Have you ever seen islands on Lake Geneva? There are 8 of them, and each one holds a piece of history and mystery. With the exception of Ile Rousseau in Geneva, they are all in the canton of Vaud: Château de Chillon, Ile de Peilz, Ile de la Harpe, Ile de Salagnon, Ile aux Oiseaux, Ile de Choisi and Ile des Grangettes. (Article updated 07.12.2021)
Rousseau Island, Geneva
Originally built to guard the entrance to the harbour, the island was used as a shipyard from 1628, giving it the name of Île de la Barque. In 1832, the island was linked to the shore by the Pont des Bergues and transformed into a public park. In honour of the Genevan philosopher and writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the island was laid out in the image of the island in Lake Ermenonville (France), which was so dear to Rousseau.
Chillon Castle, Veytaux
It was built in the 11th century on a rocky island, providing both natural protection and a strategic location for controlling the passage between northern and southern Europe. It was made famous by Rousseau in his novel "La Nouvelle Héloïse" in the 18th century.
Peilz Island, Villeneuve
The charm of this 40 m2 islet lies in its difficult access. A rocky outcrop forms the base, reinforced by an embankment and a retaining wall built by the inhabitants of Villeneuve in 1797. Its only current inhabitant is a huge plane tree. There are two legends about this island. It is said to have been erected by an Englishwoman on the very spot where her fiancé was drowned in the 19th century. It is said to have been given to Queen Victoria, who later returned it in order to avoid paying the property tax claimed.
La Harpe island, Rolle
This 2,368m2 island is the largest on Lake Geneva. It was built by a group of local merchants in 1835 to protect the port of Rolle, where timber from the Jura mountains was shipped to Geneva. It takes its name from Monsieur Fréderic César de la Harpe, tutor to Alexander I (Emperor of Russia) and campaigner for the withdrawal of the Bernese from the canton of Vaud.
Salagnon island, Montreux
This island in front of the Basset harbour in Clarens was nothing more than a mass of stone called "Les Roches aux mouettes". It was transformed into an island in 1880 thanks to the materials extracted for the creation of the Tonkin railway line. At the time, the island covered an area of 1,120 m². Its name was given by Monsieur Joseph d'Allinges, inspired by the salt that came from Burgundy and was cleared through customs in Clarens before continuing on to the Valais. The island was bought in 1900 by the painter Théobald Chartran, who had a villa built there for his parties.
L'île aux Oiseaux, in Préverenges
Contrary to what its name suggests, Ile aux Oiseaux has only recently become an island following work carried out to avoid making it accessible to the public. This artificial island is made up of riprap and deposits of gravel and sand. During spring migration, it attracts a large number of birds to rest in a peaceful spot. Near the island, you'll find a platform on stilts that encourages terns to nest, out of the reach of predators.
The island of Choisi, in Bursinel
Situated in front of a large mansion built in the 19th century, this artificial oval island measuring 10 metres by 15 metres is 70 metres from the shore. It was built in 1930.
Grangettes island, Noville
This island in the Grangettes nature reserve was created on the remains of the former Rhône delta. When the river was untamed, its flood movements constantly created piles of sand and gravel.
