Tourist Attractions & Monuments Switzerland

This is a new museum born from the merger of the Museum of Modern Art of Lugano and the Cantonal Museum of Art of the city. Part of the museum is on the new site of the LAC - Lugano Arte Cultura. It houses the permanent collection (free of charge) which includes notable works by artists. But also temporary exhibitions enlighten visitors about international modernist and contemporary artists. The other part of the museum is housed in the Palazzo Reali.

La Maison blanche is the first architectural work created by Le Corbusier alone. For this all-round artist, the house adapts to man. He built it for his parents in 1912, on his return from the Orient. Classified as a monument of national importance, the Maison blanche was brought back to life thanks to the civic commitment of people from all walks of life who created an association. Why white? It comes from its white walls which, thanks to the light, appear to us as white.

It's a hymn to books. This museum brings together real marvels, real masterpieces that have survived the centuries and that we are lucky enough to admire. It's a fascinating museum, and a must-see. Martin Bodmer discovered books and the world of libraries thanks to his mother. His first acquisition was an illustrated edition of Shakespeare's The Tempest. Introduced to literature, and passionate about the written word, Martin Bodmer dedicated the rest of his life to selecting the world's best authors in all fields of the written word. The aim is to preserve these works as the common property of mankind: a panorama of human thought that has affected every era since our creation. At first, the 150,000-book private library was reserved for the most erudite of scholars, but Martin Bodmer's philanthropic activities soon spread. In 1971, the Martin Bodmer Foundation was established under private law to ensure the continuity of his work and promote public education. The life's work of this erudite Zurich collector and vice-president of the ICRC is showcased in an exceptional museum and library. The museum, designed by Mario Botta, presents witnesses to the creation of the mind, through all ages and in all parts of the world. The collection includes papyri, manuscripts, incunabula, first editions, unique and rare items, autographs, archaeological finds, sculptures, paintings, tapestries and musical scores. All these works retrace the evolution of humanity's great intellectual and spiritual advances, each object bearing witness to a key moment in the history of civilization. On two floors, among the 200 original pieces on display, we travel the world and the centuries, from Mesopotamia to Greece. Right at the entrance, you'll discover a scribe dating from the time of Ramses II, a precious and rare manuscript on parchment, such as the^5th-century Gospel of Matthew in Coptic, open to the page of the kiss of Judas, one of the world's only copies of the Gutenberg Bible, and many other written treasures. Thanks to the ingenious success of a very modern museography, we learn a great deal, discovering literary works written by the most famous men from the four corners of the globe, from Antiquity to the present day. Captivating, intriguing and incomparably rich, the visit is a must.

Undergoing renovation and modernization until 2025.

The museum is housed in a typical Carouge house, in the heart of a beautiful private garden in the middle of town. This charming building houses collections by local artists, including sculptures, photographs of contemporary ceramics, earthenware, enamels and works of fine art, reflecting the history of Carouge and its artistic evolution.

The exhibition "Espèce de cornichon" : art, cuisine et chirat, until May 2023, retraced the history of the gherkin through the centuries. A highly original theme.

A very beautiful residence houses the Graphic Arts Cabinet of the Museum of Art and History of Geneva. It is undoubtedly one of the most important European centres in the field of the conservation and dissemination of works on paper. It preciously preserves engravings, prints, drawings, pastels... Some 375,000 items are kept in this case, including the world's largest collection of works by Jean-Etienne Liotard and drawings by Ferdinand Hodler.

Opened in 1910 at the same time as the Geneva Museum of Art and History, it became a public library in 1911. It is the largest art library in Switzerland. Its collections are made up of works in all artistic fields: archaeology, fine arts, decorative arts, architecture, numismatics, museology, restoration, from prehistory to the contemporary era. More than 300,000 monographs, 6,000 journal titles and books.

Located on the Place de Neuve, opposite the Parc des Bastions, the neoclassical style of this building is reminiscent of a Greek temple. It is only open for temporary exhibitions (see the museum's website or that of the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire). This museum, which opened in 1826, was founded by the sisters of General Rath, a great art lover, and was the first Swiss fine arts museum. It regularly features interesting exhibitions, the most recent of which evokes the fascinating life of traveler Ella Maillart.

