In Évian, the lake isn’t a backdrop, it’s the heart of the town. Lake Geneva, the largest in Western Europe, opens up here facing the Vaud Alps, with Lausanne shimmering across the water. You can settle for the lakefront stroll, but it’s on the water that you truly understand it: on a sailing trip, a cruise, or a crossing to the Swiss shore.
The formats
- Sunset aperitif by sailboat: the finest way to end the day. You cast off in late afternoon and watch the sun drop behind the Jura, drink in hand, at the pace of the wind.
- Cruise on Lake Geneva: a tour along the shores to take in the scale of the lake and the panorama of both countries. A short, accessible format, ideal with the family.
- Crossing to Switzerland: reach Lausanne-Ouchy by boat, on your own or as part of an excursion. Crossing the lake is an experience in itself.
Why do it
Seen from the water, Lake Geneva reveals what you can’t see from the shore: the amphitheatre of mountains, the contrast between the Savoyard and Vaud shores, the light changing by the hour. It’s also a means of transport: crossing into Switzerland by boat gains you time and a view at once.
Booking
From the sailboat aperitif to the crossing to Lausanne, here is our selection with our partner.
Good to know
Season. Pleasure sailing is in full swing from May to September. The boat links to Switzerland run year-round.
Wrap up. Even in summer, it’s cooler on the water, especially in the evening for the sunset aperitif.
Into Switzerland. For crossings to Lausanne, bring an ID; Switzerland is outside the European Union.
With the family. Short cruises suit all ages; the sailboat is more an experience to savour among adults or older children.
See also in Évian
Stay by the water with the thermal spa, or cross to the other shore on an excursion into Switzerland. Back to the destination: Évian-les-Bains.