A Van Road Trip Around Lake Geneva: 7 Days of Freedom Between Switzerland and France
Do You Need to Buy the Swiss Motorway Vignette?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions among van travelers.
👉 Our answer is simple:
If you are short on time, the vignette can be useful.
If you have 7 days, as in this itinerary, we clearly recommend avoiding it.
Why?
Because the Swiss and French secondary roads around Lake Geneva are spectacular: lake panoramas, charming villages, terraced vineyards, gentle mountain passes, and spontaneous stops by the water.
It’s also the freedom to decide on a whim to stop in a Vaud village, a Chablais hamlet, or a small Jura town.
Day 1 – Haut-Jura: Nature, Craftsmanship, and the First Views of Lake Geneva
Our van road trip begins gently in the Haut-Jura, a region of deep forests, rolling landscapes, and watchmaking traditions.
Fort des Rousses: an impressive former military fortress, now famous for its cheese-aging cellars and historical heritage.
Gradual descent toward Lake Geneva with a stop in Divonne-les-Bains, an elegant spa town set in lush surroundings.
End the day in Geneva, an international and cultural city: museums, old town, the Jet d’Eau, and a cosmopolitan lakeside atmosphere.
Day 2 – Lausanne and the Jorat: Culture and Nature for the Whole Family
Head to the capital of the canton of Vaud, built in terraces overlooking the lake.
Must-see visit: the Olympic Museum, a world-renowned institution retracing the history and values of Olympism.
In the afternoon, switch scenery with a getaway to Servion, in the forests of the Jorat:
The Tropiquarium, known for its tropical species and conservation mission
A perfect balance between urban culture and nature.
Day 3 – Gruyères, Moléson, and Pays-d’Enhaut: Switzerland as a Postcard
This day takes you deep into alpine and heritage Switzerland.
Gruyères, its medieval castle and museums, set in an unspoiled landscape.
Ascent of Moléson, an iconic peak in the canton of Fribourg with spectacular panoramic views.
End the day in the Pays-d’Enhaut, in Château-d’Œx, a region of chalets, alpine pastures, and mountain traditions.
Here, time seems to slow down.
Day 4 – Valais: Mountains, Culture, and Leisure
The road continues into Valais, one of Switzerland’s most diverse cantons.
Along the way, depending on your interests:
Bex Salt Mines, showcasing ancestral know-how
Glacier 3000, with its vertiginous suspension bridge and Alpine views
Le Kuklos, the revolving restaurant in Leysin
Pierre Gianadda Foundation in Martigny, a major cultural venue
Or family-friendly leisure parks such as Western City or Labyrinthe Aventures
A flexible day, perfectly suited to van travel.
Day 5 – The Vaud Riviera and the Shores of Lake Geneva
Return to the lake via Le Bouveret:
Swiss Vapeur Parc, a unique miniature world
Aquaparc, for a relaxing or playful break
Then head to the Vaud Riviera, between Montreux and Vevey:
Fort de Chillon Museum, an immersion into Lake Geneva’s military history
Cogwheel train to the Rochers-de-Naye, offering breathtaking views over the lake
Chaplin’s World, in Corsier-sur-Vevey
Blonay–Chamby Museum, dedicated to railway heritage
A concentration of culture, landscapes, and history.
Day 6 – Back to France: Chablais and Mountain Landscapes
Our van road trip crosses back into France through the Chablais Alps.
Châtel, an authentic alpine resort
Gorges du Pont du Diable
Abbey of Aulps, a major historical site
Then on to Les Gets:
Alta Lumina, an immersive nighttime forest experience
Day 7 – French Shores of Lake Geneva: Elegance and Medieval Villages
Final day of the road trip along the lake:
Évian-les-Bains, iconic spa town with the Palais Lumière
Thonon-les-Bains and Ripaille Castle, former residence of the Dukes of Savoy
End the journey in Yvoire, a listed medieval gem, with the Garden of Five Senses, a true sensory stroll
A gentle and elegant end to the road trip.
Want a Break from Driving?
Good news: Lake Geneva can also be explored without a steering wheel 🚆🚤
Tourist public transport is plentiful and well integrated:
Rochers-de-Naye cogwheel train
And of course, CGN boats, to cross the lake in a different way
Perfect for resting the driver… and enjoying the scenery.
Things to Check Before Leaving on a Van Road Trip Around Lake Geneva
Before departure, remember to:
- Check that your mobile phone plan covers Switzerland
- Anticipate bank fees (payments and withdrawals in Switzerland)
- Bring a bank card accepted on both sides of the border
- Learn about local parking regulations for vans
Where to Sleep in a Van Around Lake Geneva?
Campsites and van areas around Lake Geneva are numerous but regulated.
👉 Check out our dedicated article on camping solutions around Lake Geneva.
Traveling Around Lake Geneva with a Dog
Good news for four-legged travelers: the Lake Geneva region is particularly dog-friendly.
👉 We’ve written a full article dedicated to traveling with a dog around Lake Geneva.
Lake Geneva: The Perfect Destination for a Van Road Trip
Accessible, safe, diverse, and spectacular, the Lake Geneva region ticks all the boxes for a successful road trip.
In 7 days, without highways and without stress, you’ll cross two countries, seven regions, and an incredible variety of landscapes — always with the lake as your guiding thread.
🚐✨ Lake Geneva is not just a destination: it’s a journey.
