Nyon Tourist Attractions
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The little old-world town of Nyon is beautifully situated on the northwest shore of Lake Geneva, at the end of a mountain road over the Col de la Givrine to La Cure.There was a settlement of the Helvetii here (Noviodunum) and Julius Caesar established the Roman station of Civitas Iulia Equestris. The town enjoyed a period of prosperity under Bernese rule in the 16th C. when many fine burghers' houses were built. From 1781 to 1813 there was a porcelain factory in Nyon. It was the birthplace of the writer Edouard Rod (1857-1910) and the pianist Alfred Cortot.
Castle (Museum)
Nyon, with its old houses and its church (12th C.; Roman walling in substructure), is picturesquely situated on the slopes of a hill which is crowned by the five-towered castle (12th and 16th C.). The castle now houses the Historical Museum and the Musée du Léman, and contains an interesting collection of antiquities (including Roman material) and an exhibition of Nyon porcelain (1781-1813). From the castle terrace there is a magnificent view of the lake with the Alps and Mont- Blanc.
Roman Columns
Léman Museum
Lake Geneva's naval and fishing heritage is featured in the museum including displays concerning shipwrecks and submarines. Lake Geneva's animal and plant life is featured in displays of preserved animals and a small aquarium. There is also fine art on display.
Castle of Prangins
Learn about Swiss history during the 18th and 19th centuries. Prangins chateau features a magical castle and a romantic park with a vegetable garden and green house.
Surroundings
8km/5mi southwest of Nyon are two châteaux: Château Coppet and Château Crans-près- Céligny, an elegant 18th C. residence.9km/6mi northwest is the former Cistercian abbey of Bonmont.
Agricultural Machine Museum, Gingins
The evolution of the mechanization of agriculture is shown through a display of vehicles, machines and tools plus actual harvests and seasonal activities.
May Day Celebrations, Begnins
This annual festival in Begnins is aimed at children, and takes place on the second weekend in May. Children collect gifts on the Saturday morning by singing from door-to-door. Later the children make a crown of flowers for the May King and Queen who are crowned on Sunday morning. The rest of the Sunday includes a parade through the village of Begnins, which is followed by a village party of singing, dancing, food and drink.
