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Experience snow with the Family. Winter sports for everyone! 04
T H E C A N TO N O F VAU D TO U R IS M O F F I C E M AG A Z I N E
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A trip among friends on + the shores of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Montreux. 06
The Jura - a novel way + to love winter… St-Cergue, Vallée de Joux, Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses, 16
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Mélanie Weber + A passion for growing wines 20
Interactive map p. 24
Spectacular beauty: Villars-Gryon, Les Diablerets, Leysin-Col des Mosses, Château-d’Œx/Pays-d’Enhaut Special feature on Vaud Alps p. 8
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EDITORIAL In French ‘Vivre’ means to live or to experience. Whether among friends on the shores of Lake Geneva, up in the snow-covered mountains with your family, or in the relaxing atmosphere of an exceptional spa, follow your heart’s desire this winter. Looking for some exhilarating times on the slopes followed by après-ski fun? The Vaud Alps await you! In search of calm, and large open snow-covered spaces? The Jura receives you with open arms! In the mood for tasting some regional delicacies? Winegrower Mélanie Weber welcomes you to her cellar in Cully. And let’s not forget the numerous winter events that bring a warm cheer to the holiday season. By providing you with authentic experiences, useful information, multimedia interaction and unusual ideas, this publication will help you discover the region in a different way. Because there is so much to experience here!
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Experience Vaud online
The best of the canton of Vaud at the click of a mouse. 3
Experience what’s new Getting the most out of winter. 4-5
Experience snow with the family Winter sports for everyone!
Andreas Banholzer, Director of the Lake Geneva region Tourist Office
Don’t forget! Our Summer 2016 magazine is available from March. 22-23
Summary 4-5
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Experience the event
Discover the winter scene and its merry-go-round of events 24- 25
Interactive map Useful addresses
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A trip among friends on the shores of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Montreux.
Take some time out for yourself.
Experience a getaway
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Experience a discovery Mélanie Weber, A passion for growing wines Recipe: pastry-encrusted Vaudois sausage 19
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Experience the Jura mountains
The Jura - a novel way to love winter… St-Cergue, Sainte-Croix/ Les Rasses, Vallée de Joux An interview with Jean-Daniel Meylan, caretaker at the Lac de Joux.
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www.otvaud.ch/h6
Get ready for authenticity on the slopes as you enjoy the show of the Vaud Alps… Villars-Gryon, Les Diablerets, Leysin-Col des Mosses, Château-d’Oex/Pays-d’Enhaut.
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o16 The Canton of Vaud in a video
Experience the Alps
Experience a sense of wellbeing
V I V R E M AGA Z I N E
E X P E R I E N C E VAU D O N L I N E
W I N T E R 2015 / 16
The best of the canton of Vaud is only a few clicks away ! All the attractions and news of the region are only a few clicks away on the tourism portal : www.lake-geneva-region.ch
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Mobile App Vaud: Guide Find the activity that corresponds to your area of interest without worrying about the weather or opening times: the app will provide you with all the information! Available on iPhone, iPad and Android. appmobile.lake-geneva-region.ch
2 — iPad Free download of all our tourism brochures to your iPad via the App Store ipad.lake-geneva-region.ch
3 — Online booking Book your accommodation quickly and in total security booking.lake-geneva-region.ch
4 — Download All our brochures are available on: www.lake-geneva-region.ch /en/brochures
Share your pictures, travel experiences and tips with other people who love the region!
QR code – Guide www.lake-geneva-region.ch
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Download the “QR code reader” application to your mobile. Launch the “QR code reader” and scan the QR code.
3. Access directly the content you
wish to explore.
youtube.com/regionduleman — facebook.lake-geneva-region.ch — twitter.lake-geneva-region.ch — instagram.com/myvaud —
V I V R E M AG A Z I N E
E X P E R I E N C E W H AT ' S N E W
W I N T E R 2015 / 16
Experience what's new Kids under 9 stay and ski for free in the Vaud Alps What a delight when children up to 9 years old can stay for free in their parents' room and also get to ski for free. With lots of discounts for the lessons and gear, as well as visits and the restaurants, the Vaud Alps are a family's paradise.
From 1 November onward, discover a ton of irresistible offers for the Vaud Alps and the Jura on myvaud.ch
The Escape game that is all the rage in Lausanne Get an adrenaline rush while giving your brain a workout by playing “The Door”, a new interactive puzzle-solving game already popular in Moscow, Budapest, New York and London. Teams of two to five people have one hour to escape from a room by deciphering a series of clues. In Lausanne, players will face Sherlock Holmes’s finesse and the bold will experience the fright of a postapocalypse bunker. Ready, steady, go! www.thedoorgame.com 3
V IVRE MAGA ZINE
Winter sports for everyone! From the Vaud Alps to the Jura, the slopes beckon. Enjoy the resplendent nature and let your imagination run wild. Whether on skis, sledges, skates, air-boards, snow-tubing or zip-lines, discover the many ways to slide on snow. 8
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Barbapapa Ski Centre Rougemont
Les Mosses Park Les Mosses
In the Pays-d’Enhaut next to Rougemont Church, the Barbapapa family awaits young children to play snow games. But which Barbapapa is missing? Come to the Tourism Office with the answer and you will receive a lovely colouring book.
In a snow garden equipped with a travelling conveyor belt, games and the little “Pikachu” ski-lift, learning to ski becomes child’s play especially in the company of the park’s mascot Little Froggy. Free for children up to nine years old.
