What’s catching my eye around Lake Geneva this July
A few places, event and discoveries. Because summer around Lake Geneva is always one of my favourite times of the year.
Here’s a little snapshot of a few things happening this month…
On my radar…
🎭This summer the Palais Lumière in Evian is celebrating the truly remarkable life of Sarah Bernhardt.
Actress, painter, sculptor and glorious eccentric, Bernhardt lived life entirely on her own terms.
One of the world’s first international celebrities, she captivated audiences wherever she performed on stage. She even took on roles traditionally reserved for men… including Hamlet and Napoleon… Pass the smelling salts!
This exhibition showcases around 150 objects from a private collection, including many of her personal belongings.
Together they tell the story of a woman who delighted in challenging convention.
From exotic pets to the coffin she supposedly slept in, Bernhardt scandalised polite society…and they couldn’t get enough of her.
I’m just hoping her stuffed bat hat has made it into the exhibition.
Definitely not to be missed.
- Date: 4 July 2026 – 3 January 2027
Location: Palais Lumiere, Evian-les-Bains
Hours: Tues 2pm -6pm · Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun 10pm -6pm
Closed Mondays
Around the lake
🎶 It’s Montreux Jazz Festival time!
Taking over the town from July 3 – July 18, the festival fills the promenade with free entertainment, activities, food and drink, while the biggest concerts take place on the main stages.
Even if you don’t have a ticket there’s plenty of space simply to soak up the atmosphere.
This incredible music festival has grown far beyond its original jazz roots to encompass many different genres.
This year’s line-up includes Raye, Sting, Scotland’s own Lewis Capaldi, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, the Isley Brothers and Van Morrison to name but a few.
For jazz fans there’s the Montreux Jazz Lab featuring PinkPantheress, Conan Gray and Young Miko.
I have to admit I’m not a jazz fan but I’ll definitely be there for the party.
- Date: 3–18 July 2026
Location: Montreux lakeside promenade and the 2m2c Music & Convention Centre
Explore: the full festival programme
Fresh from the balcony
🚶➡️This month I’m sharing one of my favourite Lake Geneva walks — the beautiful Swiss Riviera from Montreux to Lutry. If you’ve never walked it before I can really recommend it.
Sporting July
⛳ If music isn’t your thing, July is a huge month for sport around the lake.
The world’s best women golfers return to Evian for the Amundi Evian Championship from 9-12 July. This is the only major championship played in continental Europe.
Even if you don’t follow golf, the atmosphere is wonderful, with spectacular views across Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) from the course.
🚴Cycling fans are in for a treat too. On 21 July, Stage 16 of the Tour de France starts in Evian-les-Bains.
Rather than following the lakeshore, they head straight uphill through Neuvecelle, Larringes and Féternes.
After climbing to around 800 metres, they loop down into Thonon before finishing at the Château de Ripaille.
If you’re new to the race, I’ve also written a short guide on what to expect when the Tour comes to Evian.
To round off July …
🍹If all that sport has made you tired, head to the bar and restaurant with one of the best views over Lake Geneva.
Le Balcon du Lac, above Thollon les Mémises, sits at 1500 m on the edge of the Balcons des Mémises.
Every Saturday evening from 18 July – 15 August, the Balcon du Lac hosts its ‘Guinguettes’ evenings with music, cocktails, apéros, sharing platters, and a barbeque.
No need to book — just turn up, watch the sun set and celebrate summer.
Just remember to check the télécabine timetable before you go.
One last thing…
🎇And, of course, don’t forget Bastille Day on 14 July. Many of the lakeside towns celebrate with music, dancing and spectacular fireworks over Lake Geneva.
If you’re lucky enough to be here, it’s one of the most magical evenings of the summer.
Whether you’re coming for the music, the golf, the Tour de France or simply a lazy evening watching the sunset over the lake, I hope you enjoy every minute of a Lake Geneva summer.
Hope to see you soon
I’ll be trying to squeeze in as much of it as I can — and if you happen to spot me somewhere between a golf course, a mountain café and the Tour de France, do come and say hello!
