The 30 best things to do in May

Moored on the river as it flows out of Lake Geneva, Bateau Lavoir is a lovely spot to go for a drink, a light lunch or an apéro as the sun goes down. Throughout the year the boat hosts live music events too.

Summer is truly underway in Switzerland when people start to take to the rivers, lake “beaches” and badis (public bathing areas at the lake) in their droves. So whether you're looking to swim yourself fit or simply take a refreshing dip, nothing beats a swim in the open air. The summer season opens on May 14, 2016.

Part museum, part theme park, Chaplin’s World is set on the very domain where Charlie Chaplin lived with his family during the last 25 years of his life. Take a walk through the life and the films of the world’s best-loved movie character.

Making the most of its position on one of Europe’s largest lakes, Lausanne’s ferry port at Ouchy offers cruises to many destinations around the lake.

The huge Lac de Joux in the Jura valley of the same name is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts at any time of year.

Among the most famous monuments of Ticino are the impressive collection of medieval castles at Bellinzona, the capital of the canton, just north of Lugano. 

Whether you are local or in town for shopping, a meeting or an event, the Dampfbad in northern Basel’s St. Johann is the perfect retreat. 

Well known for its thermal waters, the pretty alpine village of Leukerbad has several spas, but this is one of the best. 

At 912m and popular with climbers, dramatic Monte San Salvatore looms above the city, one side forest, the other sheer rock face. 

The natural reserve around the Katzensee is just minutes outside the city and an all year round hotspot for bird- and nature-watching. 

Leave a CHF 20 deposit at one of the Züri rollt containers and enjoy the city on two wheels. 

Don't just stand there on the promenade admiring the lake, get out and enjoy it. 

Kinetic sculptor Jean Tinguely is one of those artists you either love or hate. The central hall alone houses 20 huge machine-sculptures in a handsome, hangar-like structure purpose-built next to the Rhine by Ticino architect Mario Botta.

Take an early morning stroll across the vast grounds or just sit and relax for a while on a sunny afternoon. The botanical garden is rarely crowded and can deliver instant peace and happiness when you stumble upon a pretty flower or watch the branches of the old trees swing with the wind.

Théâtre Sévelin 36 is both a showcase and breeding ground for dancers. Workshops are organized throughout the year, including with children. On 8,9 and 10 May, it will be one of the main venues for the nationwide Dance festival open to anyone who loves dance.

Hawaii's current craze for stand-up paddleboarding comes to Lake Geneva. There are plenty of other watersports, such as windsurfing and wakeboarding, on the lake.

Switzerland's popular e-bikes or pedelecs have a bit of extra va-va-voom. These electrically-assisted bikes can be rented at the rail station and are a nippy way to get around town.