Where to go and what to see when you’re in the region for the Classique or the Escape Léman

This year, the Classique and the Escape Léman are hosted on the weekend of the 16th and 17th of July. As the date is drawing closer, and many of you are preparing for your swim and your visit to the region of Lake Geneva, we thought it might be the right time to give you some tips on places to see and where to go when you’re here. 

Château de Chillon

If you have been looking at photos of the lake, or any phone of Lake Geneva at all, you sure have seen this magnificent castle: Château de Chillon

The construction of Château de Chillon began in the 13th century for strategic and military purposes. The first written records date from 1150, being its owners the House of Savoy, who used it as a place of control of merchants and pilgrims who passed through there, charging them taxes. 

Did you know that Château de Chillon attracted many romantic artists, for its architecture and its location, such as Victor Hugo, Leon Tolstoy, Gustave Courbet and William Turner. One of those who left his mark was Lord Byron who in 1816, inspired by the life of one of the most famous prisoners of the castle, François Bonivard, wrote the poem The Prisoner of Chillon.

If you like to visit the castle, you can find tickets here.

Spa Ayurveda TAAJ du Hilton Evian-les-Bains

Within the Hilton Hotel in Evian les Bains, the Taaj Spa is inspired by Ayurveda, an art of living and holistic well-being from India, and recognised as a "natural medicine" by the World Health Organisation. health. Their multi-sensory massages are fusions of manoeuvres from all over India. Their purpose is to awaken the senses, strengthen the immune system, improve breathing and blood circulation, soften the joints and strengthen muscle tone.

Among other things, they increase your vital energy, promote concentration and you to better manage emotions in order to be in total harmony with your body and your mind. After your treatment, you can also enjoy access to the hammam and the aromatherapy room. Find out more on their website.

 
 

Salève

For some of the most spectacular views of Lake Geneva, you should head to Mont Salève. A short bus or car ride from Geneva takes you to the foot of Salève; and you can walk or take a short cable car ride. Once at the top, you will have an unparalleled view of Lake Geneva and the area itself as such. As you traverse the top of the mountain, you may be able to see Mont Blanc on sunny days.

Still need a place to stay? Check out Evian Resort

Evian Resort is a unique destination in France on the shores of Lake Geneva, in the immediate vicinity of the Alps, where luxury, postcard landscapes and a gentle way of life are combined in harmony. It’s a great place to relax for a bit before or after your big swim this year. 

Jet d'Eau

As you explore Geneva, you will inevitably see the imposing cascade of water that is the Jet d'Eau (literally, the jet of water). The fountain began its life as a safety valve for a hydroelectric plant; now it is a landmark of the city. Take a walk along the city's lakefront from the Jardin Anglais to the Jardin Botanique on the opposite shore, across the Pont du Mont-Blanc, to enjoy the best views the city of Geneva has to offer.

And what about food?

We recommend the following places:

  • The organic food store La Vie Claire in Evian-les-Bains (74500), in Haute-Savoie, will bring you the best of the region's organic products. They even have gluten-free products, an assortment of beverages and fresh fruits and vegetables. This organic food store is located on the edge of the lake, in front of the high school Anna de Noailles, next to the gas station.

  • In case you don’t feel like cooking, we can recommend the restaurant Les Balcons du Lac. It’s situated up high in the mountains and has an amazing view of Lake Geneva.

We hope that you will enjoy our events this weekend. Did we miss a great place? Do let us know and we will add it to the list. 

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