Which lake borders the city of Geneva, Switzerland?

Lake Geneva borders the city of Geneva, Switzerland.

Known in French as Lac Léman, the lake occupies a crescent-shaped basin on the northern side of the Alps. Its western end reaches Geneva, where the Rhône River exits the lake and continues through the city. The lake is shared by Switzerland and France: roughly 60% lies in Switzerland, while about 40% lies in France’s Haute-Savoie department.

The lake’s name can cause confusion. “Lake Geneva” is the usual English name, while French-speaking residents commonly say “le lac Léman” or simply “Léman.” The name Geneva also refers to the Swiss city and canton, both of which touch the lake’s western end.

Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Switzerland and one of Western Europe’s major lakes. Other well-known cities along its shores include Lausanne, Montreux, Évian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains. It is also part of the Rhône’s course: the river enters at the eastern end and leaves at Geneva.