Photo: Jean-Christophe Benoist · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Yvoire harbour in the evening (August 2012). Photo: Patrick Nouhailler · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons The shores of Lake Geneva at Évian-les-Bains (June 2019). Photo: Florian Pépellin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons A paddle steamer on Lake Geneva at Nernier (June 2009). Photo: Pareloup · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons The Dent d’Oche and Lake Geneva from Excenevex (August 2006). Photo: Delachaussée · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons The Dranse delta nature reserve (2008). Photo: Nanoxyde · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Lake Geneva: key figures
- French lakeside municipalities
- 16, in Haute-Savoie Haute-Savoie prefecture, specifications for Lake Geneva (2022)
Measured
Lake level: 372.174 m · Geneva-Sécheron (Switzerland), 11 October 2026 at 20:40. Level in metres above sea level, measured every 10 minutes. The level of Lake Geneva is regulated by the Seujet dam.
Office fédéral de l’environnement (OFEV / BAFU), via LINDASGood to know
- The lake level is regulated at the Seujet dam in Geneva: about 372.6 m in summer and 372.0 m in winter. Haute-Savoie prefecture, specifications for Lake Geneva (2022)
- Lake Geneva is the second most important wintering area for waterbirds in France, after the Camargue. On the French side, the mouth of the Dranse and the Baie de Coudrée are protected. Haute-Savoie prefecture, specifications for Lake Geneva (2022)
- The Dranse delta nature reserve has recorded 240 bird species, more than 800 plants and families of beavers; the Lake Geneva colony of black kites is described as the largest in Europe. Asters – CEN Haute-Savoie, Dranse delta nature reserve
- The prehistoric pile-dwelling site of Tougues, at Chens-sur-Léman, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Haute-Savoie prefecture, specifications for Lake Geneva (2022)
- The Chablais, between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, has been a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2012. Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark
- Yvoire was fortified in the 14th century by Count Amadeus V of Savoy to keep watch over the lake; the village is listed among the ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’ (the most beautiful villages in France). Its castle is private and not open to visitors. Thonon Léman Tourisme, the medieval village of Yvoire
- Thonon’s funicular, opened in 1888, links the harbour at Rives with the upper town in about three minutes. Thonon Léman Tourisme, the funicular
Getting to the lake, parking, boats
- From Geneva
Léman Express train L1 (Geneva – Annemasse – Thonon – Évian). By car, about 25 km from Geneva to Thonon on the D1005; Geneva airport is about thirty kilometres away. Thonon Léman Tourisme, getting there
- From Lausanne, by boat
CGN 2026: Lausanne-Ouchy – Évian in about 35 min, daily; Lausanne – Thonon in about 50 min, Monday to Friday. Canton of Vaud, CGN 2026 timetable (lines N1, N2, N3)
- From Nyon, by boat
CGN 2026: Nyon – Yvoire in about 20 min; at weekends, only from 25 April to 11 October. Canton of Vaud, CGN 2026 timetable (lines N1, N2, N3)
- From Annecy
About 70 km to Thonon on the A41, then the D1206 and the D1005. Thonon Léman Tourisme, getting there
- From Lyon
About 190 km to Thonon by motorway (exit 14, towards Annemasse), then the D1206 and the D1005. Thonon Léman Tourisme, getting there
- From Montreux and the Valais
About 60 km from Montreux to Thonon on the D1005, which runs along the whole French shore from Saint-Gingolph. Thonon Léman Tourisme, getting there
Tap a point on the map or in the list to see its description, with a link to get directions from where you are.
- Station
- Boat pier
- Beach
- Car park
- Trailhead
- Viewpoint
- Worth seeing
- Station
Évian-les-Bains station
End of the Léman Express line; buses to Thollon-les-Mémises and Bernex.
- Boat pier
Thonon landing stage (Port de Rives)
CGN boat N2 to Lausanne-Ouchy, about 50 min, Monday to Friday in 2026. The funicular climbs to the upper town.
- Boat pier
Yvoire landing stage
CGN boat N3 to Nyon, about 20 min; at weekends only from 25 April to 11 October in 2026.
- Beach
Excenevex beach
The only natural sandy beach on the French shore, with lifeguards in July and August; paid parking in season, bus stop “La Pinède”.
- Beach
La Pinède beaches (Thonon)
Small shingle beaches along about 3 km of the Ripaille estate; free access, no lifeguards.
- Car park
Château de Ripaille car park
For the château, the Ripaille forest and La Pinède beaches.
