Another busy weekend ahead in the Nyon area, from the cows coming down from the hills in St-Cergue, to the wine and autumn fairs in Nyon, to a flute festival at the Conservatoire, to a play in English in Commugny about Shakespeare's Women.
Take your pick!
Désalpe
This Saturday, it's the "Désalpe" in the village of St-Cergue above Nyon. If you are new to Switzerland, the Désalpe ceremony is definitely worth a visit! This ceremony involves cows being brought down from their high summer pastures to the lower ground for the winter. The cows are decorated with flowery headdresses by the farmers and paraded through the village to the delight of the visitors.
There are usually lots of other side events going on in the village: Swiss flag throwing, Alpenhorn music, food stalls etc. This year there will also be an art exhibition in the St-Cergue tourist office by local artist Rita Mancesti. Rita has created 18 paintings which were inspired by the Désalpe in 2014 (see painting above). You can meet the artist and chat to her about her work on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October between 09:00 and 16:00.
Note - The first herd of cows arrives in the village at 08:30 and the very last by 12:30. It's best to get up early to see the parade in full! Parking can sometimes be tricky as it's a popular event, it's sometimes easier to take the little red train from Nyon. Check times hereAutumn Fair
It's the Autumn fair in Nyon on Saturday all day long in the centre of town, stalls, food, autumn produce, music and more.
Flute Festival
There will be an all day flute festival at the Conservatoire of Nyon. Click here for more details.
Commugny - Play - Shakespeare's Women Saturday 3rd October 19:00 Salle Communale de Commugny ‘Shakespeare’s Women’ – a one-act play performed by the professional Theatre of Eternal Values, followed by a South Indian meal. A portrayal of some of the women in the Bard’s plays: How were they treated? How did they allow themselves to be treated? A thought provoking evening – has anything changed? Tickets and details here
Wine Fair Last but not least, it's the Fête de la Vigne in Nyon on Friday 2nd (from 17:00) and on Saturday the 3rd from 10:00. Wine tasting at 11:00 grape picking at 15:00 amongst many other activities. Full programme here