Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Switzerland

Below the vineyards, the little beach at Les Gonelles in Corseaux is a great place to take a dip in the lake! To get there, follow the signs for the campsite, and the little beach is right next door ! There's no shade, and the sun beats down hard in summer, so always plan to go early in the morning or at the end of the day. As these beaches are often crowded during the day in summer, you'll appreciate a little peace and quiet all the more.

Some Genevans have forgotten about it, but it is still there! Every day since 1962, this clock marks the hours by evoking a traditional Genevan tune. To accompany it, a procession of 13 floats and 42 bronze figures re-enact the events of December 12, 1602, a key date in the history of Geneva, when the Genevans repelled the assaults of the Duke of Savoy's troops. A creation of Edouard Wirth, watchmaker, with painted decorations and bronze sculptures of Geneva artists. An unusual visit to see a work of local craftsmanship.

Nature lovers, this is your territory. This nature reserve is managed by the Pro Natura center for nature protection. The setting is magnificent. The 2-hectare estate is home to some forty species of birds, which you can try to observe from the top of the observation tower overlooking a natural lakeshore. There are many activities on offer: guided tours, birdwatching, workshops for children and adults, and night-time explorations.

An escape to the farm from the Rhone Valley is a must! If you are passing through the Val d'Hérens, this is a good address to discover the backstage of the famous Hérens cow (the one that fights the queens before going up to the mountain pasture!), the internationally known Evolène carnival and everything related to the culture of the region. A visit that will delight young and old alike. The farm offers a rural stay with very well appointed rooms at low prices, especially the collective dormitories. Don't miss the opportunity to book a country brunch with local products.

The Trümmelbach Falls are a complex of ten glacier waterfalls inside the mountain, equipped with a tunnel lift and lighting. They are the only waterfalls to come out of the glacier walls of the three mountains of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The result is a unique spectacle in Europe! These huge waterfalls are absolutely impressive, with a flow rate of up to 20,000 litres per second in spring. Indeed, it is during the period of glacier melt that the picture is most extraordinary.

The mines of La Presta were exploited from 1711 to extract asphalt, initially for the medical sector. It was not until 1812 that the industrial exploitation, with more than 100 km of galleries, allowed the ore to be exported for the construction of roads all over the world. The mines closed in 1986. The deposit was the largest in Europe. The visit shows how the water was evacuated from the depths and the asphalt brought to the surface by horses, replaced in the 20th century by electric locomotives.

It is the true sap descendant of the ancient lime tree associated with the Battle of Murten. Associated with an historic event, the "Morat lime tree" is actually located 17 kilometers from Morat. It commemorates the Battle of Murten (1476), which saw Swiss troops inflict a severe defeat on Charles the Bold's Burgundian army. According to legend, a messenger ran to Fribourg with the good news, waving a branch as a sign of victory. Exhausted, he collapsed on arrival. The branch is said to have taken root at this very spot...

A beautiful view of Lake Geneva from the vines. The Domaine des Champs-Lingot in Anières suggests a stop-off to taste some of Geneva's finest vintages. Claude-Alain Chollet is an enthusiast and produces Chasselas and Viognier, as well as an interesting blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon, Chardvignon. Red and rosé wines also feature prominently, with Gamay, Pinot Noir and Lingot Noir blends. We produce organic, natural wine with no additives. A beautiful place!

To make a herbarium, to recognize a plant, observe birds, discover hives and their bees and many more, green workshops explain nature to children between 11 and 8 years of age on Wednesday afternoon from the month of September until the end of the school year. Contact Ms Degrange on Tuesday and Friday from am to PM by telephone.

It is the cantonal body for the promotion of wines and the canton of Vaud. 6 controlled appellations of origin to be discovered in the region: Bonvillars AOC, Chablais AOC, Côte de l'Orbs AOC, Lavaux AOC, La Côte AOC and Vully AOC.

The tourist routes passing through Yverdon:

The Via Francigena (literally the "Way of the French") is a network of roads and paths used by pilgrims to get to Rome. Opened 2,000 years ago, the Via Francigena became one of the main European pilgrimage routes in the Middle Ages. It crosses the canton of Vaud from Auberson to Bex. Crossing the Jura, skirting the Venoge and venturing into the Lavaux region offer superb panoramas and a variety of cultural visits.

The Via Romana follows part of the route which, in ancient times, linked Rome to what was then Germania, via Geneva, Orbe, Avenches and Augst. It allows you to visit numerous ruins as well as the museums where the main remains of the Roman Empire discovered in Switzerland are kept. The canton of Vaud has many sites from the Roman period, and thanks to this route, all the main sites can be visited easily from the gates of Geneva to Avenches.

The Via Salina. At the time, the Salt Route was particularly important for Berne, which had to seek this precious commodity from Franche-Comté until 1830. It follows the salt route (carried by mules) from the famous former royal salt works of Arc-et-Senans to Bern, passing through Yverdon-les-Bains and the surrounding area in a disconcerting setting, with its many discoveries such as fortresses, customs posts, old salt deposits, etc. There are several successive routes, such as Berne - Yverdon-les-Bains or Yverdon-les-Bains - Vuiteboeuf Sainte-Croix.

How about a trip to the land of the edelweiss after a short train ride from Wilderswil to experience all the Swiss traditions? Once you've reached the Schynige Platte, take a stroll through the alpine garden to admire the richness of the alpine flora such as azaleas and narrow-leaved gentian, or enjoy a hike on the ridges to admire the surrounding peaks. The trails offer breathtaking views! A favourite place where nature pierces us with its beauty.

Pioneers made it possible to reach the Stanserhorn by building a railroad, which was inaugurated on August 23, 1893. The first Kälti aerial tramway was opened in May 1975. Since then, the lift has been constantly upgraded, with the sole aim of enabling enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of the mountain (views of ten lakes and no less than 100 km of Alpine chain). To reach the summit, you can try the old-fashioned funicular or the Cabrio gondola. Lunch at the Rondorama revolving restaurant.

La Garenne's goal is to care for and present animals while making us aware of nature. Here we discover unique species of Switzerland, because it is so important to know the environment that surrounds us! Thus, we have the chance to observe mammals like the lynx, the badger, the raccoon and - new in 2022 - a male otter, impressive birds of prey like the bearded vulture. You can also enjoy the Ekocook certified restaurant.

In the past, it was a bastion that belonged to the city's fortresses. In 1585, it guarded the port of Geneva. It was then used to build and repair ships, then served as a quarantine warehouse, before taking the name of Rousseau Island in 1834 in homage to the famous Genevan man of letters. His statue stands in the center of the island, which has since become a place for walking. It is a pleasant stop on the lake, and you can, while admiring the famous ducks and swans, take a break and eat in the kiosk.

The site was originally an artillery work dug into the rock. Built in 1943, it was abandoned by the army in 1998 and the Sasso San Gottardo Museum was established there in 2012. The visit allows the visitor to see the remains of the fortification and its tunnels, including a funicular railway, and to explore issues related to climate, meteorology, water management, mobility, housing and energy.

Bellinzona is a town that offers a perfect blend of history, nature and good weather. Its historic center, with its cobbled streets and small, welcoming squares, immerses you in a medieval atmosphere. Bellinzona's three castles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a must-see for history buffs. The town also hosts numerous cultural events, including the Rabadan, Ticino's most famous carnival, and music festivals such as Beatles Days and the Montebello Festival. For nature lovers, Bellinzona offers many opportunities for hiking and cycling. And don't forget to visit the Collegiate Church of SS. Pietro e Stefano and the Villa dei Cedri Museum.