The tents are in place, the bands are beginning to arrive and everything is set for three days of rocking as Longirock begins today. This one off rock festival is taking place up in the beautiful area of  Longirod and has attracted some big names of rock from The Scorpions to the Young Gods, Skunk Anansie to Juliette Lewis. There are Swiss bands playing too, so if you want to hear Swiss rock, Longirock is also the place to be. On Saturday, Gogol Bordello are due to play (this band proved extremely popular when they played at previous rock festivals in the area). See this U tube video of them here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMtYzF9b6hA Some nights are for fans of heavy rock, punk and heavy metal, some nights for a slightly "softer" sound, but rock is the focus of all three nights. There are covered tents for the bands and audience so the weather shouldn't stop the music, but it is obviously advisable to dress warmly and wear sensible shoes. Along with the music there will be stands for food, bars, merchandising etc. There has also been an art contest for this festival with big prize money for the winners. Their work will be shown in an open air exhibition on site. The Longirock website is in English to find out more about the festival. Tickets are still  available online or at the festival site. This is a one off festival when for three days, the village of Longirod and area  of just 400 people will host up to 40,000 so don't miss out! How to get up to Longirod. Free transport has been arranged from Gland and Bassins (see below) By car: From Lausanne: Take the A1 motorway direction Geneva. Take exit Aubonne, direction Aubonne and Gimel. From Gimel follow signs to festival. From Geneva: Take the A1 motorway direction Lausanne. Take exit Gland, direction Begnins / Marchairruz. Pass through Vich, Begnins, Burtigny and Marchissy. From Marchissy follow signs to festival. Car sharing: you can organise car sharing on e-covoiturage.ch . More information in "Car sharing" section. Public transport : A free transfer system will be put in place between the train station of Gland and the festival. The same service will be available from the train station of Bassins along the Nyon St-Cergue train line. More details and the time table can be downloaded as a PDF file from the Longirock site .

Two films showing at Visions du Réel this weekend - A slice of life in France and the U.S. A. . Photo above  - A scene from Bugarach.  Below - Scenes from Big Moccasin.  All photos  - courtesy Visions du Réel. Big Moccasin, directed by Chelsea Moynehan, is a portrait of various individuals who live on Big Moccasin Road in the Appalachian Mountains in S.W Virginia in the U.S A. Bugarach,  directed by Sergi Cameron, Ventura Durall and Salvador Sunyer, is a similar portrait of individuals living a world away in a small village in South West France. In the U.S film, men in army camouflage clothes drink beer, travel with guns in their pick-ups, hunt, smoke and chat about nothing very much all to the background of a fiddle and country music. Locals attend a white clapboard church while the slow pace of country life passes by. In Bugarach, locals buy baguettes, the women of the village sweep their doorsteps, local kids muck around with bows and arrows during the long, hot French summer holidays and a jaded hack at the local newspaper smokes and looks bored. At first glance this small town living in both countries seems to live up to its clichés. Life looks almost peaceful and bucolic yet all is not what it seems. Firstly, life in Bugarach is about to change. A rumour has emerged that the village is one of the few places that will be spared from the from the end of the world as predicted by the Mayas. Consequently the village become the focal point for all journalists from around the world, for eccentric's, for mystic worshippers and for strange individuals. The local mayor gets involved, a village meeting is held to discuss the influx of unwanted visitors and the villages begin to bicker and resent the  attention of the  media presence. No such momentous event is foreseen over in Big Moccasin, nevertheless a series  of incidents lead to petty squabbles and upsets and sad scenes when a member of the community passes away. We see glances of the hardship of the life in the area, the struggle to make ends meet. From the tobacco farmers and views of the lovely scenery in Virginia, to views of the French countryside, these two films, set oceans apart are a superb, intimate portrayal of life for the residents in these two very different corners of the globe. Big Moccasin will be shown on Saturday 26th April at 21:00 at the Salle la Colombiere and on Sunday 27th at 13:00 at the Théatre de Marens. The film is in English (with subtitles too in English!) Bugarach will be shown on Saturday 26 at 2130 and on the 27th at 10:00 Both screenings are at the Salle Communale. You can now buy tickets online in advance for all films from the Visions du Reel site.

