After enduring months of cold dark winter days and a fairly chilly spring, you might be ready to leap from the sofa and make a break for the open countryside.

Why not make this the year you do something truly extraordinary and embark on a thrilling journey through the majestic mountains?

Here’s my guide to planning your perfect mountain road trip, where winding roads, soaring peaks and hidden valleys invite you to discover their secrets.

You’ll find tips on when to go, what to pack and how to make sure your vehicle is up to the trip ahead.  I’ve also included a few ideas on how to make your trip more environmentally friendly.

Make sure your trip is as stress free as possible by planning ahead.

Then, sit back and enjoy the freedom of the open road

Why a road trip?

Whether you’re looking for an action packed trip or just a relaxing getaway, a road trip offers a sense of freedom and adventure that’s really hard to match.

Here are just a few reasons to plan your get-away on the road…

• flexibility and spontaneity – go wherever the fancy takes you. You can adapt your plans, take detours, stop whenever you like and for as long as you like.
• explore out of the way places that organised tours don’t include. A road trip can take you to little known places where you can discover the local culture, regional cuisine and historical sites for yourself.

• connect with nature – travel through some of the world’s most scenic routes, like the French ‘Route des Grandes Alpes’ (which you can read more about here), and marvel at the natural landscapes.
• escape the stresses of daily life – being immersed in nature can be both relaxing and rejuvenating. That old adage of ‘getting away from it all’ is certainly true when it comes to the mountains.

Where do I start planning for a mountain road trip?

A great road trip depends on good planning….but first things first. Where to go? There are some incredible, well-documented road trips in Europe.

From the crazily popular North Coast 500 in Scotland to the lesser known Grand Tour of Switzerland or the iconic Route des Grandes Alpes in France, to name a few.

Find one that appeals to you and look at the total distance. Decide how far you want to drive every day and factor in several stops. You’ll definitely want a few stops to admire the scenery, for lunch, and to visit interesting places along the way. Allow yourself plenty of time to see the sites worth seeing.

There are loads of online resources that can help you to map out a route. Google Maps is just one example. It’s also a good idea to buy an old-fashioned paper map to get an idea of the landscape.

Watch the sunsets over the mountain tops

Choose the right time of year

Picking the right time of year for your trip can be crucial. In the peak summer months even smaller backroads can be busy.

The weather in mountainous regions can be a major factor in picking the route for a road trip. Some of the high passes in the alps are only open from mid-June until October. Check here  ahead of your trip that the higher mountain passes have been cleared of snow.

Fog and rain in the mountains can also prevent you following the route you’ve planned. So stay flexible. A good paper map will let you find alternative roads lower down in the valleys.

Try to avoid travelling at weekends. If you can travel mid-week you’re less likely to meet the swarms of motorcyclists that take to the alpine passes every weekend during the summer months.

There are an awful lot of motor bikers! They’re fast and they tend to travel in packs. As some of these roads are very narrow and twisty it’s good to ‘Think Bike’ at all times

Feel the coolness of a mountain stream

Picking your wheels

Whether you’re travelling by car or campervan there’s a few things to think about before you set off.

• Is your vehicle the appropriate size for the chosen route? Taking an oversized campervan or huge 4×4 along narrow roads or over twisting rock strewn mountain passes isn’t very relaxing.
• You may find some roads are single track with steep drops. If you meet a similar vehicle coming in the opposite direction you could have to reverse, not ideal in a campervan.
• Is your car capable of travelling long distances. Will it manage steep climbs or rough unmade roads.
• Does your vehicle need a service before you leave? Check the oil, the tyre pressures and the windscreen wiper fluid before you leave.
• Work out your petrol consumption and look online for filling stations on your route. Petrol stations are pretty thin on the ground in rural areas, (as are toilets), take advantage when you see one, and keep your tank well topped up.
• If you’re driving an electric car, make absolutely certain that there are charging points along the route. This can be a considerable problem in many rural areas where recharging facilities just don’t exist.

Discover forgotten mountain villages

Mountain road trip essentials

Put together a few items in case you do breakdown or get stuck somewhere miles from a town.

• A small first aid kit is really essential and you can buy them cheaply online or in most sports stores.  Most contain a selection of bandages, sticking plasters, antiseptic wipes and painkillers.
• Jump leads for the car in case the battery goes flat
• A spare tyre or similar
• Check you’ve got a warning triangle.

• A torch and extra batteries. Head torches can be useful and are relatively cheap to buy. Don’t just rely on the torch on your phone.
• Take an additional phone charger. If your phone is constantly searching for a signal (likely in the mountains) it can drain very quickly.
• A Swiss army penknife or equivalent can be incredibly useful, even if it’s just to open that bottle of wine you bought at the end of the day.
• Plenty of water and snacks. Energy bars, chocolate bars, trail mix or nuts are good options and easily packed. Your hotel or accommodation may let you fill a small flask with coffee in the mornings before you set off.
• Take a blanket or warm covering in case you’re stranded or waiting for assistance.

Where to stay on a mountain road trip

Small villages in out of the way places along the way offer limited accommodation.

With the number of cyclists and bikers also travelling the back roads it’s really essential to pre-book your overnight stays. Don’t risk having to sleep in your car overnight because you forgot to book or thought you’d just wing it.

