Hi, all. I will be leaving Wed., Aug. 11 for Geneva and I will stay in Lausanne 2 days before joining a hiking trip. I plan to spend a day visiting the Swiss side of the lake, then the next day I will take the boat across to the French side. You all have given me great suggestions for the Swiss towns to visit, now I would like some ideas for what to see on the French side. What are your favorite towns and sights on the French shoreline? Thanks.

there's not a whole lot to chose from. The obvious choice is Evian-les-Bains, a swanky casino town famed for its Evian mineral water plant. A very pleasant flower-bedecked town with nice waterfront. Thinon-les-Bains, just up the lake towards Geneve is a similar place - you can take trains between them or the boat. Boats float regularly between Lausanne and Evian. Evian has rail connections to all of France, making this a novel way for rail travelers to go between Suisse and France.

Check Yvoire . . . very charming, have lunch by the port & wander the medieval streets.

Evian is rather antiseptic IMO.
Have fun!

We love Annecy. P_M have a wonderful time.

Not on the lake but above it: Divonne, complete with a casino and nice views.

Yvoire is a pretty little place. There's a garden with a "five senses" theme. There's a garden room devoted to plants which appeal to your sense of touch, sense of smell, etc.

But I have to say that you might find that one day of Swiss lakeside places will not suffice. I think we combined a visit to Yvoire with our visit to Nyon. J.

Thanks for your nice wishes, cig, and thanks to all of you who responded. I can't wait!!

The one time I was in a French town on the other side of the lake, was courtesy of a friend of a friend's speed boat, where we docked and had wine at a small cafe. I have no idea where I was! (How's that for a useless post?) Wishing P_M a great trip... I'm counting down with you.

I made a trip to Pontelier where Pastis first was made and called a "Pons" We ate at a terrible combination restaurant/brocante shop. Sitting on the terrace, after a few "Pons," we had a wonderful time.
P_M you will find your own amusing stops
Three more days, we'll keep you amused and throw out ideas.