The Lake Geneva region undoubtedly owes its reputation as the “cocktail of Europe” to its geographical diversity. Peaceful lakeshore scenery, wooded hills, green meadows and mountain summits typify this region. Traversed by great highways and rail links, it is readily accessible from abroad (Paris, Frankfurt, Munich or Milan) or other regions of Switzerland. As the setting for prestigious cultural or sporting events, destinations near Lake Geneva are all within easy reach, but differ widely in character. Visitors need less than one hour to reach the Jura with its allure of the Far North or the sunny resorts in the Alps. These good reasons to discover the Lake Geneva region are further enhanced by the beauty of the environment, the quality of the facilities and infrastructure, the tranquillity and security which are so typical of Switzerland.

POPULATION

128 000 inhabitants - Lausanne agglomoration 250 000 inhabitants

ALTITUDE

372 m by the lake
495 m in the city centre
852 m in the northern part of the town

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

French. All major languages are generally understood and spoken.

TIME

GMT + 1 (Summer Time + 1 = March to October)

CLIMATE

Mild. Winter is not severe.
Annual average temperature 14°C
Average temperature in summer 24°C

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

New Year - 1st and 2nd January
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Ascencion Day (Thursday)
Whit Monday
Swiss National Day – 1st August
September bank holiday (Lundi du Jeûne)
Christmas Day – 25 December

SHOPPING

Many department stores, fashion and luxury boutiques, souvenir shops, watch and jewellery shops, local and crafts markets.
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 08.00/08.45 – 18.30/19.00 hours
Saturday: 08.00/08.45 – 18.00 hours
Sunday: closed

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WINE AND GASTRONOMY

A wide choice of restaurants for gourmets and local cooking served up in an exceptionally dense network of establishments with stars and other awards. Many exotic restaurants, atmospheric little bistros… Switzerland’s second wine growing region with the Lavaux vineyards entered on the UNESCO world heritage list.

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 Look at the Wine bars and Vinotheques section 

SPORT

Several winter and summer sports. Olympic Museum, a unique attraction worldwide.
Home to over 20 international sports federations (volleyball, handball, cycling, swimming etc.)

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ART AND CULTURE

22 museums of international renown with permanent and temporary exhibitions.
30 art galleries.

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