If you’re in a campervan or camping keep in mind that:

• It can be difficult to park, wild camping’s not allowed in some areas.
• Campsites are rarely in the centre of towns.  If you’re in a camper van you might need to repack it each time you venture into town to go site seeing. You could rent bikes or use the local bus.
• Town carparks often have height limits, check before you go.
• Washing facilities are extremely limited in some vans, so pick a campsite with showers and flushing toilets.  Invest in a ‘portapotty’ if your vans not equipped with toilets.
• Only travel with someone you get on really well with.  Living space is cramped. Take earplugs if you’re bothered by snorers.
• It can be incredibly dark, but that’s not really a disadvantage as you’ll get to see the stars more clearly.

What to pack for a mountain road trip

When you’re packing for your mountain road trip it’s all about the space. In fact, you really don’t need much with you.

• Think layers! Remember to pack a really warm jumper or fleece. Even in the summer sun it can be freezing cold and windy at the top of the mountains.
• Pack sunglasses, sunscreen and the mosquito repellent
• Hiking boots, towels, shorts, sun hat, tee shirts

• Taking a small separate overnight bag can be useful if you don’t want to completely unpack the car every night.

Here’s a good tip if you plan to use the overnight safe in your accommodation. It’s easy to put your wallet, credit cards or electronic devices in the safe overnight and drive off forgetting them next day (yes, that was me!).

If you put your car keys in there as well there’s no likelihood of leaving anything behind. I’ve even heard of people leaving a shoe in the safe too, not much chance of leaving without that either.

What travel documents to take on your road trip

Certain documents are essential for any car journey. You’ll need to pack the following depending on where your trip may be taking you:

• Passport and visas
• Driving licences
• Car insurance
• Road tax documents
• Travel insurance documents
• Emergency contact numbers

Check that all documents are valid and will still be valid at the end of your trip.  Check they’re relevant to the country or countries you’re planning to travel through.

Make copies of all your documents before you set off. Leave one copy at home and take the other copy with you but keep it separately from the originals.

Mountain road trip safety tips

As with any trip most of the advice on staying safe is common sense. Doing your homework first can play a large part in preventing mishaps.

• Keep credit cards, money and ID documents on your person, preferably in a specially designed travel wallet. Use the hotel safe if there is one.
• Don’t leave your car documents in the vehicle overnight.
• Park your car in well lit places, in front of CCTV cameras or in front of the hotel and it goes without saying, don’t leave valuables in the car overnight.
• Research the area you’re travelling through, particularly if it includes suburbs of towns and cities. Read other writers experiences of the place. Avoid known hot spots.
• Stay alert and avoid fatigue by taking regular breaks. You have so much flexibility on a road trip that you can schedule in more overnight stops or longer breaks if you feel you need them.
• Be careful about what you eat. A stomach upset can be pretty devastating if there are no toilets in sight. Watch out for salads and unwashed raw vegetables and stick to bottled water (fizzy will always be in a sealed bottle) if you’re concerned.
• Making a contingency plan in case of emergencies. Check your car insurance, see what’s included in the case of accidents.  Does it offer breakdown cover anywhere (even in remote off the beaten-track areas) and is a replacement vehicle included if necessary.
• Does your travel insurance cover accident and emergencies. Are your hospital fees covered. Is repatriation included?

Maximise the enjoyment

It might sound like a lot of organising and preparation when all you want to do is jump in the car and head off. It’s so tempting on a road trip to have the destination as your goal and just to keep driving till you get there, but you’ll be missing out on so much. Don’t forget to include plenty of stops to see local sites of interest. Take the time to soak up the scenery, enjoy the local culture and to relax.

After all… this could be the best holiday you’ve ever had

Road trips and the environment

We all want to do our best to protect the environment and the following points are also really just common sense, but I’m still going to mention them.

• Drive a fuel efficient vehicle. If you’ve got a choice pick the one that has the best fuel economy. The more fuel efficient the car, the less greenhouse gases it produces.
• Stay within the speed limits to reduce fuel consumption.
• Plan your route carefully.  When you reach your stop over points why not use the local bus, biking or hiking to places of interest?
• Pack light to reduce the weight in your vehicle. Less weight equals less fuel consumption and less emissions.
• Reduce the amount of waste by using reusable water and food containers.
• If there’s a choice then look for eco-friendly accommodation. Some hotels and campsites have energy efficient lighting and water conservation practices.
• Minimise energy use – switch off lights, take shorter showers.

and finally…..supporting local communities

You could enjoy a road trip by bike and there are lots of great websites devoted to cycling. Or what about a long-distance hike?  Travel by train?

Living in the beautiful Haute Savoie region of France, I’ve seen how important tourism is for remote places like the Alps. Without tourists, villages and hamlets would struggle to survive, with no jobs, no young people and no sense of community.

The roads that criss-cross the Alps play a vital role in keeping services and supplies flowing to the far-flung villages. These quaint traditional communities are the heart and soul of the region’s culture and history, but they rely on tourist income to get by.

Love it or hate it, cars are here to stay in these remote areas for the foreseeable future. However, with electric or hybrid cars on the horizon, there’s hope they’ll become less harmful and more environmentally friendly.

But for now, when you’re planning your next vacation, don’t dismiss the idea of a road trip. You could actually make a difference and contribute to the survival of a whole community.

The post How to plan an epic mountain road trip appeared first on Tales from the Balcony.

Spending Time in Geneva

Looking for a grand day out?  Or perhaps, a short weekend break?

Then look no further, Geneva combines beauty and sophistication with intrigue and fun.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Geneva’s a slightly stuffy, boring metropolis geared to business travellers and nothing else.  After all, it has a reputation as a city of international bankers, luxury watches, and world-renowned organisations.

…. but boring?  That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Geneva’s a vibrant, quirky, quaint little city that’s easily discoverable on foot. The old town has kept much of its traditional architecture and its sense of history.