Where : Pays-d’Enhaut Tourisme T. +41 (0)26 925 11 66 www.chateau-doex.ch
Where : Office du Tourisme Les MossesLa Lécherette T. +41 (0)24 491 14 66 www.lesmosses.ch
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Toboganning Park Leysin
Sledge track Les Diablerets
These spectacular toboggan runs with their icy bends will allow you to reach dizzying speeds on inflatable tubes. The park is designed by medal-winning former bobsleigh Olympic champion Silvio Giobellina and also provides small runs for the youngsters.
The exhilaration of setting off on a seemingly never-ending sledge ride of 7 km down a 560 m change in altitude. For the brave at heart, doing it at night after a good fondue and mulled wine at the Les Vioz-Les Mazots chairlift.
Where : Tobogganing Park T.+41 (0)79 377 96 71 www.leysin.ch
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Where : Office du Tourisme des Diablerets T. +41 (0)24 492 00 10 www.lesdiablerets.ch
E X P E R I E N C E S N O W W I T H T H E FA M I LY
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Open air ice rink Gryon
Mauborget ‘Telebob’ Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses
Find joy and good humour at this open air ice rink right in the centre of Gryon on the Place Barboleuse. Skates can be rented at the bar, where it is also possible to buy light refreshments.
Whether on a sledge or bobsleigh, take it easy and allow the ski-lift to drag you up the hill so that you can then tear down the snowy slopes as many times as you like without getting tired. All equipment can be hired onsite where there is also a restaurant.
Where : Office du Tourisme de Gryon T. +41 (0)24 498 00 00 www.gryon.ch
Where : Office du Tourisme de Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses T. +41 (0)24 455 41 42 www.sainte-croix-les-rasses-tourisme.ch
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Basseruche Leisure Space St-Cergue
Sledging and skating on the lake Vallée de Joux
This sizeable chalet, which once sheltered a herd of cows, is now a restaurant that provides crazy activities like airboarding – sliding on snow using an inflatable sledge – and a 1.3km zipline. Where : Basseruche Espace Loisirs T. +41 (0)22 360 16 88 www.basseruche.ch
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When freezing temperatures allow, the Lac de Joux becomes Switzerland’s, perhaps even Europe’s, largest natural ice rink, where skaters, small sledgers pulled by their parents and ice-sailers compete in a flurry of movement. Where : Vallée de Joux Tourisme T. +41 (0)21 845 17 77 www.myvalleedejoux.ch 5
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VIVRE MAGA ZINE
A trip among friends on the shores of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Montreux. ‘A’ for Adventure, ‘B’ for Bonding, ‘C’ for Chasselas, ‘D’ for Discovery – these are the clues for an invigorating and fun weekend between friends.
Saturday
9am ’E’
for Enjoyable adventure Plot your path through Lausanne by discovering the hidden messages and challenges in the ‘FoxApp’ of Foxtrail, a highly original urban adventure. The ‘Citi’ option explores the city’s historic quarters, while ‘Alti’ goes down nature’s path.
12pm ’F ’
for Fabulous Food In one of Lausanne’s most stunning locations, enjoy the fresh and natural cuisine prepared with a creative flourish. At the Brasserie de Montbenon, the atmosphere is epicurean and trendy.
3pm ’G’
for Glide through the vineyards Take a stroll in the spectacular terraced Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where charming medieval villages are nestled in between the vines and the winemakers welcome you to taste their delicious white Chasselas.
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6pm ’H’
for Holy Cow! Join the club of gourmet hamburger lovers at the two Holy Cow! restaurants in Lausanne’s city centre. Made in Switzerland, even the sauces are home-made and the bread is from the local baker.
8pm ’I’
for ‘Icy thrills’ Join a joyous and friendly crowd to cheer an ice hockey match in Malley. Lausanne Hockey Club's home. The atmosphere is terrific especially since the team moved up to the A League.
11pm ’J’
for Juggling pleasurable experiences Finish your day at the Great Escape, a popular bar in a city that is popular among the young. Juggle between multiple nationalities and languages and enjoy the great choice of beers on tap and the cocktails.
E X P E R I E N C E A G E TAWAY
3pm ’M’
for Magic Mountain Get a taste for the magical euphoria of winter activities without having to go to high altitudes or carry heavy equipment. Your snowshoe hike in the Pleiades will be the icing on the cake of a perfect weekend among friends and a means for you to fill your lungs with fresh and get your nature fix before going home. N, O, P, Q, Return swiftly, S, T, U, V, W,X, Y, stay Zen!
Sunday
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Lausanne and Montreux are wonderful when lit up with their sparkling Christmas decorations. Plan your trip in December to make the most of the friendly atmosphere in the cities’ Christmas markets.
9am ’K’
for Olympic Kaleidoscope Its cutting edge technology turns the Olympic Museum into a vast kaleidoscope of the Games' best moments. The second most visited museum in Switzerland is a tribute to the glory of extraordinary athletes and the Olympic spirit. The International Olympic Committee celebrates its Lausanne centenary in 2015.
11am ’L’
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for Lazy Sunday Brunch Set on top of the recently refurbished museum building, the TOM Café (whose letters stand for The Olympic Museum) offers a generous brunch and one of the prettiest views over Lake Geneva. Make yourself comfortable in a refined decor and get your strength up for the trek you are about to undertake.
Interactive city tour of Lausanne
www.otvaud.ch/e8
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→p.10 Villars – Gryon – Les Diablerets →p.11 Leysin – Col des Mosses →p.12-13 Ski areas map Leysin-Col des Mosses, Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets →p.14 Ski areas map Château-d’Oex, Rougemont, Gstaad →p.15 Château-d’Oex/Pays-d'Enhaut
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Get read the Vaud about to
V I V R E M AGA Z I N E
W I N T E R 2015 / 16
E XP ERIENCE THE A LP S
dy for authenticity, d Alps show is o begin…
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01 Snowpark 02 Sledge runs 03 Snowtubing 04 Ice rink
Framed by Lake Geneva, the Rhone and the Swiss plateau, the Vaud Alps, from a height of 3000 m, stages marvellous adventures.