An excellent museum, simple and highly didactic, a must-see. A treasure trove for those who find the subtleties of the Reformation obscure, or who want to better understand Geneva's history. The museum's layout is highly educational. Before the advent of Protestantism, it's important to look at the historical context. Europe was in the grip of plague epidemics. Yesterday's convictions were being called into question. The Americas had just been discovered, the famous "great discoveries", and science was also challenging the great truths of the Church, which could no longer meet society's expectations. The Reformation? This is a movement of thought that seeks to take the founding texts of Christianity, the Bible, as its basis, without going through the interpretations of the Church. It was rooted in the humanism of the Renaissance, which was then in full swing. The Reformation was one of the key stages in Geneva's spiritual and political development. The museum is housed in a handsome ^18th-century mansion, the Maison Mallet. Located a stone's throw from Saint-Pierre Cathedral, it occupies the cathedral's former cloister. A highly symbolic location: on May 21, 1536, the Reformation was adopted here. A video in the entrance traces the history of Martin Luther, then that of Jean Calvin, through the wars of religion that tore France apart. In 9 stages, it tells the story of Protestantism from the ^16th century to the present day, from Luther's theses, born in part from the famous sale of indulgences by the Church to the faithful for the salvation of their souls. What price, then, for an assured passage to heaven? Luther was scandalized by these abuses of the Church, which was made rich by these particularly lucrative sales. These new ideas, revolutionary at the time, were widely disseminated thanks to the invention of the printing press. Books became accessible to a large population, 90% of whom were illiterate. Previously, their extremely high price and rarity made them accessible only to a very wealthy elite. Various personalities, including Luther and Calvin, put forward new ideas. Between 1562 and 1598, when Henry IV promulgated the Edict of Nantes, establishing tolerance between religions, France was bloodied by the Wars of Religion, culminating in the horror of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre in 1572. The first caricatures appear, and the persecutions of French Huguenots, provoked by the revocation of the Edict of Nantes promulgated by Louis XIV in 1685, are evoked, culminating in the exile of Protestants to Switzerland, with the arrival of Calvin in 1536, and the role of Geneva in the influence and spread of Calvinism... On a fascinating map, you'll follow the journeys of Protestant refugees, from the arrival of the Mayflower in America in 1620, to the celebration of the first Thanksgiving, and the arrival of other refugees in Huguenot South Africa, convinced they were arriving in the Promised Land, with all the well-known consequences for the original inhabitants. In each land of exile, these emigrants brought with them their know-how: wine in South Africa, lace in Holland, the famous watchmaking in Switzerland.... What's also interesting is to see old and sometimes moving writings: a personal letter from Calvin, accounts of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacres, engravings, historical documents, original works and objects dating from the ^18th century wars of religion: bibles, old engravings of Geneva, Calvin's works in their original editions, portraits of the reformers, souvenirs of the persecutions and the Refuge. Don't miss the music room, where you can listen to true musical masterpieces inspired by Protestantism from the 16th^century to the present day, set against a backdrop of stained-glass colors. It has been said that "Catholicism is for the eyes, Protestantism is for the ears". Here's a magnificent example of this, as we listen to the beauty of South African, Ethiopian and Hungarian Reformed songs, songs in Old French, Aretha Franklin, and Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus", covered here by Johnny Cash.... Finally, the historical cellars offer a look at contemporary Protestantism around the world. Interesting debates are set up, and we listen to excerpts from Martin Luther King's magnificent speech. You'll also be able to read some wonderful quotes from thought-provoking personalities. These magnificent words include one from Desmond Tutu, an icon, like Nelson Mandela, in the fight against apartheid: "Be kind to white people, they need you to rediscover their humanity".

"In the footsteps of the Reformation": a 10-stop tour of the old town, duration 1 hour. You can download the tour and educational packs at www.musee-reforme.ch/ecoles/

Activities at the MIR for children: we're given an interactive screen, and when we place it in front of some of the paintings, the personality of the work comes to life and begins to evoke the historical context of its period, its role etc. Excellent! An audio guide in 10 languages is available free of charge.

