Part 7 - A GRAND SWISS ADVENTURE: FROM GRUYÈRE TO LAUSANNE, and HOME.
Day Fourteen : Gruyère - Much More Than Just Cheese
Leaving the La Fouly mountain campsite, our journey to Lausanne took us via the picturesque medieval town of Gruyère, located in the Fribourg canton of Switzerland. Known worldwide for its cheese of the same name, Gruyère offers a rich historical and cultural experience.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed by cobbled streets lined with ancient buildings, many of which have been converted into boutique shops, restaurants, and small hotels. The town is dominated by the impressive 13th-century Gruyères Castle, perched on top of a hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding rolling green hills and valleys.
Taken from the PDF version
Our visit to Gruyère was incomplete without a stop at the HR Giger Bar. Located near the castle entrance, the bar pays homage to Swiss artist H.R. Giger, famed for his work on the Alien movie. Stepping inside, we were immediately immersed in a dark, surreal atmosphere, with intricate, biomechanical sculptures lining the walls and ceiling. It was a one-of-a-kind experience to have an Alien-themed coffee and meringue in such an otherworldly environment.
While exploring Gruyère, we decided to indulge in a traditional Swiss cheese fondue at Auberge de la Halle. The fondue, made with authentic Swiss Gruyère cheese and local herbs, was served with crusty bread, potatoes, pickled onions, and gherkins. The flavours were rich and creamy, and the restaurant's atmosphere was warm and inviting.
Maison Cailler in Broc - A Chocoholic's Dream
We then headed to the nearby village of Broc, home to Maison Cailler, the oldest chocolate brand in Switzerland. As we approached the factory, we were immediately enveloped by the sweet aroma of cocoa. We decided to skip the guided tour and head straight to the well-stocked gift shop. It was impossible to resist the temptation to stock up on Swiss chocolate, and we left with an abundance of sweet treats.
Camping de Vidy - A Base to Explore Lausanne
Our final campsite was Camping de Vidy on the outskirts of Lausanne. Situated near Lake Geneva, the campsite provided an excellent base to explore the city. The site offered clean but ageing facilities, a supermarket (closed in low season), and a clubhouse/restaurant right on the shore of the lake. The free local travel passes included in our stay were a great bonus, allowing us to easily reach the city a few miles away.
Day Fifteen : A Walk Along the Shore of Lake Geneva.
One of the highlights of our stay in Lausanne was a 14km walk along the shore of Lake Geneva, from St-Sulpice to Lutry. Along the shore, the path offered uninterrupted views of sports (including the Olympic Museum), nature, history, and leisure spots. After the long walk, we caught a bus back to the campsite, where we cooled off with a refreshing swim in the lake before enjoying the early evening food and drinks by the lake at La Guinguette De Vidy.
Taken from the PDF version.
Day Sixteen : Exploring the Old Town of Lausanne
On our final day in Switzerland, we used our free travel pass to venture into the centre of Lausanne. We followed the Old Town walking route, taking in the stunning architecture and charming boutiques. The highlight was undoubtedly the Lausanne Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Switzerland, which offered breathtaking views of the city from its bell tower.
Taken from the PDF Version.
Day Seventeen : A Memorable Return Journey
Our return journey to the UK was a long but rewarding one. We decided to drive through France in one day, mainly to stay in our final campsite an additional day, and to avoid having to find an Aire for the night! We took turns at the wheel, with the driver having control of the music, we enjoying the changing scenery. Despite some delays when we returned to the UK (The M25 of course!), we arrived home exhilarated and full of memories from our Swiss adventure.
The End of a Remarkable Journey
Our Swiss adventure was truly unforgettable, and we hope that our travel diary might inspire you to embark on your own journey to this remarkable country. Whether you are a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or someone who wants to relax and enjoy the beauty of the countryside, Switzerland has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags, prepare your campervan, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!