Fribourg
FRANCE
Vaud
Journey times departing from Lausanne : Leysin, Col des Mosses 1:10 1:00 Villars, Gryon, Les Diablerets 1:15 1:00
Lausanne
Château-d’Oex, Rougemont, Rossinière 1:25 1:10
FRANCE Geneva
Valais
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445 km of slopes The curtain rises on spectacular scenery. Traditional villages that are welcoming all year long are ready for their winter show, with activities galore as the tales unfold. The spotlight beams on the families enjoying themselves in Villars-Gryon and Les Mosses, snowboarders soaring in Leysin, adventurers cascading down the 3000 Glacier at Les Diablerets, crosscountry skiers criss-crossing forests and vales, bons-vivants marvelling at the beauty of the Pays-d’Enhaut. There is something for everyone. The Vaud Alps are putting on a grand performance for you! And what’s more, kids under 9 attend for free!
VIVRE MAGA ZINE
Villars-Gryon Les Diablerets
Interview Sergei Aschwanden
Thrills for all! From its summit at 3000 m that over-looks Les Diablerets, “Glacier 3000” leads the dance of the five skiing domains, including Villars, Gryon and Les Diablerets. What total bliss to be able to slide down a combined 2000 m from top to bottom. With snow parks, a panoramic snow bar, a 7,2 km sled run and a lively nightlife, your winter holidays will be full to the brim!
How did you get interested in judo? I was a hyperactive child and my mother thought judo would Altitude 1200-3000 m calm me down. It then became 125 km of skiing slopes my whole life until I turned 50 km of classic cross-country skiing 30! The day I won my Olympic 50 km of skating cross-country skiing medal I decided to make a 35 km of snowshoe trails clean break as I was ending my 30 km of winter trekking trails judo career at the pinnacle of my achievement, even though today I am still very much involved in youth judo training. NEW PEAK WALK
You are now 40. How did your career transition take place? I simply rechanneled my will to win into my studies. I wanted to ensure I kept a wide professional spectrum so I completed my university studies with a Masters in management. A dynamic ski resort and an energetic personality, that's a pretty good match! Villars is a large resort with a varied and interesting population. There are many challenges here and that's what I like about this place.
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This year we are organising a large not-tobe-missed winter event.
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What projects are in the pipeline for Villars? We've acquired a global positioning in event organizing and are entering a new era with investment plans over the next 10 to 15 years, starting with the refurbishment of the ice rink. We are also organizing a large not-to-be-missed winter event. Yes, Villars and I are on a real honeymoon!
Encounter in Vaud – Tim Vodoz, Snow-plough driver
www.otvaud.ch/h9
→p.22 Fisherman‘s Friend StrongmanRun, January 2016
From the judo mat to mountain slopes, Sergei Aschwanden, Swiss judoka Bronze 2008 Olympics medalist has succeeded an exemplary career transition. He now heads Villars Sports Centre and presides the resort’s tourism office.
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E XPERIENCE THE A LP S
Leysin Col des Mosses
Interview Paul-François Mermod
For 15 years Paul-François Mermod looks after the mountain refuge next to Lake Lioson, called the ‘Pearl of the Lakes’ due to its water’s exceptional transparency. When the winter chill arrives and the lake’s surface freezes over, he pierces holes in the ice for the divers who come to explore the icy waters beneath the surface.
Swimming under the ice – why would anyone want to do that? Actually ice diving is a muchloved activity. During the winter the diving clubs are knocking each over to come and stay during the 13 weekends we are open from January to March.
Where can you get hold of the equipment? You used to be able to hire it up here, but the divers have preferred to come with their own gear, so if you are planning a trip it’s better to rent it in advance.
Let’s make the most of the extremes! 60 km of slopes welcome skiers, snowboarders and thrill-seekers to enjoy freestyle, superpipe and snowcross in Leysin. The show is magical! Take a trip to the panoramic revolving Kuklos restaurant where you can see the Mont-Blanc in the distance. Then take a shuttle bus down to the gentler slopes of Les Mosses-La Lécherette, where a Nordic area is entirely devoted to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Altitude of 1263-2331 m 100 km of skiing slopes 49 km of classic cross-country skiing 49 km of skating cross-country skiing 62 km of snowshoe trails 51 km of winter trekking trails
They are looking to experience the feeling of diving beneath a solid mass, swimming beneath one-metre-thick ice that is sometimes covered in three metres of snow. The water’s temperature is three degrees Celsius so, despite being well equipped, the divers only remain in the water for 10 or 15 minutes. They say it’s Switzerland and even Europe’s most beautiful lake!
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They say it’s Switzlerand and even Europe’s most beautiful lake!
→p.23 Worldwide Festival, March 2016
Do you transport the divers up with their equipment? No that wouldn't be playing the game. We take care of the logistics i.e. transporting two tons of diving gear, accommodation and meals, but the people must hike up on snowshoes or cross-country skis. Our restaurant, where we serve our famous tacquets (meat cooked on a hot slate) is also open to the hikers who climb up to the Pic Chaussy on those same weekends. You also own the nearby café called la buvette de l'Arsat, you're everywhere! Well I live in such a beautiful region and I love what I do, although I must admit that my head doesn't often rest on a pillow during the winter months!