The store : the museum shop offers a wide selection of specialist books on the Reformation.

This foundation was created in 1998 by the city of Carouge from the bequest of Charlotte Bruckner who wished to contribute to the cultural development of the city. In order to promote the work of ceramics in the broadest sense, the city thus revives a historical activity: important ceramic factories were indeed located here from 1803 to 1933. The workshops can be made available to individuals or institutions. It is a lively place where artists and amateurs from all over the world can ask for residence to develop their art. A firing service is available in the kilns and courses in modeling, throwing or molding can be offered. The Bruckner Foundation organizes the Parcours Céramique Carougeois. This international ceramic biennial takes place every four years, the next one will probably take place in 2026. It encourages the public to discover contemporary ceramics in Carouge and in the canton. The Parcours Céramique Carougeois is a festival that allows the public to discover contemporary ceramics through exhibitions, conferences, guided tours, spectacular open-air firings, screenings and workshops for children. This place of creation leaves room for imagination and poetry. This Foundation places the city of Carouge as a recognized artistic center. A site that is more for the residents of Geneva and its region, but if you like ceramics..

Don't miss this opportunity to discover Geneva in an authentic tramway dating from the ^20th century! The Geneva Tramway Museum Association, which is in charge of their conservation, offers an unusual tour. From May to October, one Sunday a month, the streetcars take us back in time to discover the city, from Carouge to the Nations, passing through Plainpalais, from Rive to Place Neuve and back down to Carouge. A must try!

Built on the former bastion when Geneva was dismantling its fortifications, this park has become one of the most popular green spaces in the city. It is here that the first botanical garden was established in 1817 by Augustin-Pyrame de Candolle. About fifty trees, with rare and varied species, remain in this park, which is rich in hundred-year-old trees. An oasis of 6.5 hectares of greenery in the center of the city, it is an essential place for all kinds of activities. Genevans, Plainpalais residents, students, lawyers from neighboring schools, come here to recharge their batteries, take a breath of fresh air and picnic on the deckchairs provided free of charge in summer. There are also the regulars who meet to play their game of chess on the giant checkers located near the Place Neuve. It is the paradise of children who enjoy the swings and the sandbox, it is the historical passage of the marathon runners during the Escalade race in December. And above all, it is home to an unmissable point of Protestant Geneva with the wall of the reformers against the old city walls. The Bastions University in its center dating from 1873, invites scholars and students to come and consult the works of the most important library in Switzerland. The music festival sets up its numerous stages and the city councillors sit in the Eynard Palace (1817). Strollers can stop at the bandstand and have a drink.

Tic-Tac, it's time to take a break in two towns considered to be the jewels of Swiss luxury watchmaking. La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle are two humanist towns with distinctive industrial architecture, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2009. Enjoy a timeless experience at the heart of the watchmaking industry. Discover the watchmaking trades and the complete watchmaking process, from movement design to component assembly.

A visit to Morand's is a must. For four generations, the house has been a must when travelling through the Valais! The distillery has been in operation since 1889 and produces the most emblematic product of the Valais: its eau-de-vie. The tour explains how the famous Abricotine PDO brandy, Williamine, is made. You will wander around the stills and discover all the secrets of production: from the selection of the fruit to the fermentation process.

It is difficult to visit Geneva without paying tribute to one of its unavoidable specialties: chocolate. Over the years, the quality and unique flavors of Swiss chocolate have not wavered. The Geneva Tourist Office has set up a very original program to allow travelers to taste the various flavors and aromas of Geneva's chocolates. The concept is simple: the purchase of the "choco pass" allows to test a wide range of chocolates in a "tasting plate" proposed in the stores listed in the "choco pass".