- Trailhead
Dranse delta entrance
Nature reserve trail, birdwatching hide and viewpoint over the lake. No dogs.
- Viewpoint
Thonon belvedere
The upper town’s terrace overlooking the lake, at the top of the funicular.
- Worth seeing
Medieval village of Yvoire
A 14th-century fortified village, with its two harbours and the Jardin des Cinq Sens.
Things to do at Lake Geneva
A day trip to Switzerland
CGN boats link Évian and Thonon with Lausanne, and Yvoire with Nyon: a lake crossing of 20 to 50 minutes.
Canton of Vaud, CGN 2026 timetable (lines N1, N2, N3)Swimming at Excenevex
A real, gently sloping fine-sand beach, rare on Lake Geneva, with pedalo, kayak and paddleboard hire.
Destination Léman tourist office, Excenevex beachSailing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, diving
Sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, wakeboarding, water-skiing, paddleboarding, diving and boat hire from Thonon, Sciez, Excenevex and Évian.
Thonon Léman Tourisme, water sportsChâteau de Ripaille
The former residence of the Dukes of Savoy, with its gardens, forest and Chasselas vineyard, on the lakeshore in Thonon.
Thonon Léman Tourisme, Château de RipailleÉvian: Palais Lumière and Buvette Cachat
The former Belle Époque spa building hosts exhibitions; the Buvette Cachat, restored in 2026, houses a heritage interpretation centre.
Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Tourisme, Buvette CachatThe fishing ecomuseum
In the huts of the fishermen’s village at Port de Rives, a small museum about commercial fishing and life on the lake.
Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Tourisme, fishing and lake ecomuseumBirdwatching
At the Dranse delta, a trail and a hide: diving ducks in winter, little ringed plovers and black kites in spring and summer.
Asters – CEN Haute-Savoie, Dranse delta nature reserveWorth seeing around the lake
- The Jardin des Cinq Sens. In Yvoire, the castle’s former kitchen garden, turned into a garden devoted to the five senses. Thonon Léman Tourisme, the medieval village of Yvoire
- Pic des Mémises. Above Thollon, one of the finest viewpoints over the lake (about 1,674 m). Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Tourisme, Pic des Mémises walk from Thollon
- Saint-Gingolph. A border village split since 1569 between a French municipality and a municipality in the Swiss canton of Valais, on either side of the Morge river. Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, Saint-Gingolph
Hiking guide
6 routes2.6 km · 13 m ascent · 45 min
The Dranse delta trail
A short, flat walk through the nature reserve to the mouth of the Dranse and the lakeshore.
Read the route 2.4 km · 0 m ascent · 35 minThe Vegetti trail, Yvoire to Nernier
A family walk along a balcony above the lake, between two lakeside villages.
Read the route 6.3 km · 75 m ascent · 2 hThe Excenevex loop
A quiet loop between the village, the big sandy beach and the countryside.
Read the route 6.2 km · 240 m ascentThe Allinges castles loop
A loop up to the two medieval castles of Allinges, with a panorama over Lake Geneva and Switzerland.
Read the route 10.1 km · 351 m ascent · about 4 hThe Mont Bénand loop
A loop through the mountain pastures above Bernex, with Lake Geneva, the Jura and the Chablais peaks.
Read the route 11 km · 4 h 30 minPic des Mémises from Thollon
The climb to the most famous viewpoint over Lake Geneva, via the Col de Pertuis and the ridge.
Read the routeRules to know
- A 300 m strip runs along the whole French shore: speed is limited to 10 km/h (5 km/h in harbours). Haute-Savoie DDT, local navigation regulations (consolidated version)
- From 30 April to 1 October, all boating is banned in the beach protection zones, except for beach craft. Haute-Savoie DDT, local navigation regulations (consolidated version)
- Inflatables, air mattresses, small kayaks and paddleboards must stay within the shore strip and come back in as soon as a caution warning is given; a life jacket is compulsory beyond 100 m from the shore, and a leash is compulsory on a paddleboard. Haute-Savoie DDT, local navigation regulations (consolidated version)
- Yellow lights at the harbours: slow flashing (about 40 times a minute) = caution warning, swimming and beach craft banned; fast flashing (about 90 times a minute) = storm warning, return to shelter immediately. Haute-Savoie DDT, local navigation regulations (consolidated version)
- Swimming is banned in harbours, within 100 m of landing stages, during caution or storm warnings, and in protected areas (Baie de Coudrée, Dranse estuary). Haute-Savoie DDT, local navigation regulations (consolidated version)
- Dranse delta reserve: dogs banned even on a lead, no swimming or boating, islets closed from 15 March to 15 August. Asters – CEN Haute-Savoie, Dranse delta nature reserve
- Recreational fishing requires the permit of the Lake Geneva fishing association; fishing is banned within 300 m of the mouth of the Dranse and from the landing stages. Haute-Savoie prefecture, order DDT-2026-0542 (fishing on Lake Geneva)
- Beyond the middle of the lake you are in Switzerland: boats to Lausanne or Nyon cross the border (bring ID; dogs need a pet passport and a rabies vaccination). Thonon Léman Tourisme, crossings to Switzerland
A webcam or a forecast cannot tell you whether a beach has lifeguards, a boat is running or a road is open: check with the official sources.
