Ah, Geneva. The city of Calvin, diplomats, banks, and, apparently, cosy little cafés. For this fourth edition of the café crawl, we decided to take on a challenge: relocating our caffeinated “marathon” to a city I have no emotional attachment to. Spoiler alert: that didn’t change. But the mission was clear—hunt for good coffee, wherever possible. Train boarded at 09:55 from Vevey, destination Cornavin. Mood: motivated, but sceptical.
… Continue readingAs you’re beginning to know, I have a passion as an intrepid explorer for unearthing the caffeine gems of Lausanne. And this year, 2024, my coffee radar went into overdrive with several addresses in my sights, having spent a few months in German-speaking Switzerland.
So I got my faithful sidekick on board to participate in the third edition of our now famous caféthon. Fuelled by the prospect of discovering new havens in Lausanne, we immersed ourselves in the bustle of the capital’s streets on a sunny Saturday in February.
… Continue readingAh, coffee! That aromatic beverage awakens our senses and gives us the boost we need to face the day. My favourite drink. In all its guises. In Lausanne, coffee (and the café) is more than just a morning drink/place; it’s a way of life, an experience in its own right.
Imagine strolling along the old town’s cobbled streets, with only the alluring aroma of freshly brewed coffee for company. You stop in front of a little café on the corner, drawn by the murmur of lively conversation and the clinking of cups. It’s enough almost to make me leave my beloved Vevey to experience this passion for coffee daily.
… Continue readingIf you’re planning to spend a few days in Lucerne, I’ve put together an itinerary that will allow you to hike while relaxing in the turquoise waters of Lake Lucerne. Although I didn’t have the chance to do the whole itinerary when I lived in Lucerne, as a keen hiker I think the one I’ve put together is suitable for anyone who enjoys walking. However, to make the most of your time and avoid too many trips in a single day, it’s best to have accommodation in Lucerne (or Zurich or Zug).
To sum up, I’ll be taking you on a magnificent panoramic walk offering breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne, then exploring the lake directly back to Lucerne by boat.
… Continue readingAdmont Around the world Austria Bavaria Brazil Dublin England Europe Finland Germany Ireland Italy Kosovo Netherlands North America Schwytz South America Spain St. Gallen Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom United States
” I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library” has once declared Jorge Luis Borges, the famous Argentinian writer.
Enclosing secrets as old as the world, mysterious and intriguing, these temples of knowledge offer much more than literary choices. They present marvellous architectures symbolising the developments and ideas of history and dazzle with such cachet.
From the oldest to the most futuristic, these spaces dedicated to reading were all built with the aim of being able to amaze, charm and above all inspire visitors. Well, mostly to charm and inspire me. And make me travel to unusual places.
… Continue readingIn Lausanne, whether it’s in the sub-station district, in unusual alleys or nestled in public monuments, if you’re looking for a good place to enjoy a cup of coffee, you’ll be spoilt for choice. So much so, that over the years, I have developed quite a long list of cafés that I recommend. At the end of this article, you will find an interactive map of the best cafés in Lausanne.
Whether it is a consensual social habit, a sacred ritual or a need for caffeine to wake up, the café (whether it is the drink in French – coffee, or the place – café) is a gathering place. A stimulating environment in terms of architecture, the art of living and atmosphere, but also a place to relax in a friendly setting.
… Continue readingTicino, land of water. There’s nothing wrong with this, as the Italian-speaking Swiss canton is full of beaches, rivers, gorges and waterfalls. It is enough to develop a cascade of memories in Ticino.
With its two lakes (Lugano and Maggiore) and its many valleys, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland is a canton to be discovered and a favourite place to get away for German-speaking city dwellers. A place which for them does not seem so out of place, as the Swiss-German language has become common in Ticino (which is a pity, as Italian is much more melodious).
… Continue readingSwitzerland is full of breathtaking hiking trails that lead to stunning destinations. Most of them are already well known (Grosse Mythen, Augstmatthorn, etc), but there are still some real hidden treasures (such as la Tine de Conflens). The Limmernsee hike I am presenting to you today is one of them, hidden in the canton of Glarus.
It’s a canton that is still unknown but worth visiting, especially because it has majestic mountains called the Glarner Alps. And where nuggets emerge, such as the Limmernsee hike, which I’ve been eyeing for some time (thanks Instagram!).
… Continue readingLet’s face it, this title is a lie. I’m not a religious person, so announcing a pilgrimage… yet it is appropriate for the article that follows: the description and visit of Einsiedeln, a place known in Switzerland for its religious character.
… Continue readingLooking for new walks to recharge my batteries, one place had been catching my eye for a while: the Val d’Hérens and more particularly Mont Miné Glacier, which is at the far end of a Valais valley.
I will take you for a simple but wild hike in a mountain setting that will turn into a timeless, lunar landscape.
… Continue reading