The Bellinzona fortress has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. The Bellinzona fortified complex, comprising three castles with their surrounding walls and a great wall, is an extraordinary example of a late medieval defensive structure, located at a key strategic point for crossing the Alps. "Dream of a fortress unique in Europe" is the slogan chosen to accompany the fortress in an ongoing process of content renewal. As for the Villa dei Cedri, which houses the museum, the exhibition tells the story of modern life between the ^19th and ^20th centuries. Situated in the south-east of the municipality of Bellinzona, in an area known as "the Nice of Bellinzona" due to its particularly sunny location, it is surrounded by a park of century-old trees overlooking the square of the former church of San Biagio. The building is the result of a Palladian transformation, circa 1920, of the original neoclassical building dating from 1860. A museum of modern and contemporary art since 1985, Villa dei Cedri hosts two to three temporary exhibitions a year, focusing on art from the ^19th to ^21st centuries, with a particular emphasis on works on paper. Nature is also a theme strongly anchored in the identity of the Villa dei Cedri museum, not least because of its location, once surrounded by farmland and now immersed in the greenery of a historic park.

The Federal Palace building was completed in 1902 and is the seat of the Swiss government (Federal Council) and parliament (National Council and Council of States). Under the central dome and in the two council chambers, numerous symbolic representations of Swiss history are depicted. The square in front, with its 26 fountains symbolising the cantons, was opened in 2004 and is THE meeting place for the people of Bern. The National Bank's gold lies beneath your feet.

Swiss-German author Johanna Spyri's little mountain girl Heidi reminds us of our childhood. This lively, mischievous little girl embodies freedom, nature, family values and friendship. At the top of the village of Maienfield in the pastures, you'll wander through Heidi's grandfather's cottage, the school and the farm. Cheese-making and herbal discovery workshops punctuate the visit in summer.

Immerse yourself in the history of Western art at the Kunstmuseum. Three exhibition spaces: the main building (Hauptbau), the new building (Neubau) and the Kunstmuseum Gegenwart. The main building is a treasure trove of seven centuries of artistic history. Holbein, Van Gogh, Gauguin... The collection boasts over 3,000 works. The new building dazzles with its monumental staircase and streamlined rooms. The Gegenwart offers a plunge into contemporary art.

The Romanesque-Gothic church on the right bank of the Limmat is, together with the Grossmünster Cathedral, one of Zurich's landmarks. The church, with its Benedictine monastery, was founded in 853 by King Ludwig the German, whose two daughters, Hildegard and Berthe, were the first abbesses. The abbey was home to women of the European nobility, mainly from southern Germany. The church enjoyed royal favour and influence, including the right to mint Zurich's currency until the 13th century. Following the Reformation movement (1524), the church and convent became the property of the city of Zurich. The most interesting parts are the 18-metre high Romanesque choir and the transept vault. Today it is appreciated by many visitors for its magnificent stained glass windows, world-famous masterpieces that make it a place of art. The famous painter, engraver and sculptor Marc Chagall, born in Belarus and naturalized in France in 1937, executed the five stained glass windows in the choir in 1970 and the rose window in the south of the transept in 1980 at an advanced age. Augusto Giacometti, the uncle of the famous Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti, made the stained glass windows in the north window representing the four evangelists, God, the eight prophets and Christ in 1947. The cloister also features frescoes by the Zurich artist Paul Bodmer depicting the legend of the construction of the monastery. The organ of the Fraumünster, inaugurated in 1953, is the largest organ in Zurich with 5,793 pipes.

Considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the country, this 6-hectare park, the green lung of Lugano on the shores of the lake, is one of the most amazing places in the gulf, with English lawns, palm trees, magnolias and camellias, flower beds and statues. It is home to the historic Villa Ciani, the Palazzo dei Congressi, the pier and the cantonal library. Walking in the park you can enjoy a beautiful view of Lugano and the surrounding mountains: Mount Bre, Mount San Salvatore, but also the town of Campione d'Italia.

Basel Cathedral, the city's emblem, built between the ^12th and ^15th centuries with its pink sandstone walls, is a marvel restored after the earthquake of 1356. Its glazed tiles and asymmetrical spires make it unique. This Romanesque and Gothic jewel, built between 1019 and 1500, reveals a rich history and an abundance of treasures: crypt, dazzling stained glass windows, St. Gall door, sculptures and bas-reliefs. The terrace overlooking the Rhine, the "Pfalz", offers a breathtaking view.

