Genfersee

Genfersee, also known as Lac Léman in French, is a large lake on the north side of the Alps, located on the border between Switzerland and France. The lake extends roughly 73 kilometers in an east-west direction, with a maximum width around 14 kilometers. It covers about 580 square kilometers and has a maximum depth of about 310 meters. The lake's surface sits at approximately 370 meters above sea level and is drained by the Rhone River, which exits the lake at Le Bouveret.

The major cities along the Swiss shores include Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux, while the southern French shore touches towns such as Thonon-les-Bains and Evian-les-Bains. Genfersee lies within the cantons of Geneva and Vaud in Switzerland, with parts of the shore in the canton of Valais and across the border in France.

Geology and notable features: the lake was formed by glacial processes during the last ice age and is fed by alpine rivers, with freshwater as its principal characteristic. The Lavaux vineyard terraces along the north shore near Lausanne constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is known for tourism, wine production, and maritime transport. The Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le Lac Léman (CGN) operates lake cruises.

Landmarks and access: Chillon Castle sits on the eastern shore near Montreux, and the Jet d’Eau fountain is a prominent sight in Geneva. Genfersee is linked by rail and road networks to surrounding regions, including the Léman Express commuter rail.