Curving around the western end of the crescent-shaped Lake Geneva, this low lying city is cradled in Spring by the snow-capped mountains of the Jura and the Salève and watered by the clear mountain river, the Arve, and by the Rhone.

My Favourite Things to do in Geneva

Here are just some of the things you can do to get a real feel for this legendary city.

Walk out along the jetty to the famous ‘jet d’eau’ and take selfies

Stand under one of the world’s most famous fountains and dodge the spray.  Built in 1886 the plume of water rises to a staggering 140 meters.

Check the direction of the wind before venturing too close, you could end up soaked to the skin.

Fun fact

As you walk along the jetty try to spot the small metal box inserted in the wall which contains the button (yes it really is a very small button) that switches the jet on and off

Top Tip

There are days when the fountain isn’t operating but don’t let that spoil your visit to this beautiful city.

Take a water taxi

Next to the fountain, on the Quai Gustave-Ador, you’ll find the little yellow water taxis that criss-cross the lake constantly.

From the Quai, you can cross to the opposite side of the lake, at Paquis, for only 2 CHF. This is one of the best bargains in Geneva.  The trip lasts a few minutes but saves you the long walk along the promenades. Particularly useful in the long hot summers here.

Fun Fact

From your seat on the boat, it’s easy to see just how low-lying most of this city is. In 563 AD a huge landslip at the opposite end of the lake triggered a tsunami that destroyed much of the waterfront of Geneva.

Top Tip

The water taxis stop at five different points along the lakeside.

To be close to the shops take the water taxi from Paquis to the Molard jetty. The water taxi from Molard will also take you to the furthest stop from the city, at Geneve Plage. The plage or beach is super popular with sunbathers in the summer.

From the Plage, you can take the De Chateaubriand taxi which will take you to the park at the Perle du Lac.

Enjoy a break on the water’s edge

Why not spend some time over a coffee or an afternoon cocktail here?  Well, you are on holiday after all!

On the northern side of the lake, opposite the fountain, you’ll find the long promenades that are home to the exclusive hotels of Geneva.

The Hotel President Wilson is rumoured to house the world’s most expensive hotel suite, a mere $80,000 per night.  Find out what you can expect for that eye-watering sum here.

In the summer the area close to the water taxi terminal, Molard, is lined with small colourful pop-up bars. Head out along the jetty with the white beacon, to the Baie de Paquis for lunch.

Fun Fact

In the summer months, concerts are held by the Bains de Paquis at 6 am. Yes, that’s right, 6 in the morning! Great if you’re an early riser.

Take your swimming costume with you as the Bain de Paquis is where the locals go to swim, sunbathe and eat at the cheap self-service outdoor restaurant.

Top Tip

The pop-up bars often don’t accept payment by card so make sure you have some cash on you or you could end up doing the washing up.

A taste of history

If you prefer your coffee in more sophisticated surroundings, head up the steps from the lakeside, sidestep the doorman, and slip into the elegant Beau Rivage hotel.

The Beau Rivage

This is where the Austrian Empress Elizabeth or Sisi regularly stayed in Geneva. Sisi was assassinated here by Luigi Luchini an Italian anarchist, as she boarded the Belle Epoque steamer ‘Genève’ for a cruise.

Weird fact

Her assassin stabbed her with a fine stiletto blade which pierced her heart. Strangely she didn’t die instantly but carried on walking onto the steamship. No one realised what had happened until she fainted.  They loosened her corset and she died instantly. It was only then that they discovered she’d been stabbed.

The Empress was renowned for her tiny 14-inch waist. The theory is that her corset was so tightly laced that pressure on her heart had kept it beating.

The hotel has a small display of some of her personal possessions in the palm-filled lobby.

Andreas Faessler via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Old Town

The old town of Geneva is a warren of steeply rising cobbled streets.

It’s easy to spend an afternoon poking around the quirky little shops, or watching the world go by from sunny pavement cafes and restaurants.

Top Tip

If you pick the Menu du Jour or Plat du Jour (Menu or dish of the day) you can eat quite cheaply in Geneva. The cosmopolitan nature of the city is reflected in the variety of food on offer here.

A good place to eat is on the ground floor of the department store Globus. They have everything from Indian and Thai curries, Japanese sushi and fresh Buddha bowls, to champagne and caviar.

In the old town, you can find the Cathedrale de Saint Pierre that dominates the town and the Maison Tavel.

The Protestant Cathedral of Geneva

The Cathedral became a Protestant place of worship in 1536. Very much in the Calvinist tradition, its interior is strikingly austere. In the southwest wing is the small Chapel of the Maccabees, a riot of colour in contrast to the main building.

Look out for Calvin’s wooden chair in the north transept. If you’ve got a head for heights, you can pay CHF 4 and climb the 157 steps for a panoramic view of the city and the lake.

Beneath the Cathedral lies the real gem.

An archaeological site tracing the growth of the Cathedral and Geneva since the 3^rd century. The official Swiss archaeological website calls it ‘one of the most significant sites north of the Alps’.

The fruit of 30 years of excavation the site is a maze of beautifully lit pathways that draw you into the convoluted history of this iconic building.

Fun Fact

The monks who lived here in the Medieval period benefited from central heating in their small cells. Very cosy.

Top Tip

The entrance to the site is behind the iron railings on the right of the cathedral façade before you go up the main steps. The entrance costs 8 CHF.

Maison Tavel

The Maison Tavel is the oldest private house in Geneva.

It contains a large and amazing 3D digital map that shows how the lake and Geneva have changed over the centuries.