A magnificent site both in terms of nature and heritage! Property of the Chapter, cited in the 11th-12th centuries, this castle served as a residence for the canons. The site is composed of an enclosure of four towers which enclosed the individual houses of the residents and their fortified church. The enclosure dates from the 12th century. Inside is the museum, which displays a variety of collections: Valaisan furniture from Roman times to the present day, gold and silverware, pewter, ironwork, costumes, portraits, Romanesque and Gothic statues.

The Queen singer fell in love with Montreux while recording an album in 1978. He even said : "If you want peace of mind, come to Montreux" The band will also record their last albums in the Montreux studio, including great songs such as Mother Love. Freddie Mercury will live his last months here, before dying in 1991. Since then, other musicians have come to keep him company : Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, BB King...

The building houses a rich collection of clocks and watches (4,500 pieces), some of which are extremely rare: 17th century watches, astronomical clocks and some of the most sophisticated 21st century watches. Since 1989, the museum has also been a centre for the restoration of antique clocks. You will discover unique pieces of mechanical clocks and watches and the whole history of watchmaking: marine chronometers, watches with enamel of great rarity.

Discover Basel's town hall, emblem of government and parliament. Its charm lies in its red façade, imposing tower and polychrome paintings. Don't miss the Council Chamber, the inner courtyard, the romantic arcades and the belfry with its panoramic views. Built after an earthquake, the Town Hall symbolizes union with the Confederation. The battlements bear the coats of arms of the cantons. In the ^17th century, Hans Bock decorated the façade with trompe-l'oeil. In the ^20th century, a wing on the left and a belfry on the right enhanced its grandeur.

One of the meeting points for Genevans - there's almost always something going on here: concerts, festivals, food trucks, the highlight of the Fête de la Musique, ephemeral bars, the site of the Ferris wheel in summer and early autumn, and home to the Geneva Lux light festival in winter. In short, this is a must-see venue for everyone. You won't want to miss it, on the left bank of the lake, next to the Mont-Blanc bridge. A landmark? Parked tourist buses: there you are. Here, you can admire the mosaic of flowers - changing with the seasons - that make up the famous flower clock, or simply relax. You're bound to pass by it on your way to the quays on the way to Eaux Vives beach, and further on to Parc Lagrange and Parc des Eaux Vives, and even further on to Genève Plage. The garden is not lacking in charm and offers a beautiful, shady view of Lake Geneva. Reclaimed from the lake when the harbour was filled in in 1854, it was the city's first English-style park. The writer Dostoyevsky described it as "an ugly little square". It's not lacking in charm, with its bronze fountain (1862), late ^19th-century bandstand, Four Seasons fountain, national monument and pavilion. You're bound to stop here to admire the lake, take a photo of the fountain, enjoy a drink on the summer terrace in the shade or relax on the lawns. Not to be missed; but you won't miss it anyway.

This minitrain is made for strolling through the park with your children, and it's been around since 1964! This electric train will take young and old on its tracks along a circuit of the Vidy grounds, along the lakeshore linking the port and the Théâtre de Vidy. The adorable, recently repainted minilocomotives take children on a leisurely tour of the grounds. It's a fun way to stroll around, and toddlers love it... It's a great way to fall back into childhood with your kids!

Best of Switzerland Tours offers a wide range of private and group excursions in the city of Zurich and the most important tourist attractions in German-speaking Switzerland. Our multilingual guides will take you to the eternal snows of the Jungfraujoch, to the Top of Europe or to the Mount Titlis... This is the ideal formula for those who appreciate organized bus tours. Some of the guides tell many interesting stories about the places visited. Book in advance!

Here, we are in the heart of a Geneva that is open to the world. This neighborhood is home to a large number of international organizations: the UN of course, the UNHCR, the ICRC, the WTO, the ILO, the WIPO, the ERI and many others. In the center of the square, the work of the Geneva artist Daniel Berset: Broken Chair (1997), a giant chair with a piece of one of its legs amputated, symbol of the fight against antipersonnel mines erected by Handicap International. Facing the square, the great entrance of the Palais des Nations, an alley lined with the 192 flags of the member states.

