Three restaurants… right on the water!
With this heat wave, your brain is in overdrive. The days seem longer, the nights sometimes a little too short, and one question keeps coming back: where can you find a bit of cool relief without giving up the pleasures of good food? As you know, we don’t rank places. It’s impossible to reduce the work of passionate men and women to a simple podium. But when the mercury hits its peak, certain spots naturally stand out as true havens.
Trempette, the Joy of Life
First up, let’s head to Trempette. Our columnist and expert on great spots, Anaïs Richard, recently told us about it. Under the sun, the terrace has once again set out its lounge chairs, umbrellas, and that delightfully laid-back atmosphere that immediately makes you feel like you’re on vacation. At the helm, Djomza and Victoria watch over this haven of peace nestled along Quai Wilson. A few gourmet dishes, local and seasonal ingredients, carefully selected natural wines, craft beers, and—above all—a lot of warmth. Here, time slows down. And that feels incredibly good.
Gitana, a little slice of paradise
Stay on the right bank to reach the Auberge du Port Gitana. Since its reopening, the restaurant has been a hit with both regulars and passing visitors alike. Under the guidance of the Gourmet Brothers and Chef Julien Casset, the dishes proudly showcase their indulgent nature. Heirloom tomato tartare, confit eggplant, yellow chicken breast, perch fillets, and classic brasserie dishes make up a generous menu. The decor, meanwhile, is almost surreal. The lake stretches out before you, while Mont Blanc looms on the horizon. Some will be content with just lunch. Others will undoubtedly want to extend the experience into the evening.
Dende, travel, travel
Then let’s cross the harbor to head to Dende, now in its second season under the direction of Christian Marchi. The place has that little extra something that makes for great summer spots. A bar, a restaurant, lounge chairs: there’s something for everyone here. On the menu, beef skewers marinated in Thai sauce sit alongside grilled tuna seasoned with Japanese spices. Just a few bites are enough to transport you, while Lake Geneva reminds us that you don’t always have to go very far to feel like you’re on vacation.
Three different places. Three different atmospheres. The same desire to let time take its course and to be able to put down your phone, slip on a swimsuit, grab your sunglasses and sunscreen, and then simply enjoy yourself. Because sometimes, the luxury of summer comes down to very little: a good meal, a dip in the lake, and a few hours when time finally seems to stand still.
