Vaud Canton and the Lake Leman (Lake Geneva) region

Lake Geneva 45 miles long, Lake Geneva runs through Haute-Savoie, Geneva, Vaud and Valais. Guenter Fischer / age fotostock

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The Vaud canton is renowned not solely for its vineyards (a small guide of Vaud's vineyards is available from tourism offices), but also for its Riviera lying along the shores of Lake Leman. Do not fail to go for a cruise on one of the steamboats and paddle boats of the Compagnie générale de navigation (General navigation company) that cover all the cities of the coast. You can go for a memorable stroll in the vineyards from Rolle, on foot or bicycle, passing through Bursins, Tartegnin, Bugnaux and Aubonne. In summer, a couple of lovely beaches are open for a picnic by the waterside, at Perroy and Buchillon. Amongst the attractions to be visited are the Swiss national museum at Prangins castle neary Nyon, the Rolle castle, the old borough and the Morges fortified castle, as well as the wine cellar of Allaman castle. Vevey, headquarters of the multinational Nestlé, is a peaceful and pleasant city, where Charlie Chaplin spent the last 25 years of his life (a statue of the artist has been erected on the waterside). Nearby, the Tour-de-Peilz houses the Games museum, a favourite attraction for both children and parents. Do not fail to take the cable car up to Mont-Pèlerin, where a superb panoramic view opens up to the French Alps, as well as the vineyard route that travels through the sloping vineyards from Chexbres to Rivaz, via Saint-Saphorin. Montreux is renowned for its July jazz festival. From there, take a boat to Chillon castle, undoubtedly the most magnificient fortress of Medieval Switzerland. Finally, for train lovers, visit the Swiss Vapeur Parc ("Swiss Steam Park") at Le Bouveret, a vast park with miniature trains and railways. Also on offer in the region: a bicycle ride in the Broye valley and the Joux valley, and a trip to Oron castle.