With 74 teachers, 1,200 pupils and over 1,800 weekly courses to choose from, the Conservatoire de l’Ouest Vaudois has established a reputation as a centre of excellence for music tuition. Established 20 years ago the Conservatoire now runs classes in Nyon, Morges and in thirteen different points across the area from Arzier to Bussigny. Pupils of all ages, adults and children can learn guitar, piano, violin, saxophone, clarinette, the harp and many other musical instruments in jazz, classical, and early music. There are also courses in the Willems and Dalcroze methods, courses in singing and in theatre too. Most of the teachers speak English as do the admissions and reception staff, so if you are thinking of trying out a course, or learning to play an instrument for yourself or your children, then give them a call on 022 994 23 60 for Nyon, enrolment for the Autumn term has now started. Regular Concerts The Conservatoire also holds ten concerts (5 jazz and 5 classical) a year in which teachers and other professional musicians are invited to play, either at the Sunday afternoon classical concerts (see previous post on the concert of 7 June ) or the Friday evening jazz concerts. The next concert is on the 13th September with 4 saxophonists called the Marquis de Saxe . Living in Nyon is delighted to announce it will be linking up with the Conservatoire to let you know more about the concerts coming up throughout the year. Occasionally there will be the chance to win free tickets to some of these concerts so keep checking in here for more details! Photos: Conservatoire de l'Ouest Vaudois

Even though it was Monday night, the start of the working week for many, it didn't stop thousands of Robbie Williams fans heading off to Paléo to see him play as the headline act on the first night of the festival. It will be interesting to discover what the attendance figures reveal as the grounds were completely packed. The showman himself didn't disappoint, a consummate performer, he gave the crowd exactly what they wanted with a terrific set, kicking off the evening with Let me Entertain You, he then went on to entertain in style, performing hits from previous albums throughout the evening. The crowd knew pretty much all of the lyrics to his hits and they sang along enthusiastically, in including a Happy 40th Birthday sing song to the festival itself. At one stage the Brit superstar brought on his father to join him in a duo of Better Man.  There were a few costume changes throughout the evening, but no long gaps between numbers and he kept the pace going working the stage from all sides and down the central walkway - a new addition to Paléo this year. There were some mumbles from a section of the crowd that he talked too much and included too many cover songs with all the collective singing of music by Joan Jet, Oasis and other bands, but on the whole, he won the audience over and his rendition of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody  raised the roof. Unlike in the the lyric  When There's no Love in Town  from his song Supreme , there was lots of love for Robbie on the very warm summer's night. Robbie responded in kind with his Brit sense of humour (see third photo below) Photo above - a "gift" to the crowd from Robbie Earlier on in the evening, Caravan Palace performed on the main stage, this is the third time they have been invited to Paléo and although yet again there was an appreciative crowd, the concert itself seemed lack the magic of previous concerts for the Living in Nyon editor. Tip of the night - The Saigon beer at the Bar du Voyageur in the Village du Monde area of the festival is worth a try! Coming up soon, a personal review of the first night by writer Jonas Parson. All photos above and below - C. Nelson-Pollard.

A quick reminder that there will be an opportunity for male trailing spouses to meet up next Tuesday at the Brasseurs pub in Nyon from 19:00. The editor of Living in Nyon will be there (see photo to recognise her on Mamicafé link on sidebar) for the first half hour, and then she will leave the men to themselves! Michael, the author  of the post on this site "Trudging to Migros and Entertaining the kids in Rain and Snow" will also be there, ( photo on his post). Please email cnp@bluewin.ch if you would like  to come along. Other events - The latest show of Elastique Citrique - Nyon's renowned circus/ acrobatic school is called "Bleu Enfin!" and will be running for the next three weekends from the 4th to 20th Feb. Fridays 20:30 Saturdays 19:00 and Sunday 17:00.  Juggling, monocycles, acrobatics in the air, it's all in this show, the school always puts on a superb performance and the shows are very popular.   Tickets can be bought at the door (the school is situated  to the Lausanne side of the main Place Perdstemps carpark in Nyon) See Elastique Citrique for more details. Also this Sunday 6th Feb at 17:00 there be a classical concert at the Conservatoire of Nyon by the lake.  Stéphanie Reymonde - pianiste Coralie Ehinger - Theremeniste Tickets for sale at the door. See site . Next  week sees the start of Les Hivernales Nyon's  winter rock music festival see previous post about this festival.

The Montreux Jazz festival opened at the weekend with its big line up of bands and stars. However if you haven't got tickets or don't want to trek down to the other end of the lake for music, don't forget there are free music concerts in Nyon every weekend in July and the first week of August. These concerts alternate in different outside venues across the town. This Friday 10 July there is the Boogy Woogie Piano Jacquis Covo Trio by the Fontaine Maitre Jaques, on Saturday there's Afro Cuban music with Siga Volando by the Fontaine du Molard, and on Sunday next to the Cafe Latino, the Ochumare Quartet will be performing Latin Jazz music. This weekend there will also be the opportunity for selected young musicians (aged 16 and 17) to perform in public when the main band takes a break. All concerts start at 20:00. Check out other concerts over the summer on the Rive Jazzy website or pick up the brochure which has full details in from the Nyon tourist office.

