Out in French-speaking Switzerland: great ideas for Pentecost

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The largest viticulture area in Vaud stretches for 45 kilometers along the lakeshore between Lausanne and Geneva. A wide variety of grape varieties grow on sun-drenched slopes where the region’s winegrowers grow quality grapes. In villages such as Féchy, Echichens or Bursins, the hometown of Federal Council Member Guy Parmelin, viticultural families invite visitors for tastings. If you come to the region less for wine and more for hiking: Pas d’soucis! More than 30 signposted hiking trails meander through the beautiful area that runs along the lake.

The small town of Nyon on the shores of Lake Geneva has dedicated an entire museum to “its” lake. From natural features to cultural features and the latest scientific findings: here you will find everything there is to know about one of Western Europe’s largest inland lakes. The museum was opened in 1954 in a quaint townhouse by the lake. Among other things, visitors are offered 30 historical ships that once sailed on the lake. At five aquariums, visitors can get a close-up view of the lake’s animal inhabitants. And upstairs you can find all about the adventurer and inventor Auguste Piccard, who presented the first submarine on Lake Geneva at the 1964 National Exhibition in Lausanne.

A little adventure? No problem! The Hirondelle paddle steamer, which sank on 10 June 1862, is one of the most exciting wrecks in Switzerland. For experienced shipwreck divers – and yes, you can’t do without practice – visiting the wreck about 50 meters below the water’s surface is extremely popular. For less experienced divers, there are five small boat wrecks in the town of Hermance.

Some castle experts claim that Château de Chillon is the most beautiful castle in Switzerland. Even so: The historical building at the easternmost end of the lake has a magnificent location. The lords of the castle built the castle on a rock that protrudes directly into the lake. In 1150 there was already a castle here, which has undergone various expansions throughout its long history. The castle belongs to the Canton of Vaud, which has used it as an arsenal, armory, hospital and prison since 1798. Between 1897 and 1934 the castle was extensively repaired. Today, visitors can access the site via an 18th-century wooden bridge.

Having trouble with overheating tracks? Dissatisfaction with overcrowded compartments? The little train “P’tit Train” from Nyon knows none of this. It winds through the quaint little town on the shores of Lake Geneva, pleasantly and with many friendly guests, and takes travelers on a journey through the exciting past of the mini-city. The tour takes you through the traces of the Roman colony Julia Equestris, who once stood here, back to the Middle Ages and Renaissance, when large factories were built here. We continue past the castle, beautiful fountains and parks. Guaranteed the most fun 20 minutes you can spend in Nyon.

The Lake Geneva region is not only home to beautiful vineyard villages and old castles, but also home to Switzerland’s second largest city: with a population of over 200,000, Geneva is a true metropolis by local standards. In addition, the city is the most international in Switzerland, thanks to the large number of organizations headquartered here, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the International Red Cross. The city is particularly popular with tourists because of its luxury shopping streets and the 140-metre-high Jet d’Eau fountain.

Of course, no trip to Lake Geneva would be complete without at least one excursion on one of the many boats. Shipping company CGN offers hundreds of crossings between Switzerland and France during the summer months. A trip to one of the old steamships, still powered by wheels that are up to 130 years old, is particularly eventful. CGN is the proud owner of several ships from the so-called Belle Epoque. When booking, make sure one of the La Suisse, Montreux, Simplon, Savoie or Rhône ships are operating on your desired route: then there are no barriers to traveling on a historic steamship.

Source : Blick