Explore natural history at Basel's Naturhistorisches Museum! From dinosaurs to mammals, discover collections that have been preserved for centuries. Spend an unusual night surrounded by saber-toothed tigers or go fossil hunting for an unforgettable birthday. Whether you're fascinated by the animal world, hungry for scientific knowledge or amazed by life on earth, Basel's Naturhistorisches Museum promises an unforgettable experience.

Built at the end of the ^12th century and enlarged in the ^16th, Nyon Castle saw its drawbridge destroyed and its moat filled in in 1820. Today, the building houses a vast collection of earthenware and porcelain from the town's workshops, dating from the ^18th to the ^20th century, and organizes high-quality temporary exhibitions. The museum also showcases local artists. It is possible to take a virtual tour of the museum. From the terrace, there's a magnificent view over the rooftops of the old town and, weather permitting, Mont Blanc.

This lake actually gathers two small ones. They can be found by taking the road from Chippis to Sion. The larger lake, where swimming is recommended, is dominated by the hill of the same name and the 14th century convent which has been home to a congregation of Bernardine nuns since 1935. It is a very pleasant place to come and cool off in summer. It is also a paradise for children who come to have fun. The smaller lake is suitable for walking and remains wilder.

The Alice Pauli Gallery is the oldest and undoubtedly the best known in Lausanne. Established in the Flon since 1962, Alice Pauli has exhibited Bissier, Tobey, Dubuffet and Vieira da Silva, to whom have been added in recent years Soulages, Penone, Plensa or Anne and Patrick Poirier, and the Swiss artists Jean Lecoultre, Yves Dana, Gaspard Delachaux, Catherine Bolle or Fabienne Verdier

Overlooking Zurich's skyline, this small (by Swiss standards) 871-metre-high mountain is affectionately known as "Zurich's mountain". A trip to the top of the Uetliberg promises a day out in nature and a breath of fresh air on the outskirts of the city (30 minutes from downtown). The highlight? A splendid panoramic view of the city, the lake, the Limmat and the Alps in the distance. Each season has its own charms: in summer, the mountain offers superb walks and bike rides, in November, Zurich locals come to seek the sun hidden above the stratus clouds, while in winter, the hiking trails transformed into toboggan runs delight the young (and not so young). The panoramic tower of the Hotel Uto Kulm, which proudly bears the title of "Top of Zurich", ensures an even more spectacular view. The hike from Uetliberg over the mountain range to the Albis Pass offers splendid views of the city of Zurich, the lake and the Central Swiss Alps. The route is perfectly signposted and there are hardly any climbs. At the end of the trail, you'll be rewarded with a natural treasure, Lake Türlen, where in some places you can even go for a swim. Departure point: Uetliberg station, Zürich. Arrival point: Türlen Landhus bus station. Duration: 4 hours. The "Planet Trail" links Uetliberg to Felsenegg in 2 hours via a ridge path. It offers a reconstruction of the solar system and a discovery of the planets. Fun and unusual.

Like the abbey, St. Gallen Cathedral is one of the city's highlights. It is a fine example of late Baroque in the Bodensee Baroque style. The first part is particularly beautiful, with its two towers, but the second part had to undergo a restoration (1961-1967) which made it lose the charm of the old. Built in 1755 to a design by Peter Thumb, the cathedral is richly decorated with figures, frescoes, sculptures and altarpieces illustrating the history of the abbey, particularly through the figures of Gallus and Otmar. The most remarkable elements are certainly the confessionals, the rococo pulpit and the rood screen. The artists who worked on the decorations include the painter Joseph Wannenmacher, the stucco artists Johann Georg and Mathias Gil from Wessobrunn and the woodcarvers Fidel Sporer and Gabriel Loser. The high altar (1808-1810) is also noteworthy, but in a different style from the rest of the building. Note the many roses carved in the wood of the confessionals, the rose being the flower of secrets. Another interesting detail for the French: the small size of the cathedral's entrance door would have been intended to prevent Napoleon from entering with his horse!

Lapidarium: it is located at the west entrance and contains a precious collection of building stones, covering a period from the 8th to the 17th century (open every day from 2 to 4 pm).

