Surrounded by the Alps and the charming villages of Haute-Savoie, Lake Geneva is a blue jewel with many facets. From Yvoire, a medieval village perched on the water’s edge, you can enjoy unique boating experiences, blending relaxation and thrills.
Cruises departing from Yvoire
1. Tourist cruises on Lake Geneva
Yvoire has a picturesque port from which cruises regularly depart with the CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le Léman). Board a Belle Époque boat or a modern catamaran to discover the lake from a different perspective.
- Classic destinations: Nyon, Geneva, Lausanne, Évian-les-Bains, Thonon-les-Bains
- Duration: from 20 minutes (crossing to Nyon) to 2h30 (panoramic cruise)
- Atmosphere: ideal for families, couples, or groups
Good tip from Yvoire
In summer, board a CGN boat to reach Nyon in just 20 minutes. A great opportunity to explore Switzerland without a car, visit the castle museum, or enjoy an ice cream by the lake before returning to Yvoire for sunset. Remember to book your round-trip ticket on-site or online! Round-trip fare: 28 CHF (approx. €30) in 2nd class, 40 CHF (approx. €43) in 1st class.You can check the boat schedules on the CGN website.
2. Gourmet or themed cruises
Some companies also offer:
- Lunch or dinner cruises with views of the mountains
- Sunset outings
- Musical or private cruises (weddings, events, birthdays)
Water activities in Yvoire and surroundings
1. Paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing
For a free exploration close to the water, nothing beats renting a stand-up paddle or kayak. Paddle along the peaceful coves around Yvoire, especially near Rovorée or towards Nernier, and enjoy preserved landscapes.
- Rentals available at Yvoire port or in Excenevex
- Beginner level accepted
- Relaxing or sporty atmosphere depending on your pace
2. Sailing and introductory courses
Lake Geneva is a popular sailing spot, both for sports regattas and leisure outings. Several sailing clubs offer courses, initiations, and guided trips from Thonon, Sciez or Excenevex.
- For beginners or experienced sailors
- Navigation supervised by certified instructors
3. Fishing on Lake Geneva
Trolling, line fishing from the piers, or boat fishing with a guide… Lake Geneva is full of trout, whitefish, pike, Arctic char and perch. Guided trips can be arranged for half a day or a full day.
4. Swimming and relaxation
Although the village of Yvoire does not have an official public beach, many nearby spots allow you to enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear waters of Lake Geneva:
- Excenevex Beach (10 minutes): the only natural sandy beach on Lake Geneva
- Sciez-sur-Léman Beach: supervised, equipped, ideal for families
- Nernier Beach: intimate and authentic
Practical information
| Activity | Location | Accessible from Yvoire |
|---|---|---|
| CGN Cruises | Yvoire Port, Thonon Port | ✅ |
| Paddle / Kayak | Yvoire Port, Excenevex | ✅ |
| Sailing | Sciez, Thonon, Évian | 🚗 10–20 min |
| Guided fishing | Thonon, Yvoire (on request) | ✅ |
| Swimming & beaches | Excenevex, Sciez, Nernier | ✅ |
To know
- Jet-skiing is prohibited on Lake Geneva to preserve sound environment and biodiversity.
- Wearing a life jacket is mandatory for any water activity beyond 300 meters from the shore.
- The waters of Lake Geneva are monitored and ranked among the cleanest in Europe.
An experience not to be missed
Exploring Lake Geneva from the water means discovering the area differently: majestic mountain views, calm secluded coves, shifting reflections throughout the day… Whether you are a thrill seeker, a sailing enthusiast, or simply curious to experience the lake in another way, the cruises and water activities around Yvoire will satisfy your desire for escape.