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Ski areas Leysin-Col des Mos Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets Le Rubli 2285m
Spitzhorn 2807m
Gummfluh 2458m
Wittenberghorn 2350m
Rocher du Midi 2096m Le Para 2540m
LA LECHERETTE 1400m
Pic Chaussy 2351m
Isenau 1762m
LES DIABL
Col des Mosses
LES MOSSES 1445m
Tour de Mayen Tour d’Aï 2326m 2331m Le Fer
Chamos 2113m
Mayen
Restaurant Kuklos 360° Berneuse 2048m
Le Sépey
Tobogganing Park
LEYSIN 1300m
Yvorne
Aigle 12
Lausanne Genève
Floriette 2120m
sses,
www.alpes-vaudoises.ch Sanetschhorn 2923m
GLACIER 3000 Oldenhorn 3123m
Restaurant Botta
Cabane 2525m
Oldenegg 1919m
Les Diablerets 3209m
Tête Ronde
Scex Rouge New 2971m Peak Walk
Culan 2789m Reusch 1350m
u m
Col du Pillon 1546m
LERETS 1200m
Meilleret 1949m
Les Mazots Col de la Croix
Croix des Chaux 2020m Vers l’Eglise
Taveyannaz
Chaux Ronde 1987m
Les Chaux 1750m
Lac des Chavonnes
ssaire m Bretaye 1810m
Alpe des Chaux Sodoleuvre
Roc d’Orsay 2000m
Col de Soud
VILLARS 1300m
La Barboleuse
GRYON 1114m
Ollon Bex 13
Saint-Maurice Martigny
Ski areas Ch창teau-d'Oex, Rougemont, Gstaad
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V I V R E M AGA Z IN E
Château-d’Oex Rougemont Rossinière
E XPERIENCE THE A LP S
W I N T E R 2015 / 16
Interview Edmond Plawczyk
On top of all the winter sports on offer, how about a little more excitement with a ride in a hot-air balloon organized by the “Centre de l’Aérostation Alpine” or by watching the International Hot-Air Balloon Festival in January? Take in the beauty of the ancestral chalets of Rougemont village and taste the L’Etivaz AOP certified cheese, made from alpine milk straight It seems you don’t do anything from the mountain like the others. pastures. Since I was a small boy, I have always liked going into the Altitude of 891-2293 m unknown and this has pushed me 220 km of skiing slopes (Gstaad included) 50 km of classic cross-country skiing towards new adventures. In my 50 km of skating cross-country skiing job in the food industry I always 33 km of snowshoe trails wanted to do things differently 27 km of winter trekking trails and in sport I push the boundaries and strive for excellence.
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Summer or winter, it’s wonderful here.
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Why did you come to Switzerland? For my family! We were smitten with Château-d’Oex and my wife and I immediately agreed that this was the perfect place to recharge our batteries and watch our daughters grow up. Summer or winter, it’s wonderful here.
→p.22 International Balloon Festival, Jan. 2016 15
On 3 April 2015, Edmond Plawczyk beat the downhill snowboarding world speed record over a one-kilometre distance, clocking 203.275 km/h – the speed of a sports car! Plawczyk who is part-French, part-Polish, explains how settling in Château-d’Oex allowed him to achieve this daring feat.
What made you want to take on the challenge, after a hiatus of 13 years? I found that La Braye contained the ideal conditions to revive my training after such a long interruption. It’s a laid-back ski resort that suits my lifestyle, just like a good peasant soup prepared with few ingredients. There is a good atmosphere and the team does a great job making sure there is always fresh snow. Are't you afraid snowboarding at such speed? Fear is a motor but it must be converted into concentration and even pleasure. I'm highly emotional so I've had to work really hard on fear. The best way to control it, I have found, is to be sure that everything else is under control. That's why I'll continue searching for speed and pushing myself even further!
V IVRE MAGA ZINE
The Jura, a novel way to love winter… 4 ways of sliding into winter The Jura mountain chain, gentler and rounder than the Alps, borders the canton of Vaud along the French-Swiss border. The mountain chain of the Jura, with peaks culminating at 1700 m, is pierced with flat corridors, allowing the four ways of sliding into winter to coexist in perfect harmony: alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice-skating. Journey times departing from Lausanne: Sainte-Croix / Les Rasses 1:05 0:45 Vallée de Joux 1:15 1:05 St-Cergue 1:10
0:45
FRANCE
Fribourg
Vaud Lausanne
FRANCE Geneva
Valais
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Saint-Cergue Aim for the summits At the heart of the natural Vaud Jura park, the Dôle at 1677 m overlooks St-Cergue village. Against the dramatic backdrop of Lake Geneva and the Alps, the Col de la Givrine pass offers trails for cross-country skiing, alpine skiing and snowshoeing. Enjoy family adventures L’Espace Dôle is the perfect place for adventure-seeking families. On offer are various activities ranging from dog sled racing, hiking, trekking or sliding on trails either by day or by night, to simply eating a delicious fondue in a mountain restaurant are on offer. Altitude 1044-1677 m 44 km of skiing slopes 70 km of classic cross-country skiing 45 km of skating cross-country skiing 35 km of snowshoe trails 15 km of winter trekking trails
E X P E R I E N C E T H E J U R A M O U N TA I NS
"L’Amandine”, a delicious speciality of Sainte-Croix
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Sainte-Croix / Les Rasses To the northeast of the Jura, close to Yverdon-les-Bains, Sainte-Croix village and its resort of Les Rasses have been a favoured by tourists for more than a century. Facing Lake Neuchâtel, the ski slopes are adapted to all skiing levels. Experience nature Departing from the Nordic centres situated at Les Rasses, l’Auberson and the Mont des Cerfs, crisscross the forests, sunny plateaux and pastures on classic or skating cross-country skis. Discover the marshlands and the naturals reserves of the Vraconnaz and the Araignys. Dare to try alpine skiing With guaranteed snow at the top, seven ski lifts make the skiing resort perfect for all skiing levels. Tease your curiosity Time to take a well-deserved break! Discover the
craftsmanship of the “dream makers” of the region, with their famous automatons and music boxes. Outstanding examples are on display at the CIMA Museum in Sainte-Croix, as well as the Baud Museum in L’Auberson.
rink in Switzerland. The most beautiful watches in the world are made every year in the small villages dotted along the lake and beyond. Glide as far as the eye can see 220 km of cross-country skiing trails make up the biggest domain in central Europe. Follow the trails at Thomassette, on the shores of the Lac de Joux, at Charbonnières and from the Marchairuz and Mollendruz passes.