It's the ideal starting point for the French who want to immerse themselves in Basel's lifestyle: all the information you need to discover this metropolis in pocket format, and a store brimming with gift ideas. Here you can buy your BaselCard, a real passport to the city: 50% discount on museums, guided city tours and free public transport. There are five free self-guided walking tours.

For all your practical and organisational questions, the Sierre Tourist Office is an ally for visiting the region.

Why were there bears in Bern? Did they come from the mountains? According to tradition, Berthold V of Zähringen, the city's founder, shot a bear on the Aare peninsula, giving the city its name(Bär = bear). Bears have lived in Bern ever since, and can be observed playing, swimming and climbing at close quarters in a 6,000^m2 park created in 2009 on the banks of the River Aare. Finn, Björk, Ursina and Berna are currently the stars of the Bear Park. They can be seen all year round, except during hibernation.

Located in the heart of the city, the museum displays a unique collection of 6,000 objects on 4 floors and over 1,000 m²: dolls and their homes, miniature teddy bears (the oldest date back to 1904) and contemporary models. The absolutely gigantic collection is not presented chronologically, but seeks to recreate a particular atmosphere. For all those who have kept their childlike spirit and appreciate the world of play.

Located on the Pont de la Machine, overlooking the Rhône as it joins Lake Geneva, the site reflects Geneva's early industrialization. It was one of the first structures built "on the water". Its function was to regulate the water level of the Rhône. Today, it is dedicated to the presentation of exhibitions on environmental, humanitarian and artistic themes, through interactive displays. It makes an interesting little tour from the quays adjacent to the Four Seasons to the old town.

Housed in a former tramway depot built in the early ^20th century, the Espace is home to works by Jean Tinguely and his wife, French artist Niki de Saint-Phalle, who donated them to the city of Fribourg. One of Tinguely's masterpieces can be seen here: the Altarpiece of Western Abundance and Totalitarian Mercantilism, as well as Niki de Saint-Phalle's 22 painted polyester reliefs entitled Remembering (1997-1998). Temporary exhibitions are also on view.

Housed in a building designed by the famous Swiss architect Mario Botta, incorporating the former home of Friedrich Dürrenmatt (1921-1990), and located in the heights of Neuchâtel in a green setting, this centre is mainly dedicated to the pictorial work of the writer and playwright. Known primarily as a writer, his passion for drawing and painting is highlighted here. Gouaches, oils, drawings and lithographs can be discovered throughout the visit in an original didactic museography. There is also a space devoted to his literary and dramatic work.

If the theme of this museum - ceramics and glass - can leave some people cold, think again! It's well worth a visit - after a guided tour of the UN, for example, since it's right next door. The site is a jewel, well worth a visit for the richness of its collections, the beauty and refinement of its works, the quality and creativity of its exhibitions juggling contemporary and classical art. Housed in a beautiful, light-filled building, the museum is dedicated to the history and art of ceramics, glass and stained glass. Its collections, from Switzerland, Europe and the Far East, bring together pieces of unique beauty dating from the ^9th century to the present day. We learn a great deal, following step by step, around the world, the history of porcelain, imported from China to Europe by the ships of the East India Company. As the museum's curator asserts, ceramics, glass and stained glass, the "arts of fire", were born of the four elements, earth and sand, nourished by water, then shaped by fire and nurtured by air. A true "connection with nature". Then comes the artist's extraordinary inventiveness over time. It's a journey around the world, through history and cultures. Over the course of history, these pieces reflect the almost infinite creativity and refinement of artists from a wide variety of cultures, and the wealth of exchanges and influences between these same cultures. Is it because the museum is housed in a vast, luminous building, with an atmosphere that reflects its founder's openness to the world? Quite simply, it makes you feel good. Close to the UN, this imposing building with its imposing dome, dating from the late ^19th century, is surrounded by a beautiful park, the last remains of the vast estate of its founder, Gustave Revilliod (1817-1890). This wealthy man of letters was an exceptional traveler, art collector, archaeologist, scholar, humanist and polyglot, who traveled throughout Europe, the Orient and the rest of the world, bringing back masterpieces. He was passionate about everything: painting, sculpture, prints, textiles, furniture, ceramics, glass... As a patron of the arts, he travelled extensively and collected over 30,000 pieces, notably from the Far East. Today, the site houses over 28,000 pieces. The museum is well laid out, with large, well-lit rooms where the works are particularly well displayed. The museum evokes the odyssey of porcelain, which originated in China, appeared in the Middle East and then in Europe. It arrived by ship from the Middle Kingdom, and the round trip took eighteen months. Porcelain was a phenomenal success, but the secrets of its manufacture - jealously guarded by Chinese ceramists - remained unknown until the early ^18th century. The fascinating history of ceramics over the centuries right up to the present day is recounted here. You'll be able to admire sumptuous pieces originating in China, the famous blue and white ceramics, the three-colored ceramics, and ceramics adapted to Western orders. The representation of Westerners as seen by the Chinese on ceramics is not without its salt. Wherever you are in the world, the way you look at things differs according to your country of origin. Persian ceramics reflect a civilization of unique wealth and refinement. As you enter the site, you are impressed by the imposing entrance hall, the brightly-lit rooms and the imposing vaulted ceiling. The building was dedicated to Gustave Revilliod's mother - named Ariana. Its architecture is inspired by Baroque and Italian influences. Its appearance is imposing, to say the least.

