Living

Lausanne from the Water with Genevaboats

by Tanya Christensen

July 3, 2026

There’s something about Lac Léman in the summer that feels almost too easy to take for granted. We walk past it, run alongside it, meet friends for apéro with it quietly shimmering in the background. It’s always there: reliable, beautiful, a constant. But every so often, it’s worth stepping back and asking: when was the last time you really experienced it?

Not just beside it. On it. That’s exactly where Genevaboats comes in.

boat dock
Bow of Boat

Long known for their private boat experiences departing from Geneva, Genevaboats has recently expanded its offering, with boats now based directly in Lausanne and Montreux. It’s a subtle shift, but one that changes everything. No more complex logistics or long lead times--just the possibility of deciding, almost on a whim, to head out onto the lake and see the city from an entirely different perspective.

skipper

And that perspective? It hits differently. Leaving the shore behind, Lausanne softens. The familiar landmarks stretch out along the hillside, the noise fades, and suddenly the city feels both distant and more beautiful than ever. With a Genevaboats captain at the helm, there’s nothing to think about except settling in, letting the boat glide forward, and watching the light shift across the water.

Lausanne from the water

This is where the experience really finds its rhythm. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing less, but better. A bottle of wine shared between friends. Music playing softly in the background. Someone inevitably dipping their feet (or diving straight in). Conversations that stretch out as the sun begins to lower.

team

An apéro, yes—but one that feels just slightly elevated. What makes Genevaboats particularly interesting is how this experience sits somewhere between everyday and exceptional. On paper, a private boat might feel like a splurge. And it is, in a way. But shared between a small group, it becomes something else entirely: a considered, once-in-a-while kind of plan that feels both indulgent and surprisingly within reach. A birthday, a visiting friend, the first real heatwave of the season. Or no occasion at all, beyond the simple idea of making the most of where we live.

Clara swimming

Because if there’s one thing Lausanne does well, it’s summer. And if there’s one thing Genevaboats understands, it’s how to turn a few hours on Lac Léman into something that lingers long after you’re back on shore.

The lake has always been our playground. This is just a different way to enjoy it.

To explore their Lausanne, Montreux, and Geneva departures or book your own outing, you can visit Genevaboats directly via their website.

Whether you’re planning ahead or leaning into something more spontaneous, Genevaboats makes it easier than ever to experience the lake in a way that feels both effortless and unforgettable.

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This article was created in collaboration with Genevaboats. The Lausanne Guide is a non-profit association run by volunteers, and collaborations like this help support the time, care, and resources that go into creating and maintaining the platform. We choose our partners thoughtfully, and only feature places and experiences we genuinely stand behind. By supporting the businesses that support us, you’re also helping keep The Lausanne Guide going. Thank you!