Altitude 1100-1600 m 20 km of skiing slopes 100 km of classic cross-country skiing 100 km of skating cross-country skiing 40 km of snowshoe trails 8 km of winter trekking trails
Indulge in the famous Vacherin Mont-d’Or AOP Between September and April, Vacherin Mont-d’Or is a must to crown a good meal. This local specialty is an unctuous cheese encased in a delicate spruce corset that is served with a spoon when it becomes deliciously runny.
Vallée de Joux
Celebrate the essence of time Enter into the recently renovated Espace Horloger, dedicated to the worlds of Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Breguet, Jaeger-le-Coultre, the prestigious watchmaking
In the heart of the Jura, at an altitude of 1000 m, the Vallée de Joux lays serene and majestic, swept by glacial winds that come in from the north. At its centre, the Lac de Joux every winter becomes the biggest natural open-air ice17
www.otvaud.ch/h8
brands that are the pride of the Swiss luxury industry and that have remained loyal to the valley. Learn about the extraordinary creativity and craftsmanship that goes into watchmaking. Altitude 1004-1678 m 42 km of skiing slopes 220 km of classic cross-country skiing 220 km of skating cross-country skiing 34 km of snowshoe trails 20 km of winter trekking trails
163km of cross-country dream trails The crossing of the Swiss Jura (“TJS”) from Cure / St-Cergue in Vaud canton to Bugnenets in Neuchâtel canton is made the length of a well sign-posted trail cut by breath-taking views. Top athletes will dash down the trail in 3 days, others will tackle it at a more leisurely pace over 7 to 8 days. www.skidefond.ch
V I V R E M AGA Z I N E
E X P E R I E N C E T H E J U R A M O U N TA I NS
W I N T E R 2015 / 16
Listening to the Jura’s ecosystem For Jean-Daniel Meylan, the Lac de Joux is his life and livelihood. As a fisherman in the summer, he catches whitefish, perch and pike. As the lake's caretaker in winter, he gives skaters the go-ahead once the ice is eight centimetres thick. The Lac de Joux then becomes the largest natural ice rink in Switzerland and even in Europe.
The mysteries of water
man sprays fertilisers on crops or administers meat-and-bone meals to cattle”.
As a very young child from the village of Le Brassus, Meylan was already drawn to the mysteries of water due to its mirror effect. “It appealed to me,” he says. He went on to become a teacher but only stayed in the job for a year. “I didn’t want to be stuck inside,” he admits.
Meylan marvels at the Risoud Forest’s state of preservation, whose trees long the lake’s north shores. “The trees are so dense that they must go and find the light. Spruce found there grows slowly and its wood is sought after to make resonant instruments like guitars,” he explains.
An exceptional opportunity then presented itself when one of the professional fishermen working on the Lac de Joux left. He applied and against all odds was selected. Since 1978, the lake has therefore provided Jean-Daniel Meylan with a living across the seasons.
Learning to be on your guard
Meylan recalls a time when the lake was only open to people from the valley, all of whom were good skaters and knew which parts of the ice were safe. However with the development of tourism it has become necessary to take some precautions.
The Lac de Joux’s ecosystem
Jean-Daniel Meylan points out that if you observe the Lac de Joux, you will see no water flowing in or out of it. He explains that the lake receives its water from the Orbe river through natural funnels, departing via infiltration at the bottom of the body of water from where it rejoins the river Rhine.
“A frozen lake is alive,” warns the caretaker. In the areas of ice expansion, some ice plates can slide over each other, leading to cracks forming.
“Every time the surface temperature drops below four degrees, the lake is regenerated,” he explains. “We are dealing with an independent ecosystem that we cannot control, unlike an agricultural environment in which
Therefore if you venture onto the 9.2 km2 frozen lake, think of Jean-Daniel and remember that the posts he plants in the ice are there for your safety. “It’s important to understand that the ice is working,” says the man who is always in tune with the lake’s ecosystem, both in the summer and winter.
Far from the urban bustle With its pure mountain air, charming setting and refined cuisine, l’Hôtel des Horlogers is the ideal starting
point when exploring the Vallée de Joux. Make the most of these special offers to enjoy a romantic or active trip. www.hotel-horlogers.ch
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W I N T E R 2015 / 16
Take some time out for yourself Whether you wish to treat yourself to a heavenly break away from your busy life or simply care for your aching body after a day’s skiing, the canton of Vaud provides a unique environment for wellbeing. With sulphur-rich waters at Yverdon-les-Bains’ thermal centre and the Bains de Lavey’s thermal baths (the hottest in Switzerland), quality facilities fuse with harmony and wellbeing. In these havens of beauty, time stands still, providing you with a moment for yourself.
Music: a source of wellbeing. Diablerets’ Musique et Neige Festival Once winter is in full swing between January and March, enjoy the charm of the chamber music recitals, a Diablerets tradition of 45 years. Kickstart 2016 with the Big Band New Year's concert, then look out every Saturday for the seven more intimate concerts that take place at the magnificent Vers-l'Eglise church. Listening to Beethoven, Fauré, Bach and Chopin is sure to appease and energize.
