Festive holidays in the Lake Geneva Region is an exceptional experience for city and adventure lovers alike. This beautiful region is located in the heart of Europe making it easily accessible to visitors from Geneva International Airport, which is only a 40 minutes train ride away from Lausanne. Below are 6 top activities that tourists should experience to make the most of their stay in this beautiful region.
1. The Festival of Lights in the city of Lausanne
The city of Lausanne comes alive with the Festival of Lights. Lausanne is brightly lit for over a month from November to the end of December by the contemporary works of fifteen artists whose sculptures are made of light. Visitors can delight in these unique sculptures by taking a leisurely walk through the streets of the city centre and the old town to soak up the mystical atmosphere of the Olympic capital during the festive season.
2. Bô Noël – an exceptional festive market in Lausanne and the Christmas Market in Montreux
Bô Noël is a unique festive market in Lausanne that combines tradition with innovation where a whole series of gourmet and festive novelties are planned in three thematic markets – Saint-François, Pépinet and the Arches of the Grand-Pont. From attractions for children and music concerts to shopping and gastronomic experiences, there is something for everyone.
When it comes to nightlife, Lausanne hosts a wide range of entertainment, from comedy and cabaret to karaoke to improv. The city boasts a range of cultural attractions for history and art lovers. Tourists can fill their senses with theatre, dance, music festivals and museums, all aiming to awe visitors experiencing the city for the first time.
To add to the festive spirit, the Christmas Market in Montreux also kicks off for over a month, from 21 November to end December. Ranked among the most beautiful in Switzerland, Montreaux’s Christmas market continues to reinvent itself every year. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, 175 artisans and stallholders working from brightly lit and decorated chalets, showcase a vast array of original souvenirs including local produce, jewellery, sculptures among other artefacts. Cheese lovers can top off this festive experience by enjoying a cheese fondue on the shore of Lake Geneva.
3.First Skiing experience at Montreux Riviera Ski School Carte Blanche
Montreux Riviera is home to the first ski experience with Carte Blanche service. Montreux Riviera Ski School Carte Blanche offers the most personalised skiing experience that exists in Switzerland. The entire experience is arranged, from transport, to equipment, to restaurant bookings. The ski instructor is the mountain concierge who takes care of all the details of the skiing holiday. With the exceptional concept of the Carte Blanche service, one has to only choose the resort for the stay and clarify his or her skiing objectives, while all other logistics are taken care of by the professional instructors.
4. Glacier 3000
Glacier 3000 is a spectacular mountainous location situated 24 km from Montreux, that offers an exceptional experience for ski lovers and other visitors alike. Cableway adventure and alpine mountain scenery are all available for guests’ experience. For more information https://www.glacier3000.ch/en
5. Montreux Comedy Festival
True to the previous editions, the International Gala in English will feature some of the biggest comedians from across the world. Hosted by Paul Taylor and Sebatian Marx, the event promises to be a unique comedy experience on Friday 6 December 8.30pm at the Auditorium Stravinski. For tickets http://www.montreuxcomedy.com/en/shows/international-gala-english/
6. Fondue at a traditional Swiss Chalet
Lastly, one of the must-do’s when in Switzerland is enjoying a cheese fondue in a traditional Swiss chalet restaurant whilst enjoying the scenic views of the Swiss Alps! The warm and friendly atmosphere goes hand in hand with the Swiss gastronomy, be it in a mountain chalet, a country inn or a downtown restaurant.