The house also contains beautifully reconstructed 18^th and 19th-century interiors with original wallpapers.

Interesting fact

There’s also a collection of iconic pieces of Geneva’s history.

Perhaps the most chilling of these is the well-worn guillotine blade. Introduced by the French in 1799 it was used a tragic 46 times. Geneva finally abolished the death penalty in 1871.

Top Tip

Don’t be put off by its slightly Disneyesque exterior.

Enough!

I think we need some air.

If you prefer to spend your day relaxing, head along the promenade of the Quai Wilson named after President Woodrow Wilson.

Mon Repos and the Perle du Lac

Following the quayside will take you to Secheron and the park called Mon Repos. The park was once home to many exclusive private residences and the once-famous ‘Hotel d’Angleterre. The park now houses the Museum of the History of Science.

Fun Fact

The hotel owes its fame to Lord Byron who stayed there briefly in 1816, scandalising the locals.  When he decamped to the Villa Diodati on the other side of the lake the entrepreneurial hotel owner rented telescopes to the curious.

The hotel is long gone, and only the stables still exist.

Interior of The History of Science Museum

The parks of Geneva continue to delight.

If you had any energy left you can continue strolling to the tranquil park of the Perle du Lac.

A little further on you’ll find the park Ariana and the Ariana Museum with its collection of over 27,000 ceramics.

Top Tip

The permanent collections in Geneva museums are free to visit. Temporary exhibitions are free on the first Sunday of every month.

…..but even I’m feeling exhausted now.

There’s so much more that I could tell you about Geneva, but I’m hoping that this is enough to give you a taste of what there is to do in here.

Whether you’re here for a day or for a longer stay… Geneva is never boring!

The post A Grand Day Out in Geneva appeared first on Tales from the Balcony.

It’s famous for its Gothic cathedral, its stunning art galleries, and its Olympic Museum.  It’s also a mecca for chocolate lovers and for anyone who loves a good fondue.

Rising from the northern shore of Lake Geneva, this is a city of hills, stairs, and steep inclines. If you’re not particularly fit before you get here, you certainly will be when you leave.  You could of course use the metro system, the escalators or the lifts that pepper the town.

There’s simply no excuse not to visit Lausanne, it’s a gem of a city.

What to see when you get there

Let’s start at the top and walk our way down through the city, you see so much more on foot.

The Sauvabelin Tower

The Sauvabelin Tower is the perfect start to your visit to Lausanne. It has panoramic views of the city and the lake from the viewing platform.  Sitting on top of a hill, (no surprise there), it dominates the Sauvabelin forest to the north of the city.

It’s super popular with families with its children’s playground, small lake and collection of curly haired pigs and mountain goats.

The top attraction in the park is the 35 metre (115 foot) wooden tower with its epic views of the city, Lake Geneva, and the Alps.

You can easily reach the park by public transport. Take the metro to station Bessières and then catch bus 16 to Lac Sauvabelin

Descending from the tower, take the path towards the car park and main bus stops and follow the signs for the Fondation de l’Hermitage.

Fondation de l’Hermitage

The Fondation de l’Hermitage is an art museum housed in an elegant 19th century villa. The gardens overlook the city and cathedral.

With regular world class exhibitions this is a small but fascinating museum.  It’s also home to Switzerland’s finest exhibition of early Chinese ceramics.

The current exhibition (February 2023) is devoted to Belgian artist Leon Spilliaert. A self-taught artist, Spilliaert was a pioneer of the symbolist and expressionist style at the beginning of the 20th century.

There’s an excellent restaurant, L’Esquisse, set in the grounds of the villa. Don’t forget to pre-book the restaurant as it’s really popular.

From L’Hermitage let’s head on further down to the famous Lausanne Cathedral.

Lausanne Cathedral

Dating from the 12th century, Lausanne Cathedral is reputed to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.

I always find the interiors of Swiss churches a bit austere, but the stained-glass windows here are sensational. The light filtering through the jewel-like roundels of the large Rose Window, brings the cathedral alive.

On a bright day the sunlight illuminates even the darkest nooks and crannies.

If you’ve got the energy you can climb the cathedral bell tower. From the top you can admire impressive views of Lake Geneva, the Jura and the mountains of the Haute Savoie.

For those with sharp eyes you’ll see a large urn as you enter the cathedral. Stratford Canning, British Ambassador to Switzerland erected the monument. It’s one of the few in the cathedral and is dedicated to his young wife who died in childbirth.

On that cheery note, let’s leave the Cathedral and continue on down towards the centre of the town. We have two choices.

Palais de Rumine 

One choice is to cross the road and take the wooden staircase opposite. This will bring you down to the Escaliers du Marché, dating back to the early seventeen hundreds. These lead on down to the Justice Fountain in the Palud square, the heart of Lausanne.

Here you can find plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The department stores of Manor and the Co-Op both have excellent self-service cafeterias on their top floors. You can eat lunch on the small outdoor terraces overlooking the city.

The second option is to exit the cathedral and turn half right. Walk through the Place Madelaine with its outdoor café and take the wide staircase to Place Riponne.

This large open square is dominated by the Palais de Rumine which houses an archaeological and a fine arts museum in addition to Lausanne library.

Phew! I think it’s time for a breather. How are the legs doing? I think I mentioned it was hilly.

Lausanne is a curious mix of old and new. While it exudes a sense of history, stability and sensible ‘Swissness’, it also has a mischievous, modern, forward-looking side to it.

To discover a different side to the city head down from the shopping area towards the iconic 1930’s Tour de Bel-Air. Cross the main viaduct and descend the stairs (yes more) to the Flon district.

