Trip from Geneva to Nyon, Switzerland

Nyon, a municipality in the Canton of Vaud approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Geneva, is a burgeoning suburb and popular day trip destinations for Geneva tourists due to its Roman history and ability to maintain its atmosphere of Old World village.

Roman Museum
Originally settled around 45 BC, the town that later became Nyon was one of the most important Roman colonies in modern-day Switzerland and the ruins of its forum, basilica and amphitheater can still be seen. The Roma Museum at rue Maupertuis in the foundations of the 1st century A.D. basilica displays and explains a large number of archaeological objects used in the everyday life of the original Roman settlers.

Nyon Castle
The Nyon château, dating from the late 16th century, was restored and remodeled into a historic museum between 1999 and 2006. Today, visitors can tour the original prisons and towers, as well as see wall paintings and ancient wallpapers from the 16th and 17th centuries. The castle is also home to a large selection of unique permanent and temporary exhibitions, including pottery and porcelain from the 18th and early 19th century from local artisans.

Musée du Léman Lake Museum
The Musée du Léman or Lake Museum at 8 Quai Louis Bonard is the only museum to present the ecological and cultural history of Lake Léman. Visitors are introduced to the evolution of the local flora and fauna, as well as the lake’s importance to local human populations throughout the years.

Prangins Castle
In Prangins, just a few minutes from Nyon, you will find a large, picturesque château complex dating from the 18th century. The complex includes the castle which houses a museum depicting life in Switzerland in the 18th and 19th century, as well as the meticulously kept English-style park and kitchen garden. The castle also plays host to numerous temporary exhibits throughout the year.

Getting to Nyon
Another reason for Nyon's popularity with Geneva tourists is its accessibility. There is train service to Nyon approximately every 20 minutes from Geneva and the trip (9CHF one way) lasts a brief 12 minutes. Plan route >
By car, count about 25 minutes, using the motorway from the city center or slightly longer if using the “lake road”, route 1.

Accommodation
Nyon has a modest selection of accommodation possibilities, ranging from the typical country inn to modern luxury hotels. If you are looking for comfort and convenience, the four-star Hotel Real along the marina and within walking distance of the town’s major attractions is a good bet. The price of a double room ranges between CHF 280 and CHF 360 per night.

For the more budget oriented, the 2-star Hostellerie du XVIème Siecle (16th Century Hostel) is a family run establishment recently renovated and centrally located. It offers modest rooms with shared showers and WC starting at CHF 85 or rooms with private facilities starting at CHF 130.