New Wellness Space, Vallée de Joux Sports Centre
When the veil of a winter night falls or the weather conditions are poor, why not retreat to this new space that is both peaceful and lively. Work out on the brand new weight machines, relax in the Turkish bath, sauna or outdoor Jacuzzi, unwind as you enjoy an invigorating massage or receive a makeover at the hands of the beauticians. Warning: you may have trouble tearing yourself away! www.myvalleedejoux.ch
www.musique-et-neige.ch
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VIVRE MAGA ZINE
Mélanie Weber, passionate winegrower Mélanie Weber has a sun-like glow in her eyes and the vineyard in her blood. The young mother from Cully works as a winegrower in the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In between the comings and goings of her two lovely children and her preparation for a tasting session, the 38-year-old talks about the joy of her work.
Where does your love of wine come from? It fell into it! My family has worked in the vineyard for five generations and I took over my father’s business four years ago, having studied to be an oenologist.
Your wine cellar certainly stays full during the Cully Jazz Festival… The Cully Jazz Festival is great as you meet loads of people and the whole town takes part. The event has remained very jazz-oriented and I love welcoming musicians in my home.
Do women winegrowers approach this work differently? I think the point is more that each individual brings his or her personal touch to the wine production process. It’s like the seasoning of a dish – we all have different taste requirements. Some prefer dishes to be full of flavour, others do not.
So what next for you? I want to continue having fun, ask myself the right questions and learn constantly!
“
My family has worked in the vineyard for five generations and I took over my father’s business four years ago.
What magic touch does Mélanie Weber bring to the process? For me the most important thing is to allow my chasselas wines to contain the essence of the soil, the grape and the environment. I don’t offer a large selection but the Epesses, Calamin and Dezaley wines I produce are all different from each another. I love communicating with people about these differences to help them choose; I do this by enquiring whether they prefer a wine that is light and floral, mineral and a little more intense, or fruity.
”
In the canton of Vaud, a total of 98 restaurants are part of the Gault Millau guide making up 1368 points, as well as 11 restaurants with
20
Michelin stars. This makes it the first gastronomical region of Switzerland. region-du-leman.ch/ gastronomie
E X P E R I E N C E A D IS C O V E RY
o16 Recipes’stories – Malakoffs
www.otvaud.ch/h10
Recipe Pastry-encrusted saucisson vaudois (sausage) — For 12 slices
Finely chop onion and garlic, sweat in butter before adding pre-washed, sorted spinach. Stew for a few minutes. Season with salt, pepper and a little nutmeg, set aside and allow to cool.
Decorate with flowers made out of leftover pastry (optional). Glaze with egg yolk and place in a preheated oven set to 220°C for 40 minutes. Serve hot with a side salad.
Place a rectangle of pastry on a floured table. Garnish with the spinach, followed by the peeled sausage.
Ingredients: – 1 saucisson Vaudois (sausage) weighing approx. 400g – 1 onion – 1 clove of garlic – A knob of butter – 400g spinach leaves and stems – salt, pepper, nutmeg – 300g puff pastry – A little flour – 1 egg
Wrap the entire sausage and spinach with the pastry, sealing the ends with egg white.
Free The Country of Cheese
One Vineyard, Eight Appellations
Vineyard Walks
Gourmet foods, terroir and sensual delights
5-8
9-11
15-17
21-24
Welcome to the country of all delights ! Gastronomy, local products, wines, wellness and shopping 1-4
www.lake-geneva-region.ch
Find these itineraries on our new app Vaud:Guide Information overleaf
Discover our new brochure “Art de vivre” on iPad. Download the app for free: ipad.region-du-leman.ch
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V I V R E M AG A Z I N E
Agenda
01
— The winter scene and its merry-go-round of events! 01
Festival Lausanne Lumières (Lausanne Lights Festival) Lausanne 02
20 November to 31 December 2015 An open air art exhibition illuminates Lausanne during the Christmas period. Contemporary artists create works that punctuate the urban landscape with poetry, humour and fairy tales. www.festivallausannelumieres.ch 02 Christmas markets Five enchanting Christmas markets light up the canton like fairy lights, bringing wonderful smells, flavours and cheer to our weeks leading up to the big day. With guaranteed tastings of food and drink, ideas for presents and unique local arts and crafts, the markets offer a charming Vaud welcome for kids having fun and, therefore, content parents! Christmas market Lausanne
Covered Christmas market Morges 9 to 13 December 2015 www.phfprod.com Christmas market Villars
04 38th International Balloon Festival Château-d’Œx
19 December 2015 to 3 January 2016
23 to 31 January 2016
www.noel-lausanne.ch Montreux Noël
16 January 2016
25 November to 24 December 2015
The new FISHERMAN’S FRIEND StrongmanRun Winter Edition is sure to be thrilling. The summer event already exists, but this new version of the ironman competition will up your adrenaline levels as you tackle an assault course on snow interspersed with hurdles. www.strongmanrun.ch
www.montreuxnoel.ch Christmas fair Orbe 29 November 2015 www.orbe-tourisme.ch
18 to 21 February 2016
www.villars.ch 03 Fisherman’s Friend StrongmanRun Villars
20 November to 24 December 2015
05 Les Hivernales Music Festival Nyon
Every year on the last week of January, the sky above Château-d’Oex becomes the setting for an unforgettable show when dozens of hot air balloons take to the sky together in a joyful throng of colours and shapes. This event is a not-to-be-missed meeting place for aeronauts from all over the world. www.festivaldeballons.ch
Four days of musical marathon all around Nyon to rid you of the winter blues and warm you up in a good atmosphere to the sound of rock, and electro that is both chic and electric. The entire town tunes in to the sound of known. www.leshivernales.ch
To discover more events please consult our online agenda: events.lake-geneva-region.ch 22
E X P E R I E N C E W I N T E R E V E N TS
10 Brandons and Carnival Let’s get rid of the winter! Let’s be euphoric at the canton of Vaud’s Brandons and Carnivals, where the processions take over the streets under a shower of confetti and music. Each float is as humorous as the next and the performers dance wearing their Venetian masks.
