Lake Geneva
by John Blanchette
Europe’s Largest and one of its most beautiful lakes
Stretching along Switzerland’s southern border with France, Lake Geneva (also called Lac Leman by the Swiss) is the largest lake in Europe. It’s pristine shores support a strong fresh water fishing industry. Some would argue that it offers the most beautiful views of any waterway. They are jaw-droppingly amazing; especially the snow capped Jura Alps across the lake from Montreux and Vevey. The temperatures are moderate along the lake in winter; most of the weather takes place in the mountains.
In summer numerous music festivals and artistic events are held in towns along the lake, especially Lausanne, the third most popular city for travelers in Switzerland, next to Zurich and Geneva. It is a sophisticated artist’s haven and the city where T.S. Eliot lived when he wrote “The Wasteland.”
Steep vineyards cascade down the hills above the villages of Vevey, Chexbres and throughout the Lavaux region. The grape of choice is Chasselas, a delicious white wine similar to a dry Riesling. Almost no Swiss wine is imported into the United States; it’s consumed at home. In winter, Gluehwein, mulled, spiced wine, is a daily tradition to warm the heart and spirits of the Swiss, whether shopping or skiing.
Lake Geneva’s magnificent alpine lake waters merge with the Rhone River in Geneva, spectacularly punctuated by the world’s largest waterspout, Jet d’eau, which sprays 140 meters into the air. This is the country’s most cosmopolitan city, poking its nose into France, which surrounds it on three sides. Home to the Red Cross, United Nations, World Health Organization and World Trade Commission, 40 percent of the 180,000 population is foreign. The city is built around the lake, which is the visual focus and community center of Geneva. There is a reason they share the same name.
