Best lakes around Ballaison offer diverse aquatic experiences, primarily centered around the vast Lake Geneva and the tranquil Lac de Machilly. Ballaison provides viewpoints overlooking Lake Geneva, the largest lake in Western Europe, shared between France and Switzerland. The area is characterized by its natural landscapes, with opportunities for water activities and family-friendly outings. Nearby, Lac de Machilly presents a smaller, artificial lake suitable for walks and nature observation.
Last updated: June 21, 2026
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Small street with beautiful panorama. Mountains, lake and viticulture.
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Easy - free parking (with macaron) at Le Griffon Tennis Club. Can be very muddy in parts after rain. Good all year nature reserve but few birds in Winter.
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Très le Mont is a small town from which the hike to Mont Forchat or Très la Paraz starts. Unfortunately, there are no public toilets at the car park, only a restaurant at the end of the town.
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great walk, didn't last, magnificent view of the Alps, Jura, Saleve...I recommend it when you have 3 hours to spare
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On the Rouelbeau side, there are beavers, the rest is indicated by a sign on the side of the road, at the bottom of Carre d'Aval.
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A cute little port in the town. The Corsier-Port Shipyard is the oldest boatyard in French-speaking Switzerland. Here you can find services for your boat, buy a boat or simply learn a little more about the history of this place. Find out more here: https://www.corsier-port.com
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The marshes are so called (the second name) because they are close to the ruins of the Château de Rouelbeau. These swamps are not large and the flora only has 4 species. As for the fauna, there are various birds, amphibians, insects but no mammals. The area is protected by ProNatura Geneva.
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From here you have a great view over the vines of Lake Geneva and the Jura in the background.
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The primary lake is Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), offering expansive views and numerous activities. Additionally, the smaller, tranquil Lac de Machilly is nearby. The region of Haute-Savoie also provides access to other stunning alpine lakes like Lake Annecy and Lac du Bourget.
Yes, several options are great for families. Lac de Machilly features playgrounds, picnic areas, and easy walking paths suitable for strollers. On Lake Geneva, Excenevex Municipal Beach is the only natural fine sandy beach on the lake, offering a large children's playground, mini-golf, and various water activities.
For stunning vistas, visit the Route with a beautiful panorama, which offers expansive views over the vineyards of Lake Geneva and the Jura mountains. The Nernier Village and Lake Geneva Promenade also provides clear views of the lake from its charming cobbled streets.
You can enjoy a variety of activities. On Lake Geneva, popular options include boating, swimming, paddleboarding, and cycling along waterfront paths like the Corsier Port Waterfront Pathway. For land-based activities, there are numerous routes for hiking, running, and mountain biking. For example, you can find hiking trails around Ballaison, including an easy loop around Lac de Machilly.
Yes, Lac de Machilly has well-maintained paths suitable for strollers, making it ideal for family walks. The Corsier Port Waterfront Pathway on Lake Geneva is also categorized as wheelchair accessible, offering a pleasant experience along the water.
The spring and summer months are generally ideal for visiting the lakes. During this time, the weather is pleasant for water sports, swimming, and outdoor activities. Lake temperatures, such as Lac du Bourget, can reach up to 26°C in mid-summer, making it perfect for swimming.
Yes, swimming is a popular activity. Lake Geneva offers developed beaches like Excenevex Municipal Beach, known for its natural sandy shore and controlled water quality. While Lac de Machilly is more for walks and fishing, other larger lakes in Haute-Savoie like Lake Annecy and Lac du Bourget are also excellent for swimming.
Around Lac de Machilly, you can observe ducks and geese by the lakeshore, and the area is rich in diverse fauna and flora. On Lake Geneva, the region boasts various natural attractions, including the gardens of Pré Curieux, which showcase the richness of wetlands and different ecosystems.
Yes, along Lake Geneva, you can explore the medieval fortified village of Yvoire, which is classified as one of France's most beautiful villages. Its cobbled pedestrian streets lead directly to the lake shores, offering a blend of history and scenic beauty.
Yes, Lac de Machilly is designated for fishing, making it a suitable spot for fishing enthusiasts. You can also find fishing opportunities at other lakes in the Haute-Savoie region, such as Lake Montriond.
There are various hiking opportunities. Near Lac de Machilly, you can enjoy an easy loop trail called "Fill up the water bottle – Lake Machilly loop from Machilly." For more challenging hikes, you can explore trails like the "Signal of the Voirons – Notre-Dame des Voirons loop from Machilly" which offers great views.
Yes, Lac de Machilly offers picnic areas with benches, perfect for a family meal outdoors. Near Lake Geneva, you can find restaurants in villages like Nernier or near highlights such as At the Little Savoyard Restaurant, Très le Mont, which is a popular excursion restaurant for hikers.


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