This isn’t just a travel guide, this is us on the Balcony
Lake Geneva. The Alps. Paddle steamers. Mountain air, and that unmistakable French rhythm of life.
Hello there, I’m Lindsay — creator of Tales from the Balcony — and I’m so glad you’re here. If you’re dreaming of Lake Geneva — where to go, what to see, and how to explore it — you’re in exactly the right place.
For over 15 years I’ve been returning to this beautiful corner of France tucked into the hills above Lake Geneva. What began as visits turned into something more… and one day I found myself living here.
And even now, back in Scotland, I haven’t quite left.
Because there’s still so much more to tell.
Explore the Balcony
There are many ways to experience this corner of the world — from quiet village life to long, winding journeys beyond the lake.
Here’s where to begin:
- Life in Thollon
A glimpse into everyday life in a small Alpine village — changing seasons, local rhythms, and the charm of life above the lake. - Lake Geneva travel
Paddle steamers, hidden shores, lakeside towns and the simple pleasure of being out on the water. - Alps travel and outdoor adventures
Walks with a view, mountain air, and those moments where you stop, just to take it all in. - Beyond the Balcony
Day trips, longer journeys and places just a little further afield — because some adventures are worth the extra mile.
However you choose to explore, it all begins here — by the lake.
Lake Geneva Travel: A Personal Guide from the French Alps
This little corner of France has everything — snow-covered slopes in winter, sunlit shores in summer, and a way of life that draws you in.
The history. The art. The food. And that unmistakable French je ne sais quoi.
You might find yourself strolling past lakeside villas you can only glimpse from the water…or watching a paddle steamer glide into port, flags flying and decks buzzing with life.
Or perhaps it’s quieter than that…
a train glinting in the sun across the lake, red kites circling overhead. Cowbells drifting up from the meadows below.
An then there’s the breeze…no, wait — that’s the sound of a deep sigh as you sink into a chair on the balcony, coffee in hand, and realise that in some places, all is still right with the world.
I’ll show you how to get there, where to go, where to stay, and how to explore it — along with the small local details that make all the difference. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning again, I hope these stories and guides help your own Lake Geneva travel experience.
There’ll be day trips, longer journeys, and the occasional temptation involving Tartiflette or Tarte Tatin.
This is more than just a travel guide.
And if any of this has you thinking about Lake Geneva, then you’re already halfway there.
The balcony doors are always open.
There’s coffee on the hob, wine in the fridge…and plenty more to discover.
And if you’d like to see more from the Balcony in between stories, you can find me on Instagram — usually somewhere between a lake view and a good lunch.