A hotel on the shores of Divonne-les-Bains
LAUSANNE
Lausanne is a small town situated on the banks of the magnificent Lake Léman, the largest of the European lakes. Its pedestrian streets, its very Swiss cleanliness, its “joie de vivre” and its high level of safety make it an extremely pleasant town to visit.
On one side you have the beaches and the banks of the lake. A substantial infrastructure will delight both amateurs of sport and walkers and their families alike. Large green spaces are set aside for picnicking and there are way marked footpaths in abundance. Despite the popularity of these beaches with both local Swiss people and visitors, it is perfectly possible to take advantage of their charms without feeling crowded.
Lausanne is also a town known for its upmarket shopping. The fashionable shopping district stretches from around Saint Francois square, the historic quarter, the “La Palud” square where the market has been held since the 9th century and the sumptuous cathedral which dominates the city.
Finally, Lausanne is a city of culture which is home to a host of opera houses, theatres and museums and which organises every year many different festivals, street entertainments and concerts in the cafés.
YVOIRE “700 Years of History”
Ranked as one of the most beautiful villages of France, this little medieval port, on the banks of Lake Léman, has the serenity of a French seaside town.
Discover, in the heart of the village, the Garden of the Five Senses, a maze grown in the old castle kitchen garden designed in the style of the gardens in Medieval times for the pleasure of the five senses. Scents and colours in the garden change throughout the seasons.
SAMOENS
The origins of Samoens go back to medieval times. Although it has been developed since then it has managed to retain the aspect of the old town with its solid stone houses, constructed by the famous brotherhood of the “Samoen Stonemasons”. From the fountain at la Grenette, the castle of the Tower and its stables, beneath the roots of the great lime tree, you will find, behind the stones, the life of the old town centred around the church and see its recent evolution into a holiday resort in both summer and winter.
FARM MUSEUM “LE CLOS PARCHET”
Here you can go back in time and discover the excitement of everyday life on a farm in Samoens from the 19th century up to the present day.
VISIT THE FORTRESS at Léaz
Come and visit the Fort l’Ecluse, the mainstay since medieval times of the defence of the land of the Pays de Gex. The fortress was enlarged during the 17th and 18th centuries, but then partially destroyed by Austrian armies in the 18th century. It has now been brought back to its former glory and belongs today to the local authorities. Ramparts, fortifications, gates and drawbridges, death traps, blockhouses .... throughout your visit you will discover the daily life of the soldiers of the fortress with scenes re-enacted for your benefit.
VISIT TO THE CASTLE OF COPPET
Take part in a guided tour of the Castle of Coppet, a walled city just a short distance away from Divonne, and discover the atmosphere of an 18th century castle which used to be the house of Mr Jacques Necker, Finance Minister under Louis XVI and his daughter, Madame de Stael, the famous writer during the Age of Enlightenment!
THE SALT MINES OF BEX AND THE SWISS STEAM PARK
Visit the salt mines at Bex where you can observe all the different techniques used in salt extraction from the 17th century up to the present day. A little train will take you into the heart of the mine. From there, a walk will allow you to discover the effort involved in the search for sources containing salt and for extracting the salt from the rock which, at that time, was worth its weight in gold. After that, you will stop to eat at St Gingolph, a border village on the shores of Lake Léman. Then, you will visit the Swiss Steam Park situated at Bouveret, at the mouth of the Rhone, where you will find one of the most prestigious miniature railways in all Europe. In a large, green park covering 17,000m2, over a dozen steam engines invite you to come and revel in the fascinating world of the railways.
