Go green around Lake Geneva

Vineyard tours are one of the most popular ways of enjoying the Lake Geneva countryside. swiss-image.ch

A new guide to the Lake Geneva region, "Go Green" is chock full of ideas for the traveller who wants to escape the beaten track.

The colourful brochure gives tips on hiking and horseback trails, nature reserves, scenic rail and cultural tours, and even includes recipes for traditional local dishes.

Most visitors to the region stick to the beaten track around the shores of Lake Geneva and its best-known cities and resorts like Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux.

However, the region, which stretches from the water’s edge to the Jura Hills and across to the Alps, is rich in natural and cultural attractions.

Wheat Trail

Among the guide’s suggestions for hikers is the 80-kilometre “Wheat Trail” which begins at a wheat and bread museum before passing through small rural villages and the lush countryside.

A guidebook and series of information boards tell the story of the region to the hikers, who can rest their weary bones at any one of a number of bed and breakfast inns.

Special maps indicate where best to taste local wines and produce, enjoy a farm brunch, buy local crafts, visit a rural museum or sign up for a river rafting adventure down a spectacular gorge.

The guide is available free of charge from the Lake Geneva Region tourist office.

swissinfo