Discover the best outdoor activities to try around Lake Geneva in France and Switzerland! Kayaking, paragliding or rafting - there's a whole host of activities waiting for you to enjoy the great outdoors with your family or friends!
Lake Geneva is a natural border between France and Switzerland. At an altitude of 372 m and surrounded by the Vaud Alps, the French Alps and the foot of the Jura, Lac Léman offers a dream setting for outdoor activities near Geneva. Lake Geneva goes by many other names, including Léman and Lac de Genève. It is the largest lake in Western Europe, making it an ideal playground for enjoying the wide open spaces between France and Switzerland.
Wondering what to do near Lake Geneva? We've put together a selection of the best things to do on Lake Geneva! Ideal for your next road-trip, this selection invites you to take a trip around Lake Geneva, from Geneva to Lausanne and Thonon-les-Bains. Without further ado, let's set off around this must-see lake in the Alps!
1. Rafting down the Arve near Geneva
Rafting Loisirs
Start your trip around Lake Geneva in Geneva and discover the Arve by raft! Geneva is located in Switzerland, at the southern tip of Lake Geneva. Ideally situated in the heart of the Jura mountains and the Alps, the city offers beautiful views of Mont Blanc and is the starting point for many outdoor activities near Lake Geneva.
With this rafting activity, available from the age of 6, you can explore the surrounding area by raft with your friends or family! This sensational activity is perfect for building team spirit and having fun in the great outdoors. In a boat designed for 8 people, you'll paddle down the rapids of the Arve together. Don't worry if you've never rafted before, the river's gentle flow makes it a suitable choice even for beginners, and your professional guide will be able to help you along the way. The Arve rises at the Mont Blanc glacier and winds its way through Geneva for over 100km before joining the Rhône. When you raft down the Arve, you'll discover some magnificent spots with unique views of the surrounding mountains.
If you prefer, there are plenty of other activities around Lake Geneva near Geneva. For example, you can go stand-up paddling on the Rhône or scuba diving on Lake Geneva. So, depending on your preferences, feel free to choose from our outdoor activities in Geneva.
2. Kayak trip on Lake Geneva near Lausanne
Following John Outdoor Activity Guide
Just before stopping off in Lausanne, don't hesitate to discover Allaman. This small Swiss municipality in the canton of Vaud offers the chance to enjoy Lake Geneva in a less crowded, quieter setting. Located in the district of Morges, Allaman has a small beach that is the ideal starting point for a kayaking excursion on Lake Geneva.
Our kayak excursion is a guided tour for beginners aged 6 and over, organised by professional instructors. With the help of your instructor, you'll be able to discover the thrills of a kayak trip on Lake Geneva with complete peace of mind. Paddling near Lausanne will give you a new perspective on the Lake Geneva area, while allowing you to enjoy a more remote and wild stretch of the lake.
3. Giant paddle on Lake Geneva near Lausanne
Following John Outdoor Activity Guide
Just after passing through the town of Lausanne, we recommend stopping off at Lutry to discover a new group water activity: giant stand-up paddling! Designed for 8 to 10 adults, the giant stand-up paddle is a great way to work on balance and group coordination. Get your friends or family together and try out this original activity on Lake Geneva.
This giant paddle activity is not guided, so you'll have the freedom to explore Lake Geneva as you wish. You'll enjoy 2 hours of total freedom on the lake to share an unforgettable moment with your loved ones in a breathtaking setting. Suitable for children aged 5 and over, giant paddle boarding on Lake Geneva is an ideal activity to try out with the whole family!
If you prefer to try a different activity near Lausanne, you can also opt for a private boat cruise on Lake Geneva, a day out kayaking on Lake Geneva or a private helicopter flight from Lausanne. Depending on your preferences, we offer a wide range of outdoor activities near Lausanne.
4. Tandem paragliding flight at Villeneuve near Montreux
Fly-Xperience
As you continue your journey around Lake Geneva, we suggest you stop off at Villeneuve, near Montreux. Villeneuve was the venue for the very first world championship in acrobatic paragliding, the Red Bull Vertigo. The town is therefore a renowned venue for paragliding over Lake Geneva!
Take to the skies and discover sublime aerial views of Lac Léman and nearby landmarks such as Chillon Castle, the Lavaux vineyards and the Swiss Riviera. Paragliding over Lake Geneva is an excellent way to enjoy incredible panoramic views of the region. What's more, you'll be accompanied by a professional instructor who will take you off and handle the piloting during the flight, so you can enjoy a real moment of tranquillity and contemplation.
Accessible from the age of 3, paragliding in Villeneuve is an accessible sport that will give you a magical experience. If you're not sure about paragliding, we've written an article answering the most frequently asked questions. Don't hesitate to give this activity a try on your trip around Lake Geneva!
5. Hydrospeed descent of the Dranse at Thonon-les-Bains
Evolution 2 Thonon - Lake Geneva
Before stopping off in Thonon-les-Bains, we invite you to discover the town of Évian-les-Bains. Stroll along the promenade lining the quays and enjoy a pleasant moment on the shores of Lake Geneva!
Then, head to Thonon-les-Bains for a thrilling hydrospeed down the Dranse! Accessible to anyone aged 6 and over who can swim, hydrospeeding down the Dranse is a white-water activity that's sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Equipped with a float, flippers and a wetsuit, you can easily navigate on your own. Of course, a professional guide will be with you every step of the way.
The Dranse is a tributary of the Rhône in the Haute-Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, which flows into Lake Geneva. Hydrospeeding the Dranse is the best way to become one with the elements! Thanks to your guide, you'll learn to feel and use the multiple movements of the water to cross obstacles and waves as best you can.
After discovering this activity, you can also stop off at Yvoire, a very pretty medieval village on the shores of Lake Geneva. Yvoire is listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. You can stroll through its flower-lined streets, try your hand at water sports and even visit its remarkable gardens.
Whatever the case, there's plenty to do around Lake Geneva near Thonon-les-Bains.
6. Skateboarding lessons in Annemasse near Geneva
Titch Jean Postec Skate School
Finish your loop around Lake Geneva on the way back to Geneva and stop off in Annemasse for a skateboarding lesson! This small town nestling at the foot of the Alps is bordered by the River Arve and offers an exceptional setting.
Whether you already skateboard or want to discover the sport, skateboarding lessons near Geneva can be adapted to your level! Available from the age of 7, the skateboarding course is run by experienced instructors with a wealth of experience in the sport. With their guidance, you'll be able to improve your balance, coordination and flexibility. As well as learning and progressing, you'll have a great time skateboarding in Annemasse, so don't hesitate to take up this urban sport!
And that's it, your tour of Lake Geneva is complete! This itinerary is a must if you want to discover Lake Geneva without missing a thing! Each destination around the lake is unique and will offer you a different experience. In the same way, the activities around Lake Geneva allow you to explore this incredible natural site in a variety of ways. You can navigate the lake (by kayak or boat), fly over it (by helicopter or paraglider) and even hike its shores! Whatever your preference, you're bound to find something to do on the shores of Lake Geneva.