The Flon

The Flon is named after the river that now runs beneath the city. Here you’ll find a vibrant café culture, interspersed with trendy shops and art galleries.

This is the place to go for an after-work drink or for a meal, to see a movie or spend an evening people watching from a café terrace.

Lausanne has a large student population and the Flon is popular with young people. This gives it an energy and vibrancy all its own. Quieter during the day, it’s an ideal spot for a quick lunch.

But we’re not stopping here. After the Flon follow the signs towards the main train station, the Gare de Lausanne. This takes us down to Plateforme 10. (If  exiting from the main station doors, it’s across the road on the far left.)

Plateforme 10

Yes Wait, There’s More…

Plateforme 10 is Lausanne’s newest contribution to the art scene.  This district is devoted to the arts and is still a work in progress. There are 3 major museums here, art shops and cafes.

Musée Cantonale de Beaux Arts

It’s home to the Musée Cantonale de Beaux Arts (MCBA) with over 10,000 works of art.

A small selection of 300 paintings is currently on display in the MCBA.  Meander through the galleries and follow the development and fashions in artistic styles right up until the present day.

The Photo Elysée

The Photo Elysée is one of the world’s leading photography museums. You can find over 100,000 photographs in its collection, ranging from fine art to documentary. Not surprisingly it houses the work of some of history’s most famous photographers.

It also runs a variety of workshops devoted to every aspect of photography. So, if you want to know how to take the perfect selfie, this is the place.

The award-winning building is worth a visit in itself. The clean white angular lines of its façade are repeated throughout creating a relaxing, light and airy space. There’s a small café, the Cafe Lumen, on the ground floor which you can use without paying the entrance fee.

Mudac

And it gets better. The Museum of Design and Contemporary Art (Mudac) is the third museum you can find at Plateforme 10.  Formally called the Museum of Decorative Arts.  Mudac is home to the largest glass collection in Europe it also has collections of ceramics, prints, jewellery and contemporary design.

There’s so much to see here that you could spend an entire day just exploring these collections alone.

If you’ve had enough art to last you a lifetime let’s exit Platforme 10 and head on down the hill.

Depending on how the knees are holding up, you can walk down to Ouchy or take the metro. The walk takes you through a car-free zone and takes around 15 minutes.

Lausanne Olympic Museum

Motivating, heartening, moving, and above all awe-inspiring! This is how I’d describe the beautiful, modern Olympic museum.

I’ve never been a massive fan of the Olympics, despite once working for a member of the IOC… but I am now!

This beautiful modern museum is situated on the promenade at Ouchy, just a five-minute walk from the metro. The manicured gardens are dotted with bronze statues of Olympians from Ancient Greece to the present day.

The Olympic flame burns bright in an area dedicated to the Olympic ideals, ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’ meaning ’Faster, Higher, Stronger’.

Is it all just sweaty socks?

Inside, the museum is a riot of colour… reds, yellows, oranges… all adding to the excitement of the Olympic spectacle.

The ingeniously designed space takes you through the history of the games. Leading you from Ancient Greece, through the sitting room of the founder of the modern games, Pierre de Coubertin, to the present day.

Immersive videos give you a sense of the tension, excitement, despair and the joy of the athletes as they compete for that elusive gold medal.

The display of equipment and clothing of some of the top achievers shows how sport has developed over the years.

Among the highlights for me were, weirdly, Jesse Owen’s running shoes.  Similarly, the outfits worn by Torvill and Dean in their iconic ice dance, Boléro.

There’s a glittering array of medals, and a selection of worldwide Olympic memorabilia.

As if that’s not enough, you can throw in just about every Olympic Torch. I particularly like the quirky costumes from the opening ceremonies, which wouldn’t look out of place at an ABBA concert.

To build a better world’

The aim of the Olympic Movement is ‘to promote sport, culture, and education with a view to building a better world’.

Idealistic, yes certainly. Realistic? Well that’s a discussion that could go on forever. On the positive side the Olympics has promoted sport for all. How many people had heard of curling before the Winter Olympics?  It’s also raised the profile of disabled athletes through the Paralympic games.

Yes, it’s big business, but I defy you to come out and not feel uplifted and inspired.

Et voilà…that’s our walking trip of Lausanne over for today

And so, there we have it! A fascinating, if not exhausting, trip to Lausanne

Most of the tourist attractions are within walking distance of the centre.  It might make sense to take the metro or use the bus so you can save your energy to enjoy the sites.

The metro runs overground and is clean and cheap. If you’re staying in a hotel you may find it offers you a free metro ticket to use for the duration.

How to get there

Getting there’s easy, there are excellent transport links.  The extensive railway network provides frequent connections to Geneva and Geneva airport.

The A9/E62 Motorway passes less than 4 km from the city centre and links with other major cities in Switzerland and beyond.

CGN Ferries

If you’re travelling from Geneva or from the French side of the lake in Evian les Bains, you can arrive in Lausanne in style. Climb aboard one of the many CGN ferries.

There are regular daily sailings to the port of Ouchy which sits just below Lausanne.  The cost of the metro that links Ouchy to Lausanne town can be included in your ferry ticket.

Recommendations

(based on personal experience, I don’t have any financial gain or reward of any kind from my recommendations)

There’s a lot to see and do in Lausanne, I’ve only scratched the surface here. If you’re a wine lover then you should definitely visit the world-renowned vineyards of Lavaux.

