Around 80 kilometres from Yerevan lies Sevan, a city that formerly stood at the edge of the lake that shares its name but which now stands several hundred metres away due to the fact the waters have receded. Though the lake itself is incredibly scenic and a very popular tourist destination, this is definitely not the case with the city, which is as ugly as the lake and its surroundings are beautiful.
I have to admit, however, that I did get some pleasure from walking through its dreary streets: their decaying, concrete, Soviet-style buildings provide opportunities for some good photos, the large abandoned Ferris wheel with the cows grazing around it being a case in point.
In summary, you should avoid Sevan when you're in this part of Armenia and you want to visit the lake of the same name. Head instead for the little villages at the water's edge, which are much more charming.