06
Brandons Payerne 12 to 15 February 2016 06 Diablerets 3D Les Diablerets
08 International dog sled racing Les Mosses
4 to 6 March 2016
12 to 13 March 2016
This event comprises three disciplines, three challenges and three courses. All the specialities of snow sports take place in the sumptuous mountains of the Massif des Diablerets including ski mountaineering, the vertical race and long distance relay race. www.villars.ch
Come and experience this highly popular winter event. As if teletransporting us to the Arctic, the race involves 70 teams of huskies with their mushers, who come from all over Europe to compete in two legs, one measuring 16km, the other 8km. The race and other entertainment captivate the crowd throughout the weekend. www.lesmosses.ch
07 Cross-country skiing race, La Mara Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses
09 Worldwide Festival Leysin
5 to 6 March 2016
14 to 20 March 2016
The Marathon des Rasses is one of Switzerland’s most popular cross-country skiing races, each year attracting hundreds of racers in all categories. The event starts on 5 March with 12 or 25 km events requiring participants to use the skating technique. The main race is then on 6 March 2015 and comprises 12, 22 or 42 km. www.ski-mara.ch
The Worldwide Festival is once again taking place in the mountains. The event offers a booming cocktail of music on the pistes and ‘apres-ski’ parties under the aegis of famous radio DJ Gilles Peterson. www.worldwidefestival.com
www.brandonspayerne.ch Carnival Sainte-Croix
Brandons Moudon 3 to 6 March 2016 www.brandons.ch Brandons Yverdon-les-Bains 11 to 13 March 2016 www.brandonsyverdon.ch Carnival Avenches 18 to 20 March 2016 www.carnaval-avenchois.ch
19 to 21 February 2016 www.carnaval.ch
08
09
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V I V R E M AGA Z I N E
I N T E R AC T I V E M A P
W I N T E R 2015 / 16
Brochure printed on 100% recycled paper. Credits: Sébastien Staub, Guillaume Mégevand, Montreux Noël, Stephan Engler, The Door – Lausanne, Vallée de Joux Tourisme, José Crespo, TLML, Basseruche Espace Loisirs, Télébob de Mauborget, CIO, Samuel Bitton, Lausanne Hockey Club, Glacier 3000, OTV, Laurent Ryser, Edmond Plawczyk, Fabrice Wagner, Grégoire Chappuis, Mathieu Wenger, Jean Lugrin, Centre Sportif de la Vallée de Joux, Vincent Bailly, Association Charcuterie Vaudoise IGP, mano, Diablerets 3D
Graphic design: www.bread-and-butter.ch Texts: Michèle Laird Translation: Jeremy Allen Edition 2015 Printed in Switzerland by Genoud SA
How to use the map with an iPhone/iPad Dowload : http://map.lake-geneva-region.ch
→ 01
40cm MAP
02
→ 03
Search the application on the App Store : Vaud Map AR
Scan the QR code to download the application
The map enclosed is missing ? Order it online www.lake-geneva-region.ch/en/brochures By telephone : +41 (0)21 613 26 26
24
V I V R E M AGA Z I N E
US E F U L A D D R E S S E S
W I N T E R 2015 / 16
Experience a getaway
Experience the Alps
Local Tourism Offices
Foxtrail T. +41 (0)41 329 80 00 www.foxtrail.ch
Restaurant du Lac Lioson P.F. Mermod 1862 Les Mosses T. +41 (0)24 491 11 44 www.lioson.ch
Office du Tourisme d’Aigle T. +41 ( 0 )24 466 30 00 www.aigle-tourisme.ch
Moudon Région Tourisme T. +41 ( 0 )21 905 88 66 www.moudon.ch
Avenches Tourisme T. +41 ( 0 )26 676 99 22 www.avenches.ch
Nyon Région Tourisme T. +41 ( 0 )22 365 66 00 www.nyon-tourisme.ch
Bex Tourisme T. +41 ( 0 )24 463 30 80 www.bex-tourisme.ch
Office du Tourisme d’Orbe et environs T. +41 ( 0 )24 442 92 37 www.orbe-tourisme.ch
Brasserie de Montbenon Allée Ernest Ansermet 3 1003 Lausanne T. +41 (0)21 320 40 30 www.brasseriedemontbenon.ch Holy Cow – Bourg Cheneau-De-Bourg 17 CH-1003 Lausanne Holy Cow - Bel Air Rue des Terreaux 10 CH-1003 Lausanne www.holycow.ch The Great Escape Rue de la Madeleine 18 CH-1003 Lausanne T. +41 (0)21 312 31 94 www.the-great.ch Le Musée Olympique et TOM Café Quai d’Ouchy 1 CH-1006 Lausanne T. +41 (0)21 621 65 11 www.olympic.org
Experience the Jura mountains Musée CIMA Rue de l’industrie 2 CH-1450 Sainte-Croix T. +41 (0)24 454 44 77 www.musees.ch
Pays-d’Enhaut Tourisme, Point i Château-d’Œx T. +41 ( 0 )26 924 25 25 www.chateau-doex.ch