If you fancy staying overnight or for a few days in Lausanne, hotels can be expensive. I’ve stayed at the following mid-range hotels and found them clean, comfortable and convenient:

The Hotel des Voyageurs Boutique is situated in the pedestrianised heart of Lausanne. It’s super convenient for the historical centre and for the main commercial streets.  It also does a great breakfast.

The Hotel du Port at Ouchy is a five minute walk from the metro station at Ouchy and only a couple of minutes from the ferry terminal. It’s also just a few minutes from here to the Olympic Museum.

A favourite café in Lausanne is the Cochinelle. Always full of people with laptops writing their next novels.

Lausanne is full of great restaurants, most offering a ‘menu du jour’ during the week. I regularly go to Tartares & Co in the Flon. A buzzing space where you pick fresh ingredients from an extensive menu depending on what you enjoy most and create your own meal ‘sur mesure’.

I hope this blog post has given you a few ideas of things to see, without using the car, on a trip to Lausanne. Whether it’s just a day trip or a longer city break you’ll find plenty to discover in this city of art, culture and….athletes.

Interactive Map

If you’ve discovered any hidden gems in Lausanne then why not share them over on the Facebook page ‘Tales from a Thollon Balcony’.  Give the page a ‘like’ while you’re there. Or leave a comment on this page. I’ll look forward to reading them too.

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Discover three of the most magical gardens in this corner of France. All within easy reach of Evian Les Bains and Lake Geneva.

Casting the spell

Magic! A word that’s been in our vocabularies since the dawn of time. Magic is intriguing and mystical, an indefinable thing that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Who wouldn’t like a little extra magic in their lives?

The magic of a garden

In this modern world, there’s something truly magical about a garden. Yes, gardens are great for BBQs. Great for the kids to play in, and to hang out the washing on a good day. But they’re also so much more than that.

They can be places of peace and tranquillity, delicate beauty, and relaxation. A place to recharge your batteries.

Just what turns a garden from a functional outdoor space with the odd herbaceous border and a patio plant into a place of wonder, enchantment, and delight?

What makes a magical garden?

A patchwork of colour, a portion of mystery, a pinch of timelessness but above all a sprinkle of creative genius.

The best gardens create a sense of connection. A connection not only to nature but to history itself. Like a tapestry, a garden weaves a story around its position, its layout, and the plants that are nurtured there.

Here are three of my favourites in this little corner of France

The Secret Gardens of Vaulx

The Secret Garden is unique. It transports you to a world of fantasy, jewel-like colours, soft breezes, and fairy tale architecture.  Created over 40 years by one man, Alain Moumen, his wife Nicole, and their children. This is an extraordinary place.

Into a different world

This garden sits on the crest of a hill in the rolling countryside between Annecy and Aix Les Bains. There’s nothing at first sight to distinguish the farm buildings that are home to the garden from hundreds of others.

A homemade sign for the ticket office leads you along a short pathway and suddenly you step into another world, a world reminiscent of the Arabian Nights.

A sprinkle of genius

Nothing here is what it seems.  Small courtyard gardens are full of cascades of flowering plants. Each is edged with cloistered walks, palisades, cool sitting areas and shaded by soft billowing drapes.

The exotic wooden structures, all created by Alain and Nicole, are sculpted and carved with exquisite Moorish designs. The small rooms that lead off the courtyard gardens are full of honey-coloured country furniture, hand-painted with alpine flowers and fruit.

A garden for artists

This is not a garden for tourists, this is a garden that invites you to share the life of this family, if only briefly, and you can’t help but be enchanted by its intimacy and its sheer genius.

The family is still working on their magnum opus. If you’re lucky Alain will cook you his delicious beignets, accompanied by sweet refreshing mint tea.  Pull up a chair by the fountain, beneath the heavy scent of roses and orange blossom, and relax.

The Garden of the 5 Senses at Yvoire

The garden of the 5 senses sits in the heart of the little medieval town of Yvoire, a popular tourist destination on the edge of Lake Geneva. Once part of the grounds of the castle in Yvoire, this small walled garden hosts a series of intriguing spaces devoted to the senses.

A luxuriant maze leads you from one small well-tended area to the next. Here you can touch, smell or even taste some of these often unusual plants.

The garden is a sun-filled haven of peace and quiet. It’s the perfect place to sit and listen to the birdsong and the buzzing of the bees.

The healing properties of plants

The garden has a collection of medicinal plants reputed to heal a variety of complaints. Plants have been used for medicinal purposes since man first walked the earth.

A couple of medicinal plants you might have heard of are the foxglove or Digitalis. Well known for its effect on the heart.  Also, the active ingredient in aspirin, Salicin, which comes from the bark of the willow tree. Medieval monasteries and castles often had medicinal gardens and much has been written about the healing properties of plants.

But what about the ‘big magic’?

The upper colonnaded part of this garden has an intriguing collection of ‘Magic Plants’. Here you’ll find some of the plants that have featured large in rituals for centuries. With their often hallucinogenic or mind-altering properties, they’ve played a central role in many mystical practices.

some magical plants you can find in this garden

Alchemilla Mollis is an unassuming little plant that grows in gardens across northern Europe. Moisture collects on the leaves of Alchemilla Mollis where it rolls down to a central point to form a single droplet that shimmers like a diamond.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, alchemists believed that this radiant droplet held not only the elixir of life but could even transform base metal into gold.

This garden also has a Mandrake, Mandragora Officinarum, perhaps one of the strangest of all plants. Used in religious and magical practices for hundreds of years, it’s part of the deadly nightshade family. Its potent root is believed to resemble a man.

When pulled from the ground the root is reputed to emit a high-pitched scream that will kill or drive the hapless gardener mad. To remove a Mandrake from the ground you should attach a black dog to the plant by a long piece of rope. Then you startle the dog who will pull out the root as it runs away.