Works are exhibited in large, bright rooms, arranged along circular galleries around or above the imposing entrance hall - a grand staircase had been planned when the building was designed, but the idea was eventually abandoned.

Take a break in the small salon on the first floor, where you'll hear some travel stories told by Gustave Revilliod himself. Fascinating memoirs in which this open-minded and curious man of the world recounts not only some of his travel experiences, but also his exasperation with an overly conventional, sclerotic society and its contemporaries. As he says, the latter drove him to go back to the other side of the world.

The park - most of which now belongs to the UN - has a few souvenirs, including a replica of a bell from Japan's Shinagawa temple,

The temporary exhibitions are well worth a look, and the presentation of the pieces is really well thought-out and highly original. The dynamism of the museum's team is to be commended, as they always combine intercultural, social and historical aspects.

Every first Sunday of the month, as well as on certain Thursdays, the museum organizes excellent free guided tours of current exhibitions, not to be missed if you're visiting Geneva during this period. To find out more about the various events and workshops organized by the museum, consult the agenda available directly on the website (www.musee-ariana.ch/fr/agenda).

A site accessible to the public since 1974, these caves reveal a fantastic natural spectacle: columns, stalagmites, stalactites, drapery, underground rivers. As a bonus: the discovery of the cathedral with a sound and light. After the visit, you can see a collection of 250 minerals exposed in rocky vaults and a magical decor.

Open to the public for 40 years, the Caves of Vallorbe are among the most beautiful in Europe. They took their evening to welcome the visitor in a decor worthy of the Thousand and One Nights. The walls are decorated with drapery and a soda rain (small tubes) falls within the ceilings of the different rooms. The most eccentric stalactites and stalagmites resulting from the marriage of water and limestone form an impressive "pile pile" or miniature reproduction of the Vendôme column. Trésor Treasure This trip in the basement, accompanied by the crystalline song of the Orb, ends with the discovery of the hidden treasure of the Fées: 250 minerals bursting with light beads in four alveoli dug in the rock.

Space The Cathedral. Since June 2011, a new room over 30 m high welcomes you in its centre and will make you discover its splendour thanks to a show of its light and light.

An app to visit the caves. Since June 2013, a free application on its mobile phone allows audio feedback throughout the visit. It is possible to download it in advance or directly on site thanks to Wi-Fi network.

Discover the world of Jean Tinguely at the eponymous museum designed by architect Mario Botta. This contemporary building pays tribute to the Swiss artist of perpetual motion. The central hall houses up to twenty mechanical sculptures, symphonies of moving metal. The exhibition "La roue = c'est tout" (The Wheel = That's All) until spring 2025 offers an insight into Tinguely's work. Explore his relationship between man and machine through interactive activities. From his fragile youth to his monumental creations, discover his career. The Chez Jeannot bistro invites you to take a gourmet break.