Although the sky was grey for the first night of Paléo, there was still plenty of colour around the festival grounds. Particularly impressive this year, is the installation of "the Andes mountains" which are made out of rope and can be found in the Village du Monde area. These installations also double up as seating areas, and when they are lit up at night, they look spectacular. If you want a good view of Paléo from above, it's worth taking the ferris wheel (CHF 6 per adult and CHF 4 per child), to see the whole grounds and the stages from on high. With the lake in the background, it's an impressive sight. See photo essay below. Coming up shortly, a review of last night's concerts by Jonas Parson. Music lovers of all ages at Paléo

The winter season is well under way with temperatures dropping to single figures in Nyon last night. With this wintry weather comes seasonal traditions, the opening of the covered ice rink in Nyon and the big annual pantomime produced by  GAOS (Geneva Amateur Operatic Society). This year the pantomime is "Jack and the Bean Stalk". The covered ice rink in Nyon is situated down by the lake side and is run by the Hockey Club of Nyon and entry is free.  Skates are available to hire at 3 chf for children and 5 chf for adults. The ice rink is also available to hire for private parties (between 15 and 35 people). New this year is the introduction of curling stones also available for use at the rink including at private events.  There is a buvette at the ice rink where amongst other hot food, you can also have a fondue!  Opening hours of the rink vary according to different periods throughout the winter and if the rink has been reserved for a private party. There is a website for the ice rink here with more details. For current opening hours look under "hors vacances scolaires" (outside school holidays) and then under the  turquoise section section "patinage public"     At the opening of the rink tonight  some of the players from the famous Geneva Servette Hockey club will be present between 18:00 and 19:00 to introduce the game to novices. It's panto time (oh yes it is!)   The winter GAOS pantomime (performed in English) is an annual fixture in the calendar for both adults and families alike. It heralds the start of many Christmas activities for the English speaking community in the Geneva and la Côte  region. It's a traditional panto this year  - "Jack and the Bean Stalk".   Book early as weekend performances often sell out fast! Dates and times of performances below. Full details of the pantomine, access to the theatre and booking all on the GAOS website here 25 November at 20:00, 26 and 27 November at 14:00 and 18:30, 1st and 2nd December at 20:00, 3rd December at 14:00 and 18:30 4th December at 14:00

Photos above and below of band  "Vintage Trouble" who played on the Scéne du Lac stage on the last night of Caribana for 2012.  Brilliant R&B, Soul, Rock and Roll. Lead vocalist Ty Taylor, charismatic, great voice and energetic, a great choice by the programmers to round off the festival.   Approx four weeks to go now until Paléo!  but before that don't forget Nyon's own "Fete de La Musique" begins this week with bands performing all around the town on both Saturday 16th and Thursday 21st June.   A reminder that tomorrow night it's English movie night at the Capitole Cinema in Nyon with the screening of  "The Iron Lady" at 20:45. See cinema site here

