Local history and culture Switzerland

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.