La Rambierta – a magical alpine garden

Our third garden is an Alpine Garden. It lies on the south-eastern ridge of the Rochers de Naye above Montreux. It’s a complete contrast to the previous gardens, but it’s equally as magical.

The garden sits in the cleft of the mountain, between two blocks of tooth-like rock, at 1980 metres above sea level. The garden itself is a feat of endurance and dedication on the part of the volunteers that tend it.

There’s magic in the air

A Spectacular View

Almost stealing the show, however, is the sensational view from the top. When the weather’s good you can see as far as the Bernese Oberland, Gruyere, the Alpes du Valais, and Mont Blanc.

This beautiful alpine garden winding its way down the mountainside was created in 1896 by Genevan botanist Henri Corrévon. It’s named after Eugène Rambert (1830-1886), professor of French literature, amateur naturalist, and member of the Swiss Alpine Club,

Alpine plants from around the world

The garden has over a thousand different varieties of alpine plants, most of which are native to Switzerland or are from the Alps in general. Some come from other European mountain ranges (Pyrenees, Carpathian, Caucasus). Some from other continents (Asia, North America), and some rare species from the southern hemisphere.

The “Himalayan” rockery hosts a collection of plants from, guess where… the Himalayas and can be found on a part of the north-facing slope.

The first flowers, the primrose yellow of the Primula Auricula, open as soon as the snow melts in May or June. July however, is the best time to visit as many of the flowers are in full bloom.

Among other plants, you can expect to find here are the vivid blue Gentiana and Saxifraga oppositifolia. covers the tumbling rocks in delicate pink flowers.

This garden is well worth the visit, even if only for the MOB cog railway train that runs from Montreux railway station, stopping at Glion, Caux, and Hautes Caux.  The train offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. You can walk the 400 meters from the top station to the small wooden hut that marks the entrance of the garden.

There is even a tavern, the Buvette de Jaman, halfway up the mountain where the train stops, in case you need a little fortification before heading on up to the top.

All gardens are magical places. If you feel like being a little less ordinary today, why not be inspired by these magnificent natural works of art.

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If you’re celebrating St Valentine’s Day or just looking for a short romantic break then Evian les Bains could be the perfect destination.

Nestling on the edge of Lake Geneva, Evian les Bains exudes romance. With its backdrop of the mountainous pre-Alps, the elegant ‘Belle Epoque’ architecture, and the vast expanse of lakefront, its setting is truly idyllic.

The central cobbled main square leads up to the Rue Nationale, where you can find a selection of quirky little shops. Mooch around the old fashioned bookshops.

Buy roses in the beautiful florists, complete with chandelier and grand piano, at the far end of street. Enjoy a hot chocolate in one of the many little cafes in the town.

Romantic Things to Do in Evian

♥  Stroll along the lake side

Perhaps one of the most romantic things you can do here is simply to stroll along the lakeside promenade.  In the winter or the early spring, you can snuggle inside your warmest jumpers and enjoy the fresh air and the cool breezes that sweep across the lake.

You can admire the snow-capped mountains of the Chablais and see as far as the rolling vineyards of Lavaux, Switzerland.

You can keep pace with the yachts with their billowing sails or sit and watch the swans gliding effortlessly by. On a sunny day you can relax at one of the little turquoise blue kiosks, under the palm trees, and sip excellent French coffee or a glass of rosé.

Walk to the marina and wonder at how many of the 800 boats actually ever go out on the lake. See if you can spot the Swiss registered ones whose owners enjoy cheaper mooring costs than in the Swiss marinas on the opposite side of the lake.

♥  Enjoy the World Famous Evian Thermal Spa

Why not offer yourself a little self-love to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year and relax, rejuvenate and reinvigorate at the thermal spa.

Evian has been famous for its mineral waters since 1790

Only a two minute walk from the ferry terminal in Evian is the world famous spa, the ‘Thermes d’Evian’.  One of the best spas in France, the Thermes d’Evian has long been a destination for those wanting to recharge their batteries and improve their general health. The Thermes d’Evian is the ultimate in relaxation.

♥  Luxury spa treatments

Overlooking the lake the spa offers a variety of luxury treatments, massages and water therapies. There’s also a small gym you can make you of depending on which package you opt for. You’ll be given a warm welcome by the multi-lingual receptionists who can also advise you on the various options available. Early booking is recommended.

♥  Rejuvenating Facials

I’m not sure just how romantic it is to suggest that your other half might benefit from a rejuvenating facial. However, I can guarantee that they’ll be delighted with the results of the Coup de Jeunesse offered at the spa.   I went in looking like an old bath sponge and came out, after 75 minutes of pampering, like a fresh faced Shirley Temple. Worth every penny.

(There are spas in several of the large hotels. Full use of the hotel spas however usually requires an overnight stay).

♥  Faites Vos Jeux and learn to play Baccarat at the Casino

Why not try your hand at living the high life, James Bond or maybe more Austin Powers style.  The Casino has a special ‘introduction to Baccarat’ offer at 49 euros for two people. It includes 20 euros of tokens for the gaming tables, two glasses of champagne and petits fours.

Evian casino is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and is due to reopen in its entirety in 2024. In the meantime, it’s still possible to spend an evening enjoying the Savanna restaurant, the machines and the gaming tables.

The Casino also offers French and English roulette, Blackjack, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em Poker. Don’t forget to take a valid ID card with you.

For more information call 04 50 26 87 10.