A review of Tuesday night's Paléo by by Jonas Parson. Back on the Paléo grounds! After missing out on Paléo last year (trekking in Ladakh does seem like a good excuse for missing the festival), it was with much emotion that I set foot on the Asse plain to discover the 37 th edition of the music festival. This year, I'll be experiencing Paléo from two different point of views; as a normal festival goer but also as a performing street artist, with Nyon's local circus school, l'Elastique Citrique . I'll be writing more about that later on in the week. Let loose from an afternoon of bringing smile to people's faces and wreaking a little mischief, I set off to rediscover the grounds. The evening was warm, and people were happily strolling about, sitting down for something to eat, or (im)patiently waiting for the next concert to start on the main stage. Photos above and below - by Jonas Parson Last year's mud seems to be on everyone’s mind (Daniel Rossellat, Président of Paléo even meddled with some sort of pagan ritual to ensure it wouldn't rain, making lots of wellington boots to the colours of Paléo (you can get a pair at the Paléo shop), explaining that it's when you get ready for bad weather that it doesn't come (Murphy's law anybody?) ), making this year's weather all the more appreciated. After listening to a few songs, I left Franz Ferdinand (see review of this in previous post here ) and a big crowd who looked like they were really enjoying the Scottish band's efforts to rock the Paléo, and set off to try and satisfy my stomach's desperate calls for food. Food at Paléo is never  a problem Food at the Paléo is never a problem, as the festival is packed with stalls offering dishes from all around the world to a famished crowd in search of something to entertain their taste buds in between two concerts. It was time to reunite with an old favourite, the Paprika, a stall serving delicious Indian food -word must have got around, judging from the long queues to get served, but the wait is well worth it. To all of you fish and chip fans out there, note the stall serving... wait for it- Australian fish and chips, situated in the passage between the Oriental and Latin quarters. As the Village du Monde has been taken over by the Middle East this year, I'll be trying out a few specialities served there throughout the week-last night it was Palestine's only beer , a light blond , perfect for quenching your thirst. But Paléo isn't all about the food, so I headed off to the Chapiteau to listen to a bit of M83 , a French electro band that are quite big in the States. The Chapiteau was packed out, people spilling out of it on either sides, listening to the music and watching the screens to catch a glimpse of the show. Photo above - Courtesy Paléo Festival - French Electro band M83 The concert started with quite some punch, setting the tone for the next hour or so of slightly ethereal but energetic music. The crowd was really up to it, and the further in you got, the more people were dancing to the music and reacting to the band. It was then time to the high-light of the evening, the never-tiring Manu Chao . He's been to Paléo before, and his concerts have always been moments of pure happiness, magicking the crowd into a wild frenzy, sharing a precious moment with the crowd. This time was no exception, and the 51 year old came jumping on to stage, setting fire to the crowd and didn't tire down for the whole show. Photo above - Manu Chao - courtesy Paléo festival The crowd danced to favorites like “Clandestino”, “Je ne t'aime plus”, King of the bongo” or songs from the Mano Negra (Manu Chaos old band) era like “King Kong Five”. He played nearly continuously, barely leaving time for people to breathe between two songs, sometimes even switching directly from one song to the next. Right up front, the dancing was fierce, as people bounced of each other in a confusion of music, sweat and dust, all in a very goodhearted way. The end of the concert left us aching from the dancing, with an exhausted grin on our faces, and a nice ending to the evening. Photo below - Jonas Parson. Living in Nyon concert reviewer.

At around 18:00 on Saturday night, the grounds of the Chateau of Prangins were full of volunteers all carefully placing candles around the trees, in the courtyard, and in the castle’s vast kitchen garden. Children, mothers, fathers, teenagers, grandparents and many, many others, lined up 60,000 candles into pre-arranged patterns, all working patiently in the crisp evening air, all with a common goal, to produce a spectacular light display. It worked. It was truly wonderful and the hard work of the volunteers was appreciated when dusk turned to dark and by around 19:45 the total effect of all those tiny tea lights became apparent. The reason for this Jardin des lumieres (and a big party that night in the village of Prangins ), is that the chateau is marking the 10th year of it being the home of the National Museum of Switzerland. What a way to celebrate. Simply beautiful. Magical for adults and children alike. Thanks to Sylvi Sandbu for this photo above and the two photos on the sidebar.

Photo above: the temperature in Nyon on Thurday morning. Do the freezing conditions in the Nyon area right now make you want to simply stay inside and curl up with a good book?  If so, there are various local places where you can find English books both in local shops and in libraries. Nyon library has a small selection of English books on the top floor of its building and it also has selection of  music with both rock pop and classical  CDs to rent. These are to be found in the reading room on the ground floor where there are also a good variety of journals, newspapers and other publications that can be read on the premises.  Nyon library is in a lovely old building directly opposite the Place Perdtemps car park and it is open on Saturdays mornings.   However this Saturday the 4th February it is " Le Samedi des bibliothèques Vaudoises" with events going on throughout the day.  See previous post here  about the library.  The village of Crans près Céligny also has an English section in its library for its readers, see previous post on this library here.   If you prefer to to buy your books, then  Payot in la Combe shopping centre in Nyon has a good selection of English fiction and non fiction books. The " Reading Duck" in Grand Rue in Nyon also stocks a small collection of English childrens' books and a large selection in French. Both shops stock the Living along Lac Léman book too! A Site for Fondue Lovers which lists some of the Best places for a Fondue in the area If you are on the hunt for a good fondue, did you know that the Fondue of the Month Club has a website that highlights "the best (and some of the less than best) fondues that are available in Geneva and the Canton of Vaud"? The site says  "We don't pretend to be gastronomic experts but we do know what we like. Browse through the more than 10 years of reviews and you'll see we have plenty of experience to share".  There is a detailed chart on their site of many fondue venues. The chat  rates each place for ambiance, and for the fondue, flavour, texture, digestibility!   There is even a blog post  from last July of  "Worst Fondues" and "Top Fondues". It makes fascinating reading and is a real gem of a resource. If you also know of a good fondue spot that is not on their list, the club invites you to help them out by adding your own comments and taste test results.