Getaway on Lake Geneva

The weather is fine. Not a cloud in the sky. The lake sparkles under the sun’s rays.And the mountains that seem to dip their feet in it are bathed in brilliant light. A good reason to choose the deck of the CGN boat you’ve just boarded. In a few seconds, it will leave Veveyin its wake. Direction Chillon.

It’s time to set foot on land. Before you lies one of the historic treasures of Lake Geneva: the Château de Chillon. The earliest written mention of this architectural gem built on a rocky islet dates back to 1150, and the site is well worth a visit. Discover the seigneur’s bedroom, adorned with 14th-century frescoes by Jean de Grandson. Climb the stairs of the defensive tower to reach the exhibition of coats of mail and armor. Then climb up to the dungeon to admire the hast weapons. If you’re in the area before August 21, the Château de Chillon presents a remarkable temporary exhibition on Lord Byron’s stay in Switzerland.

The foghorn announces the boat’s imminent departure.
Destination: Villeneuve.

After just a few minutes, the boat makes another stop. Set foot on land and head for Roche. Sheltered behind the imposing walls of a relay barn, a former stopover on Switzerland’s oldest Roman road leading to the Great St. Bernard, the Swiss Organ Museum invites you to discover an extraordinary collection of instruments. Hydraulic organs, Elysée organs, Emmental organs, barrel organs… The museum even surprises visitors with an astonishing cardboard organ. Please note, however, that visits are by reservation only, 48 hours in advance.

Nature break after these cultural peregrinations: back in Villeneuve, we head for the Grangettes Nature Reserve. This wetland at the end of the lake is a treasure trove. Depending on the season, you can admire graceful dragonflies, ducks, migratory birds and beavers. Over 250 species of birds have been observed in this beautiful habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for a walk full of surprises.

Time to leave Villeneuve. Next and last stop: Vevey. The end of the day promises to be delightful.

Back to the starting point. The CGN boat docks gently in Vevey harbor. There’s still time to stroll through the streets of the Old Town, strolling along the waterfront to the Place du Marché. A delicious meal awaits you at L’Hostellerie de Genève. Hostess Anne-Christine Meylan cultivates the art of entertaining and gourmet cuisine. You can also take advantage of the new Wellness area. The program includes a range of beauty treatments, reflexology and, above all, CHI NEI TSANG massages. With its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, CHI NEI TSANG is a gentle technique practiced by Taoist monks. The highlight of your escapade at the end of the Grand Lac is a night in one of the 23 rooms at the Hostellerie. The journey has just begun…