SWITZERLAND
Our Switzerland coverage centers on Lausanne and the wider Lake Geneva shoreline — the stretch of the country we know firsthand. Lausanne rises from the lake into a medieval old town, with Belle Époque grand hotels in the Ouchy district below and a cultured, walkable upper town above, and it works far better for families than its polished reputation suggests. Beyond the city, the Swiss Riviera unfurls along Lake Geneva toward Vevey and Montreux, lined with lakeside icons like the Beau-Rivage Palace. Everything here is based on our own stays, and nothing is sponsored.
Where we cover in Switzerland:
Lausanne — The best base on Lake Geneva's northern shore, and a surprisingly easy city with children. Where you stay shapes the trip: lakefront Ouchy feels resort-like and Riviera-glamorous, while the upper town near the cathedral feels cultured and walkable. Our full guide to the best hotels in Lausanne breaks down where to stay from lakefront grande dames to boutique options, and our Lausanne travel guide covers what to do, from the Olympic Museum to the old town and the lakeside paths. Traveling with kids, our companion piece on Lausanne with kids explains why the city works so well for families.
Lake Geneva & the Swiss Riviera — Beyond Lausanne, the shoreline runs through the Lavaux vineyard terraces toward Vevey and Montreux, lined with some of Switzerland's most storied lakeside hotels. Our guide to the best hotels on Lake Geneva covers the lakefront icons worth booking along the Swiss Riviera.
The Beau-Rivage Palace — If one hotel defines the Lausanne lakefront, it's this one. Set directly on Lake Geneva in Ouchy and dating to 1861, it's old-world Swiss glamour at its most refined, with manicured gardens rolling toward the water and a level of service that's formal without being stiff. Our full Beau-Rivage Palace review covers the rooms worth the lake-view premium and why it works for honeymooners and families alike.
When to visit: Summer (June through September) brings the warmest weather, lake swimming, and the highest rates — lake-facing rooms book well ahead. The shoulder months of May and October offer better value with still-clear views and comfortable temperatures. Winter is quiet and excellent for spa-focused stays, when the grand hotels feel like private retreats above the lake.
Getting there: Geneva Airport is the gateway, with a direct train to Lausanne in roughly 40–45 minutes. The lakeshore rail line connects Geneva, Lausanne, Vevey, and Montreux, making it easy to explore the Riviera without a car.
FAQ
What part of Switzerland does The Boujist cover? Our coverage centers on Lausanne and the Lake Geneva shoreline — the Swiss Riviera — based on firsthand stays. This includes the best hotels in Lausanne and on Lake Geneva, a Lausanne travel guide, family travel tips, and a review of the Beau-Rivage Palace.
Is Lausanne good for families? Yes — more than its polished reputation suggests. The Olympic Museum's interactive exhibits, the lakeside promenade in Ouchy, parks, and the medieval old town make it easy to fill days with kids, and several lakefront hotels handle families well thanks to their grounds and relaxed settings.
Where should you stay in Lausanne? Lakefront Ouchy for resort-like glamour and lake views, or the upper town near the cathedral for a cultured, walkable base close to restaurants and nightlife. Our where-to-stay guide breaks down the best hotels by area and traveler type.
What is the best hotel on Lake Geneva? The Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne's Ouchy district is the benchmark — a storied lakefront grand hotel dating to 1861. The wider Swiss Riviera toward Vevey and Montreux holds other lakeside icons worth considering.
How do you get to Lausanne? Fly into Geneva Airport and take a direct train to Lausanne in about 40–45 minutes. The lakeshore rail line makes it easy to reach Vevey, Montreux, and the rest of the Riviera.
When is the best time to visit Lake Geneva? Summer for swimming and warm weather (and peak prices), May and October for the best balance of value and clear views, and winter for quiet, spa-focused stays.
