Switzerland

Holidays by Destination Europe Switzerland Western Switzerland - Suisse Romande 

Geneva Tourism
Lake Geneva Region

The Lake Geneva region includes the whole canton of Vaud and includes castles, and lakes as well as Alps.

Geneva, although an international city at least for matters of politics, not the best place for families. There is though the Jet d'Eau fountain, reaching 140m with 500 litres of water emerging every second at around 200kph. Possibly equally entertaining for children is a public housing estate known as Schtrumpfs (Smurfs) in fantastical style of primary colours, erratic decorations and lumps and extrusions all over the place. You will find it on Rue Louis Favre off Rue de la Servette behind the station.
Suitable for older children there is the Musee International de la Croix Rouge et du Croissant Rouge with video displays and interactive options including in English, showing the history of wars in the 20th century and the Red Cross's role. The Musee d'Art et d'Histoire is one of Switzerland's best, with around half a million exhibits including an outstanding fine art collection, plus applied arts, and a very significant archaeological one, including Egyptian items.

Lausanne is capital of the Vaud region, a delightful old town on a hill and with probably the country's best gothic cathedral, dating back to the 12th century. The Musee d'Art Brut includes art by all kinds of ‘non-artitists' including the insane and the eccentric, and includes some items which might appeal to children's non-conformist minds, as well as few probably best avoided by them for fear of nightmares. Intriguing is Fondation Claude Verdan, named after a specialist in reconstructive hand surgery, on how we use our hands to do everything from shape our environment to killing. One event of interest might be the late August International Roller Contest which is apparently Europe's premier skateboarding and inline event of the year.

Nyon back towards Geneva, is home to various attractions including the Chateau de Prangins, now part of the Swiss Mational Museum. It covers the 18th and 19th centuries and in particular Swiss cultural history including travellers and tourists, with multimedia stations. Outside a kitchen garden has been planted in 18th century style.

Montreux, at the end of the lake, is renowned as a home to the rich and sometimes famous, with nearby 11th century Chateu de Chillon the most visited castle in the country, partly for its striking lakeside setting but also offering an interior with everything from dungeons to knightly banqueting halls, gothic windows, lavish bedrooms and more. Chateau de Coppet still owned by the family of one-time resident Madame de Stael, retains its 18th century grandeur, viewable for a short period in the summer. Nearby at the genteel resort of Vevey attractions include the Musee Suisse du Jeu (games) of entertainment from dice to video and including plenty of hands on options. There is also a funicular plus high speed glass lift.

Reachable from Lausanne is Gruyeres and its pretty castle-villages (packed with trippers in season), and beyond Moleson village with access to Le Moleson mountain with funicular and gondola, plus a 17th century dairy where they still make cheese traditionally. To watch book ahead with the tourist office .

For those with children the region has more than seven amusement parks within 20km, four opened at the end of the ‘90s. FunPlanet offers a karting circuit, 20 lane bowling, billiards zone, electronic and non electronic games, a climbing wall, facilities for under fours and restaurants and bars. At Leysin the Toboggan Park has 10 snowtubing runs, a snowtube lift, mini half pipe, ski joring and dog drawn sledging. Snow making machines ensure enough snow through the winter season. At Le Bouveret is the Swiss Vapeur Park with Paradise Land, Captain Kidd's land, and Jungle Land. At Evionnaz is the Labyrinth Adventure, the largest maze in the world.