Musée Baud Grand-Rue 23 CH-1454 L’Auberson T. +41 (0)24 454 24 48 www.museebaud.ch Espace Horloger Grand-Rue 2 CH-1347 Le Sentier T. +41 (0)21 845 75 45 www.espacehorloger.ch Experience a sense of wellbeing Centre Thermal d'Yverdon-les-Bains Av. des Bains 22 CH-1400 Yverdon-les-Bains T. +41 (0)24 423 02 32 www.cty.ch
Montreux-Vevey Tourisme, Point i Chexbres T. +41 ( 0 )848 86 84 84 www.montreuxriviera.com
Office du Tourisme de Rolle T. +41 ( 0 )21 825 15 35 www.tourisme-rolle.ch
Montreux-Vevey Tourisme, Point i Cully T. +41 ( 0 )848 86 84 84 www.montreuxriviera.com
Office du Tourisme de Romainmôtier T. +41 ( 0 )24 453 38 28 www.romainmotier-tourisme.ch
Diablerets Tourisme T. +41 ( 0 )24 492 00 10 www.diablerets.ch
Pays-d’Enhaut Tourisme, Point i Rougemont T. +41 ( 0 )26 925 11 66 www.chateau-doex.ch
Echallens Région Tourisme T. +41 ( 0 )21 881 50 62 www.echallens-tourisme.ch
Centre Sportif de la Vallée de Joux CH-1347 Le Sentier T. +41 (0)21 845 17 76 www.centresportif.ch
Office du Tourisme de Grandson T. +41 ( 0 )24 445 60 60 www.grandson-tourisme.ch
Les Bains de Lavey SA Route des Bains 48 CH-1892 Lavey-les-Bains T. +41 (0)24 486 15 55 www.lavey-les-bains.ch Experience a discovery Mélanie Weber Winegrower Place du Temple 2, CH-1096 Cully T. +41 (0)79 379 88 34 www.mw-vins.ch
Four rules for more nature
Stay on marked trails and paths in the forest
Avoid forest edges and snow-free surfaces
Keep your dog on a lead, particularly in the forest Before your next outing, find out more at
www.respecter-cest-proteger.ch
Office du Tourisme de St-Cergue T. +41 ( 0 )22 360 13 14 www.st-cergue-tourisme.ch
Gryon Tourisme T. +41 ( 0 )24 498 00 00 www.villarsgryon.ch
Office du Tourisme de Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses T. +41 ( 0 )24 455 41 42 www.sainte-croix-les-rassestourisme.ch
Lausanne Tourisme T. +41 ( 0 )21 613 73 73 www.lausanne-tourisme.ch
Vallée de Joux Tourisme T. +41 ( 0 )21 845 17 77 www.myvalleedejoux.ch
Maison du Tourisme de La Sarraz T. +41 ( 0 )21 801 32 33 www.morges-tourisme.ch
Office du Tourisme de Vallorbe T. +41 ( 0 )21 843 25 83 www.vallorbe-tourisme.ch
Leysin Tourisme T. +41 ( 0 )24 493 33 00 www.leysin.ch
Montreux-Vevey Tourisme, Point i Vevey T. +41 ( 0 )848 86 84 84 www.montreuxriviera.com
Montreux-Vevey Tourisme, Point i Lutry T. +41 ( 0 )21 791 47 65 www.montreuxriviera.com
Respect designated wildlife areas and protected sites
Estavayer-le-Lac/ Payerne Tourisme T. +41 ( 0 )26 660 61 61 www.estavayer-payerne.ch
Villars Tourisme T. +41 ( 0 )24 495 32 32 www.villars.ch
Montreux-Vevey Tourisme, Point i Montreux T. +41 ( 0 )848 86 84 84 www.montreuxriviera.com
Montreux-Vevey Tourisme, Point i Villeneuve T. +41 ( 0 )848 86 84 84 www.montreuxriviera.com
Morges Région Tourisme T. +41 ( 0 )21 801 32 33 www.morges-tourisme.ch
Vully-les-Lacs Tourisme T. +41 ( 0 )26 677 95 15 www.vullyleslacs-tourisme.ch
Office du Tourisme Les Mosses-La Lécherette T. +41 ( 0 )24 491 14 66 www.lesmosses.ch
Office du Tourisme et du Thermalisme d’Yverdon-les-Bains T. +41 ( 0 )24 423 61 01 www.yverdonlesbainsregion.ch Office du Tourisme d’Yvonand-Menthue T. +41 ( 0 )24 430 22 02 www.yvonand-tourisme.ch
„To respect is to protect“ is a fauna protection campaign backed by many actors in the fields of sports, trade, tourism, and nature and game protection.It is sponsored by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC).
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DEUTSCHLAND
• Basel
• Zürich
FRANCE
ÖSTERREICH
Neuchâtel
• Bern
Lake Morat
Vully-les-Lacs
Avenches
Lake Neuchâtel
• Genève
Estavayer-le-Lac
Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses ITALIA
Grandson
Payerne
Yvonand Yverdon-les-Bains
Orbe
Vallorbe
Romainmôtier La Sarraz
Moudon
Lake Joux
Le Sentier Vallée de Joux
Echallens
VAUD
ra
Oron
Ju
Morges
Lausanne
Lavaux UNESCO Vevey
Rolle
L a k e G en eva
St-Cergue
Gruyères
Château-d'Œx Rossinière Montreux
Rougemont
Col des Mosses
Nyon
Thonon Yvoire
Evian
Alps Leysin Aigle
Les Diablerets Villars
Office du Tourisme du Canton de Vaud Avenue d’Ouchy 60 P.O. Box 1125 1001 Lausanne Switzerland Tel. +41( 0 )21 613 26 26 info@lake-geneva-region.ch www.lake-geneva-region.ch
Gryon Bex Geneva
Gstaad
Lavey-les-Bains