What to visit when you're swimming the Nyvoirienne
At the beginning of September, you can swim the Nyvoirienne. This swim is a border-busting adventure over a slightly shorter distance. You swim 7km across the Petit Lac, between the beautiful town of Nyon (CH) and the renowned medieval villages of Nernier and Yvoire (FR).
As the event takes place in a historically rich region, which attracts many tourists each year, we have made a list of things to visit in and around the towns of the event. We start at the place of the start: Nyon.
What to see in Nyon?
At a short ride from Geneva, you can find Nyon on the shores of Lake Geneva. This small town is known worldwide for being the headquarters of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the European Club Association (ECA).
One of the museums worth visiting is the museum of Lake Geneva (Musée du Léman). Here you can find exciting objects about the largest lake in Western Europe. Aquariums, small and large models of boats as well as a restored steam engine will tell you all about the past of Lake Geneva.
Why not also visit the castle of Nyon? Undoubtedly one of the great treasures of this small Swiss city. Did you know it was never used or planned to be used as a defence from invaders? It always has been used for administrative purposes, but also as a museum and a prison. Today you can visit and see the museum (dedicated to both the history of the city and porcelain, one of the typical products of this Swiss city) and the old cells of what was once the prison.
If you’re wondering about the history of Nyon. A stop at the Roman Museum is in order. Because Nyon was founded by the Roman emperor Julius Caesar, the remains of its Roman past can still be seen. Most of them can be seen in the Roman theatre, where it is still possible to see the remains of an old Roman basilica from the 1st century BC or the old Roman forum of the city.
What to see in Nernier and Yvoire?
Our next stop is Nernier, one of the smallest villages on the shore of Lake Geneva. Nernier, however, is not a standalone village, it shares its centre with the neighbouring village of Yvoire. This small town has a picturesque location, on the shores of Lake Geneva. Yvoire is included in the official list of "The Most Beautiful Villages of France".
Worth seeing in Yvoire are the fortifications of the medieval village, walls and gates that made it possible to defend the village located at the foot of the castle. In the Middle Ages, the road crossed the village and the fortified gates built by order of the Count of Savoy Amédée V controlled the passage. Don't miss the two medieval gates of Yvoire and the ancient wall between the gates!
Another great stop is at the castle of Yvoire. Built in 1036, around the castle of Yvoire you will find a small army of amateur photographers and tourists. It is one of the most popular destinations. When it was built in the 14th century, the military fortress was used to monitor navigation and control the road linking Geneva to the upper Rhone valley and Italy. Today, the majestic silhouette of Yvoire Castle still stands like a sentinel on Lake Geneva.
In the centre of Yvoire you can find the Garden of the five senses. A jewel of greenery in the heart of the village, it is a small natural paradise classified as a “Remarkable Garden” by the Ministry of Culture. You will awaken your 5 senses thanks to wonderful plants!
Nyvoirienne: Swim and visit the most beautiful place in the region
The Nyvoirienne is a fantastic opportunity to swim Lake Geneva but also get to know more about the villages on the shore, the history of the lake, and the French and Swiss culture. You can still sign up for this event on our event page. Will we see you there?