Take a trip on the lake

♥  Lunch on the CGN Paddle Steamer

How about enjoying a glass of wine, or a 3 course lunch, onboard one of the beautiful CGN paddle steamers.  St Gingolph, 17 kms from Evian, is the closest port of departure to Evian during the winter season and is easily reachable by car.

You can lunch on an Edwardian paddle steamer as it cruises the ‘Riviera’ or the western end of the lake. Passing close to Vevey, Montreux and Chateau Chillon it offers spectacular views of the snow-capped French and Swiss Alps.

Lunch is served in the beautifully wooden panelled dining room, after which you can sit on deck wrapped in a blanket and listen as the giant paddles churn the water beneath you.

Sailings are available in winter on Sundays and Public Holidays from Nov – March

For full details and to book a trip click HERE

The CGN website (the main ferry company) lists a series of cruises including gourmet trips such as ‘The Captain’s Table’ and the ‘Breakfast Cruise’ or you can sign up for the Riviera Tour, Montreux, its Region and its Treasures’.

♥  Sail on the Savoie

During the warmer months you can sail from Evian on the beautiful ‘Savoie’, a replica of the vast butterfly sailed vessels that once transported merchandise up and down to Geneva.

The Savoie operates daily in good weather from April till the Autumn and is a bargain if you want to experience life on the lake. A new timetable will be available at the end March/April.

♥  Take a Ferry to Lausanne

Or why not catch a ferry from Evian to Lausanne and spend the day discovering this lively, well-known Swiss city.

A romantic day in the mountains

It’s impossible to come to Evian in winter and not be impressed by the snow covered mountains. For a truly memorable experience take a taxi or a local bus up to the small ski station of Thollon les Mémises, about 20 minutes away.

♥  Snowshoe trekking or rent skis for the day in Thollon

If there’s plenty of snow on the ground you can rent snowshoes or skis and head for a romantic trek through the magical forests and snow covered pastures of the Alpage. You can rent equipment in the village ski shops at a very reasonable price. The tourist office can provide a map of the snowshoe paths and pistes around Thollon.

♥  Panoramic Mountain top restaurant

If that sounds a little too energetic then take the télécabine from the top of the village up to the ski slopes and the plateau of the Balcons des Mémises. From here, if you have suitable footwear, you can walk along the forest paths and enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the French and Swiss mountains.

To complete the day, treat yourself to a gourmet meal in one of the Haute Savoie’s most beautiful restaurants, the ‘Balcons du Lac’.  You can eat local produce, cooked to perfection, while looking down towards Thollon and across the lake towards Lausanne, the vineyards of Lavaux and Montreux.

Getting there

Evian is easily reachable. It has excellent rail links, with the Leman Express providing an hourly service from the international airport in Geneva.  Its connection to Lausanne by CGN ferry, means that Evian les Bains is within easy striking distance of Switzerland too.

To get to Thollon is a 10-15 minute drive from Evian. Buses run a limited service from Evian, check with the tourist office.  Taxi’s can be found in front of the ferry terminal or call Thollon Taxis on Tel: 06 80 66 60 19

Looking for an overnight stay?

There are several excellent hotels in Evian. I’m just highlighting two or three here to give you a few ideas to begin with.

♥  Les Cygnes (The Swans)

My favourite hotel for a romantic stay has to be the quirky little ‘Les Cygnes’ or ‘The Swans’. Built in 1926 the hotel sits right on the edge of the lake.

Built in the anglo-Normand style, its red canopies and luxuriant palm trees shout ‘holidays’ before you’ve even entered the hotel.

Inside, the extravagant 1920’s décor is straight from an Agatha Christie novel. The restaurant’s typically French menu uses locally sources products to perfection.

In the spring and summer there’s nothing more romantic than eating on the terrace under the vine covered pergola of Les Cygnes and watching the sun fade to a golden orange across the lake and the distant Jura. You can also make use of the hotel’s pontoon, swimming pool and sunbathing deck.

Lunchtime Romance

If you can’t stretch to an overnight stay then grab the ‘menu du jour’ served at lunchtimes at the hotel ‘Les Cygnes’. This gives the chance to experience the glamour and charm of the 1920’s for around 25 euros a head (plus drinks) which compared to the cost of a dozen red roses is a bit of a bargain if you ask me.

♥  The Royal Hotel

If you want to really splash out, or you’ve recently won the lottery, then the luxurious 5 Star Royal Hotel, part of the Evian Resort family, could fit the bill nicely. Set above the town of Evian, its elegant rooms offer breathtaking views of the Memises and Lake Geneva from the balconies or from the terrace. Add in a bottle of champagne and a bouquet of flowers and you have the perfect romantic stay.

The hotel also has beautifully landscaped gardens, perfect for a romantic stroll before dinner. Don’t forget to try the renowned Michelin Star restaurant, Les Fresques, where you can enjoy a sumptuous meal and impeccable service.

To complete your stay why not order breakfast in bed and then to head down the luxurious hotel spa and indulge in a couple’s massage. An unforgettable experience all round. The main spa is currently also being ‘refreshed’ and will open again fully in the summer of 2023 but other spa facilities are available.

♥  The Hilton Hotel

The Hilton is handily situated on the lake front, close to the yacht marina.  It’s only a five minute walk from the ferry terminal, and a short walk into the centre of Evian.

Most of its light and spacious rooms have balconies and many also have wonderful views of the lake.

I particularly liked the beautifully decorated spa here, the TAAJ Ayurveda Spa, with its heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool. Perfect for winding down after a busy day.

…and there you have it. Those are my suggestions for a romantic day or short break in

Evian les Bains

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