Which lake shared by Switzerland and France is the largest Alpine lake?

Lake Geneva is the lake shared by Switzerland and France that is recognized as the largest Alpine lake.

Known in French as Lac Léman, it is a deep, crescent-shaped glacial lake on the northern side of the Alps. The Rhône enters at the eastern end, flows through the lake, and exits at Geneva toward France. Major cities on its shores include Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, Évian-les-Bains, and Thonon-les-Bains.

Roughly 60% of the lake belongs to Switzerland and 40% to France. Its maximum depth is about 310 metres, and its water surface covers approximately 582 square kilometres. The lake is often described as the largest body of water in Switzerland and the largest lake along the Rhône.

A common mix-up concerns the name: “Lake Geneva” is standard in English, while “Léman” is customary in French and widely used in Switzerland. The lake also supports vineyards, ports, ferries, tourism, and internationally important cities rather than being only a mountain wilderness.