Franco-Swiss cooperation for Lake Geneva

The International Commission for the Protection of the Waters of Lake Geneva (CIPEL) works as an intergovernmental Franco-Swiss body to coordinate water management and protection in the Lake Geneva basin.

60 years of science serving Lake Geneva

For over 60 years, CIPEL has been collecting valuable data on the lake's water quality and ecosystems, helping to better understand and preserve this exceptional natural heritage.

A source of life to preserve

The largest lake in Western Europe, Lake Geneva provides drinking water for over 900,000 people. But beyond this vital resource, it is home to a unique biodiversity and supports a thriving local economy.

The Rhône, an essential artery of Lake Geneva

The Rhône, Lake Geneva's main tributary and outflow, feeds the lake at an average rate of 182 m³ per second. This vital link between lake and river plays a key role in the ecosystem and water management.

A living memory at the heart of science

Formed by glaciers over 15,000 years ago, Lake Geneva is a living memory. Its sediments tell the story of the environment and human activities that surround it.

A natural giant at the heart of a region

Lake Geneva, with its 200 km of shoreline, is a veritable natural treasure that remains fragile in the face of environmental pressures.

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Lake temperature 🌡

Surface : 9.2 C°
Measured on : 4.03.2025

Latest news

in CIPEL News

AWARENESS-RAISING TOOLS

Awareness-raising workshops for young people in Lake Geneva

Discover the mysteries of Lake Geneva!

We offer a range of immersive, educational workshops designed for all audiences wishing to discover Lake Geneva and its unique ecosystems. Whether you're an environmental enthusiast, a nature lover or simply curious, our workshops give you the opportunity to plunge (sometimes literally) into the fascinating world of this great Alpine lake.

Water sports and preserving Lake Geneva

Let's work together to protect Lake Geneva and its natural treasures!

Whether you're a swimmer or a water sports enthusiast, discover best practices for preserving Lake Geneva, as well as an interactive map listing its sensitive natural environments and points of interest such as beaches, water access points and harbors. This initiative also highlights Lake Geneva's unique ecosystems and their emblematic species.

The natural shores of Lake Geneva

Travelling exhibition to borrow free of charge

CIPEL has just put together a beautifully illustrated exhibition to raise public awareness of the need to preserve the natural environments along Lake Geneva. Visitors are invited to discover the flora and fauna of 5 distinctive environments.

CIPEL, a Franco-Swiss cross-border commission

A look back at the major challenges and actions that have marked our 6 decades of existence.

LEMAN FOLLOW-UP

The 4 seasons of Lake Geneva

Water monitoring data for each season

What is the latest lake temperature data? To what extent does the lake warm up or cool down over the year? How does its oxygen content change? And how do its transparency and algae development fluctuate? 🤓 To get a better idea of how the lake works, follow its evolution through the seasons in our regular bulletins.

Le Léman en Live

Real-time data from Lake Geneva

Discover the fascinating real-time dynamics of the waters of Lake Geneva thanks to two innovative models designed by local researchers. These cutting-edge tools provide captivating visual monitoring of two key indicators, revealing the lake's movements and temperatures.

Beach map

A webapp dedicated to bathing water quality

To enjoy the fresh waters of Lake Geneva, discover the 120 beaches along the shores of Lake Geneva whose water quality is tested.

You'll also find useful and interesting information 💡

CIPEL publications and database

Limnothèque

Consult and download CIPEL studies and data.

Action plan 2021-2030

CIPEL's 4th action plan guides its studies and actions through 29 action sheets to discover.

Scientific report

Document compiling the results of the latest campaigns and studies carried out each year.

Limnological bulletin

Summary of quarterly measurement data (temperature, transparency, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll a).

Beach map

Check out the quality of Lake Geneva's bathing waters to enjoy the fresh waters of Lake Geneva.

Water activities

Let's work together to protect Lake Geneva. Consult our map listing sensitive natural environments and points of interest.

Press release

Several communiqués are issued each year. Subscribe to our mailing list.

Job offer

Consult CIPEL's internship and job offers.

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