Streets squares and districts to visit Switzerland

Known as the city of fountains, Bern has more than a hundred in its city. The fountains dating from the middle of the 16th century (notably the Fountain of Justice and the Ogre) represent the wealth of the bourgeoisie. They allow the Bernese and visitors to discover the history of the medieval city and to remember that in the past it was a meeting place where the inhabitants came to get water. Eleven fountains still have elaborately painted allegorical sculptures. During your visit, stroll through the streets to discover these works!

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.

A beautiful square overlooking the lake, often transformed into a soccer pitch in summer. At the beginning of the ^13th century, Place des Halles was the area separating the old from the new town. Here, the Bishop of Lausanne had his tower (erected between 1221 and 1229), his house and his bread ovens. At the beginning of the ^15th century, the bishop's domination gradually gave way to the villagers, who built the halles to the south of the tower. At that time, the halles building was intended for the storage of merchandise, and probably for a covered market.

In the Rue du Collège, numbers 8 to 14 form a prettyU-shaped group of charming little buildings, with doors painted red, green and blue, and garden tables and chairs. The local residents have formed an association to defend La Valsainte, and since 1990 have been staging shows and cultural events in the courtyard. No. 4 is a former prison, of which the tower remains, leaning against the ancient ramparts (which you'll have to imagine). It was the house of the chapter of Lausanne Cathedral.

In the middle of the Place du Marché, you can see a large square slab, formerly a press stone, on which are engraved the dates of the winegrowers' festivals since 1797, with the motto Ora et Labora, or "Pray and work". As a reminder, the Fête des Vignerons is an event that can only take place a maximum of five times per century. The last one took place in 2019, so you'll have plenty of time to prepare for the next one! The square also hosts major concerts, such as Elton John's at the end of 2007.

Gryon, in the Swiss canton of Vaud, is a tourist destination offering an exceptional quality of life. Its tourism is focused on welcoming families, with a gentle, warm and authentic atmosphere. The Gryon tourist office offers a wide range of activities throughout the year, and works closely with Villars-sur-Ollon to provide attractive infrastructures and events. Visitors can enjoy unspoilt landscapes and lively local traditions. Over time, tourism has shifted from summer to winter, with the emergence of skiing and winter sports. Gryon also boasts a vacation hamlet, Alpe des Chaux, with its typical architecture and clustered housing. Today, Gryon attracts a loyal and regular clientele thanks to its chalets and individual apartments. Gryon's inhabitants earn their living directly or indirectly from tourism, making it an essential part of the region's economy.

For a long time, this square was regarded as the failure of Lausanne's urbanization. Since 2008, the site has welcomed new activities, such as concerts on July 31 to celebrate the national holiday on August¹, and a garage sale every first Sunday of the month. The Miam Festival is held every Pentecost weekend, with stands showcasing world cuisine. Concerts and culinary workshops for adults and children are organized. Other concerts are organized throughout the year.

Rue de Bourg, which runs down from the Bessières Bridge to Saint-François, was the main artery through which all traffic passed until the early 19th century. At that time there was a horse relay in Saint-François. In the 19th century, the rue de Bourg was opened on the lake, with perpendicular streets and passages, such as the Saint-François gallery, the only one in Europe built with stairs. There you will see the oldest shop in Lausanne: Blondel. Its chocolates are a must! Today, the rue de Bourg is emblematic of luxury shopping.

Discover Holzpark Klybeck, an urban oasis for creativity and innovation since 2014. An incubator for bold urban projects, it is home to a diversity of artistic expressions. A deep reflection on space and architecture develops here, offering a new perspective on our environment. A pallet stage hosts shows and concerts. Two bars and a restaurant complete this immersive experience. The Gannet, lighthouse boat and seabird, embodies the spirit of innovation. Holzpark Klybeck is the perfect blend of culture and conviviality.

It is the "Quadruvium" (Latin word for crossroads) where Sigismond (king of Burgundi) was crowned and to which the city probably owes its name. The name of this square is due to its circular shape and its crossing function between two main traffic lanes. Especially in the past, with a road coming from Annecy and the other from Chambéry. This meeting place was very frequented by the people of Carouge and the Savoyards, who were discussing in a convivial atmosphere. There you can see the monument of the Nine Municipalities together; this work which was made by a pupil of Rodin, James Vibert, dates from 1925 and its 11 figures of women celebrate the annexation of several communes (of which Carouge obviously forms part) to the canton of Geneva. The monument was planned for the centenary of the event, but the First World War has delayed its inauguration.

Aarau has preserved the vestiges of its historic past, including the charming Rue de la Halde, which dates back to the late Gothic period. This little street is surely the most typical of the old town, with a very homogeneous group of houses, including the former convent of St. Ursula women (^13th century). Further on, between two houses, an austere silhouette of exposed stone: the Turm Rore, another vestige of the fortifications. Strolling along the Halde is very pleasant, as the center is pedestrianized and only accessible by bicycle or public transport.

This gate of the old ramparts, flanked by a tower, dates back to the 13th century but was extensively modified in the 16th century. You will recognize it by its 15th century clock and its imposing size: at 61 m, it is the highest of its kind in Switzerland. Don't miss the picture of the Danse Macabre by the painter Felix Hoffmann on its southern side. The five lower floors of the tower were once used as prison cells, the warden's apartment was on the tenth floor, while the top floor houses a carillon consisting of eleven bells.

During the celebration of the centenary of Napoleon's Act of Mediation, which established the autonomy of the canton, this square took its current name. The square coincides with the southern access to the medieval city and echoes the Piazza del Sole, which gave access to the city to those arriving from the north. Nowadays, Piazza del Sole has been completely restored by the architect Livio Vacchini. A little further on is another important square: the Piazza della Collegiata called Piazza Grande.

It is the oldest square in the city, the only one whose name is mentioned since the Middle Ages. It was here that the communal well where the inhabitants used to get their supplies and where the town hall is located. The present building from the beginning of the 20th century is reconstructed on the remains of an earlier building, dating from the 14th century, which corresponded to the Copertum comunis. It was here that justice was administered. In the 15th century it was renovated and included the meeting rooms of the local government, the chancellery and the Milanese officers' residence.

A strategic place in the city, the Place de la Palud used to be a meeting place for pilgrims going up to the cathedral and merchants selling their products on the market. Located in a pedestrian zone, it is still one of the most picturesque places in Lausanne. The etymology of the word "Palud" comes from the word "paludisme" which refers to this part of Lausanne, which was very marshy at the time. From here you can reach the town hall, the fountain of Justice, the clock and the market stairs. Don't forget to stop for a chocolate at the Barbare!

Place de Neuve or Place Neuve? For "real" Genevans, it's Place Neuve, the official name being Place de Neuve... The square stands on the site of the Porte de Neuve, built in 1564 as part of the medieval city walls. A cultural mecca dotted with ^18th-century townhouses, the Conservatoire de Musique, built in 1835, the imposing Grand Théâtre and the Musée Rath, inaugurated in 1826. The Grand Théâtre was built in 1874-1879 by Jacques-Olivier-Goss, inspired by the construction of the Opéra Garnier in Paris at the same time.