Nyon Honors Women’s Legacy with New Public Space Names

Nyon has taken a significant step to recognise the women who have helped shaped its history by renaming three public spaces after inspiring, influential female figures and collectives. Announced on May 7, 2025, this initiative brings long-overdue visibility to the contributions of women in the town’s history and development.

Michel Perret/Ville de Nyon

A Walk Through History

Parc Alice Sauvin (formerly Parc de la Morâche)

Named after Dr. Alice Sauvin-Thury (1890–1993), one of Switzerland’s first female doctors. She practiced in Nyon for decades, championed public health, supported working women, and campaigned for women’s right to vote. She worked well into her 80s and received the Henri-Dunant medal for her dedication.

Sentier Ermance Natthey (formerly Sentier de la Combe)

A nod to painter and educator Ermance Natthey (1843–1916), who opened Nyon’s first drawing class for girls in 1869. She played a key role in advancing women’s access to artistic education.

Place des Lavandières

Located beneath the Esplanade des Marronniers, this square honours generations of laundresses who worked in public washhouses, often under tough conditions, and always with little recognition.

From left to right: Suzanne Dutry (descendant of Dr. Alice Sauvin), Stéphanie Schmutz (Municipal Councillor responsible for Social Cohesion), Marinette Cornelius (also a descendant of Dr. Alice Sauvin), and Catherine Schmutz Nicod (co-curator of the Château de Nyon).  @Michel Perret / City of Nyon / May 8, 2025

More Than Just Names

This initiative follows the 2021 proposal “Femmes à côté de la plaque", which called for more inclusive place-naming in Nyon. In response, the municipality launched the Femmes de Nyon historical study and a community engagement project called Pluri-Elles.

The Femmes de Nyon, de A à Z exhibition at the Château de Nyon wrapped up on 18 May 2025. Through 26 verbs, it brought to life the stories of women who shaped the town, past and present. Created with the Dictionnaire des femmes en Suisse, it was a thoughtful tribute to the many Nyonnaises who’ve often gone unnamed in history.

Coming Up

Senior Women in the Spotlight

A photo project for women over 60, run by Association Tokyo Moon. Portraits by Ghislaine Heger will be shown in public spaces this autumn. Register here

Film Night

C’è ancora domani (Il reste encore demain/there's still tomorrow) screens 14 July at 20:30, Cantine de Rive. An Italian film celebrating women's resilience, with French subtitles (no English ones).

Lavandières Weekend

On 29–30 August 2025, Place des Lavandières will host cultural and artistic events recreating the world of the historic washerwomen.

Through these acts of recognition, Nyon is writing a richer, more inclusive history; one that honours all those who helped build it.