The 6 most beautiful fireworks displays on Lake Geneva
The Most Beautiful Fireworks Around Lake Geneva, Gruyères, and the Vaud Alps
Nothing captures the spirit of Lake Geneva summers quite like the dazzling fireworks that light up its shores and alpine peaks. Between national holidays, lakeside festivals, and traditional celebrations, the region offers countless occasions to enjoy unforgettable pyrotechnic shows across both Switzerland and France. From July 14 to August 1, followed by the commemorations in mid-August and the New Year’s Eve festivities, Lake Geneva becomes a stage of lights and reflections unmatched anywhere else. The glow on the water, the mountain backdrop, and the convivial atmosphere make each display a truly magical experience.
July 14: French Colors Over the Lake
On the French shore, Bastille Day is a landmark event. The lakeside towns of Haute-Savoie take pride in lighting up the night sky with spectacular fireworks displays. In Thonon-les-Bains, explosions of color illuminate the harbor while terraces fill early with spectators eager for a front-row view. Yvoire, the medieval gem of the lake, offers a particularly romantic setting as fireworks sparkle above its ancient walls, their reflections dancing on the rippling water.
Evian-les-Bains presents one of the most unique spectacles of all: the entire city goes dark, allowing the pyrotechnic display to shine against the pure backdrop of the lake. The hush that falls over the crowd, broken only by synchronized music and the bursts of light, creates a deeply moving experience. A few days later, Excenevex Beach hosts its famous Sand Festival finale — a musical fireworks show combining performance, live music, and lakeside festivities for families and summer visitors alike.
August 1: Swiss National Day Fireworks
Across the lake, August 1 marks Switzerland’s National Day and brings with it vibrant celebrations in nearly every town on the northern shore. The evening often begins with patriotic speeches, lantern processions, and folk songs before culminating in breathtaking fireworks launched from piers or floating barges.
Geneva and Lausanne offer the most impressive displays. In Geneva, the show takes on grand proportions as fireworks burst over the harbor, their colors reflecting brilliantly off the water, visible from the Bains des Pâquis or the decks of CGN boats. Lausanne’s celebration in Vidy and Ouchy draws thousands who gather to enjoy lakefront concerts, food stands, and the spectacle over the bay.
The Riviera towns of Montreux, Vevey, and Morges also join in, turning the entire Vaud shoreline into a glowing ribbon of light and music. Each event has its own personality — Montreux with its musical soul, Vevey with its family-friendly charm, and Morges with its historic quayside setting.
Geneva Festival and August Fireworks
Soon after the National Day, Geneva extends the summer fun with its famous Geneva Festival, a major highlight of the season. For several days the city buzzes with street performers, world music, and international cuisine. The grand finale — a themed musical fireworks show — attracts hundreds of thousands each year, many traveling from across the border just to witness it. Whether viewed from the promenades, public beaches, or private boats, the Geneva Festival fireworks promise an unforgettable night.
Meanwhile, Evian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains commemorate their Liberation on August 15 and 16 with breathtaking lakeside fireworks launched from boats offshore. These shows blend history and celebration, filling the night sky with emotion and color — a perfect continuation of the summer magic on Lake Geneva.
In Gruyères and the Vaud Alps: Light Among the Mountains
Beyond the lakeside, Gruyères and the Vaud Alps bring their own alpine charm to the fireworks season. In the medieval town of Gruyères, the summer festival often features a display set against the backdrop of its hilltop castle, accompanied by music and local markets. In mountain villages like Château-d’Oex, Leysin, or Les Diablerets, fireworks usually signal the finale of traditional alpine gatherings or torchlight parades. These more intimate celebrations highlight the warm, community spirit of Swiss mountain life, made all the more magical by the surrounding peaks and starry skies.
New Year’s Eve on the Water
To close out the year, the Compagnie Générale de Navigation (CGN) offers its special New Year’s Eve cruise on December 31. Passengers embark from Lausanne, Geneva, or Montreux for a festive dinner-cruise crowned by fireworks lighting up the sky along both the Swiss and French shores. Watching the bursts of color over the lake as midnight strikes, guests toast the arrival of the new year with champagne, music, and laughter — a truly enchanting way to welcome the year ahead.