When to go, and our tips
- The lake can get rough quickly, with waves of up to 1.7 m: watch the yellow lights at the harbours. Haute-Savoie prefecture, specifications for Lake Geneva (2022)
- Boats: in 2026, there is no Nyon – Yvoire service at weekends after 11 October, and no Lausanne – Thonon service at weekends. Check the timetables on the CGN website. Canton of Vaud, CGN 2026 timetable (lines N1, N2, N3)
- Yvoire is very busy in summer; the tourist office describes the village as almost empty in winter and colourful in autumn. Thonon Léman Tourisme, the medieval village of Yvoire
- Winter is the season of the large gatherings of ducks at the Dranse delta. Asters – CEN Haute-Savoie, Dranse delta nature reserve
Lake Geneva: frequently asked questions
Where can you swim in Lake Geneva on the French side?
At beaches with lifeguards in summer, such as Excenevex, the only natural sandy beach on the shore (lifeguarded in July and August). Swimming is banned in harbours, near landing stages and during the caution or storm warnings shown by the yellow lights.
How do you get from Évian or Thonon to Lausanne?
By CGN boat: about 35 minutes from Évian (daily in 2026) and about 50 minutes from Thonon (Monday to Friday). You are entering Switzerland, so bring your ID.
Can you get to Lake Geneva by train from Geneva?
Yes: the Léman Express (line L1) links Geneva with Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains via Annemasse.
How deep is Lake Geneva?
309.7 m at its deepest, according to the International Commission for the Protection of the Waters of Lake Geneva (CIPEL), with a volume of 89 billion m³.
What do the yellow flashing lights on Lake Geneva mean?
Slow flashing (about 40 times a minute) is a caution warning: swimming and beach craft are banned. Fast flashing (about 90 times a minute) is a storm warning: get back to shelter immediately.
Sources
Text written for AlpeSnow and last reviewed on , based on the sources below (mostly official French pages, in French). Webcam images belong to the credited operators; each photo shows its author and licence (Creative Commons for those from Wikimedia Commons, resized for the site); the forecast is the Open-Meteo model at the lake’s altitude.
- CIPEL, Lake Geneva in figures
- Haute-Savoie prefecture, specifications for Lake Geneva (2022)
- Asters – CEN Haute-Savoie, Dranse delta nature reserve
- Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark
- Thonon Léman Tourisme, the medieval village of Yvoire
- Thonon Léman Tourisme, the funicular
- Haute-Savoie DDT, local navigation regulations (consolidated version)
- Haute-Savoie prefecture, order DDT-2026-0542 (fishing on Lake Geneva)
- Thonon Léman Tourisme, crossings to Switzerland
- Canton of Vaud, CGN 2026 timetable (lines N1, N2, N3)
- Léman Express
- Léman Express, Thollon-les-Mémises
- Destination Léman tourist office, Excenevex beach
- SPL Destination Thonon, La Pinède beach
- Thonon Léman Tourisme, Château de Ripaille
- Thonon Léman Tourisme, Dranse delta walk
- Thonon Léman Tourisme, the belvedere
- Thonon Léman Tourisme, getting there
- CGN, press release of 18 April 2026
- Thonon Léman Tourisme, water sports
- Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Tourisme, Buvette Cachat
- Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Tourisme, fishing and lake ecomuseum
- Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Tourisme, Pic des Mémises walk from Thollon
- Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, Saint-Gingolph
- Thonon Léman Tourisme, Vegetti trail, Yvoire to Nernier
- Thonon Léman Tourisme, Excenevex loop
- Thonon Léman Tourisme, castles loop
- Léman Mountains Explore tourist office, Mont Bénand loop
- Thonon Léman Tourisme (tourist office)
- Évian Tourisme (tourist office)
- CGN, boat timetables
- Léman Express
- Haute-Savoie prefecture