Down the road on the bank of Lake Geneva

Life is good in Céligny

Just 18 km (approx. 11.2 miles) from Geneva, still in the canton of Geneva, between the beach and countryside, Céligny offers a rural and village atmosphere. Célignotes are proud of their little commune and feel privileged to a member of its 790 residents.

It’s nice to gather together for events at La Place des Grands-Chênes, and quite romantic when paired up. Céligny is home to beautiful lakeside properties, houses surrounded by fields stretching as far as the eye can see, and charming residences at the edge of the forest, a favorite for horseback riding enthusiast. It’s not unusual to see the morning crew of riders, followed enthusiastically by a band of Jack Russell Terriers. Spacious mansions are plotted on masterfully manicured green lawns. After all, gardening is known to be the unofficial regional sport of choice. Passersby are delighted to discover rose gardens and flowering hedges on the road leading to the village.

For a total change of scenery, we suggest a stop at 'Au Buffet de la Gare de Céligny' for a moment of pure happiness on a terrace shaded in greenery, just like in Provence, but in the countryside of Geneva. Even on chilly winter evenings, the Art Deco-style atmosphere warms you up, especially when accompanied by a glass of Genevan or Vaudois wine.

Life is (also) good in Crans-près-Céligny

For those who have a soft spot for the canton of Vaud, take the road less traveled - a little off the lake’s right bank - to Crans-près-Céligny, a municipality in the district of Nyon.

One must be precise in Switzerland, the country of precision (especially when it comes to time), so there’s no possible confusion between Crans-Montana, Crans-sur-Sierre, or Céligny (the one in the canton of Geneva). Located steps from Nylon, this little village is a haven of absolute calm, surrounded by greenery and farmland. Many great properties line the road on the lake’s bank, one after the other, benefiting from vistas of vineyards or hectares of forests.

The local lifestyle is dynamic. Natives are loyal to the region and very welcoming to new residents. Both old and new gather together in the village square on market days or just to meet up. Visitors like to discover local wine production, like the “Vinatura” label of the magnificent 18th-century Château de Crans, which has been owned by the same family for 7 generations.

Your house will be at Céligny, if...

1. 'The Little House in the Meadow' has been your dream since childhood
2. “The House by the Lake” has been your better half’s dream since childhood
3. Lake or meadow, Vaud or Geneva, you’re heart is still torn between cantons, but it’s Céligny or Crans-près-Céligny 100%

Go big in Gland

For some, the great outdoors can be a little scary. So before we take the big step to village life, here’s an easy transitional stage: The pretty town of Gland. Halfway between Geneva and Lausanne, you’ll find a beautiful setting on the banks of Lake Geneva, at the foot of the Jura, with a panorama of the Alps. Its beautiful living environment, constant economic development, and prosperity make it particularly captivating. More than 900 companies have been established in the Gland area. The 13,000 inhabitants actively participate in the cultural heritage of Gland, by putting on a number of events at Théâtre de Grand-Champ.

Live in town or on the outskirts, in a nice apartment with a view of the lake and mountains or in a beautiful house with a lawn to enjoy the surrounding nature - not bad options, don’t you think? Gland is also a very environmentally friendly city, hosting 2 major international organizations: WWF (the World Wide Fund for Nature) and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

You’re moving to Gland, if...

1. You work in Geneva and your better half in Lausanne
2. A view of the Jura, the Alps, AND Lake Geneva - or nothing
3. Your youngest one’s favorite toy is a stuffed panda

Photo Credit: keepps