Special thanks to Hester from the Swiss Gardening School for sharing these wonderful tips on balcony gardening! With 60% of the population in Switzerland living in rented apartments, (the highest percentage in Europe) many people don’t have access to a garden or even a large outdoor area. For those who can’t plant directly in the ground, don’t worry! Here are some fantastic plant suggestions that are perfect for small balconies or terraces. Screening Options for Balconies If your balcony needs privacy from neighbors, the street, or an unpleasant view, plants can be a practical and beautiful solution. Hedge in a Pot Consider creating a “hedge in a pot” by selecting smaller versions of hedging plants. One excellent choice is Viburnum tinus “Gwenllian” , a hardy evergreen shrub that: Blooms in winter Reaches up to 1.5 meters in height and width over time Thrives in large containers for many years Tactical Screening with Japanese Maples Alternatively, you can use striking plants like dwarf Japanese maples to create a visual focal point while screening your space. A great option for a shady balcony is Acer palmatum “Kagiri-Nishiki” , which features: Stunning variegated leaves Fiery red and orange foliage in autumn A compact size, maturing to just 1 meter tall Pair these plants with an elegant pot to enjoy year-round beauty and functionality. Climbers for Balconies If your balcony lacks space for larger plants, climbers on trellises can provide vertical interest and privacy. Roses for Balconies For rose lovers, the Meilland rose “David Hockney” is a perfect balcony plant. This delightful rose features: Cream and pink flowers Repeat blooms from spring to frost A light fragrance and disease resistance A manageable height of up to 1.5 meters This rose pairs beautifully with early-flowering alpine clematis for an extended bloom period. Fragrant Climbers If you prefer fragrant plants, the false jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is an excellent choice for containers. Key features include: Manageable growth in pots (up to 1.5 meters) Varieties like the classic white, Trachelospermum asiaticum “Pink Showers” , or the creamy yellow “Chilli and Vanilla” Tolerance for cold temperatures down to -10°C Minimal support needs, as it winds naturally around trellises Discover Gardening Workshops with the Swiss Gardening School Looking to level up your balcony gardening skills? Visit Hester’s website, Swiss Gardening School , for a range of upcoming workshops! Including: Plant Workshops on Pots, Potpourris, and Soaps – February 4th 2025 Valentine’s Bouquets – February 13th 2025 And much more! Book your spot online via the website. With these tips and inspiration, even the smallest balcony can become a lush, green oasis. Happy gardening! If you’re passionate about plants or simply enjoy the magic of transforming spaces with greenery, Hester Macdonald is a name to know. As a garden designer, writer, journalist, and founder of the Swiss Gardening School, Hester has dedicated her career to inspiring gardeners of all levels. Based in Nyon, her school offers short, hands-on courses perfect for amateurs eager to dig in. Discover more about her work at  hmgardendesign.com  and  swissgardeningschool.ch . Hester Macdonald

Nyon is a town that’s constantly evolving, with people arriving, settling in, and moving on. The latest population statistics (as of June 30, 2024) give us a snapshot of who’s living here, where they’re from, and how the community changes. But who actually calls Nyon home right now? A special thanks to Ville de Nyon  for providing the data The historic Château de Nyon and the Municipality Office. A Town of Many Nations With a resident population of 23,469 , Nyon is a blend of long-time locals, Swiss newcomers, and a thriving international community. Nearly 40% of residents  are foreign nationals, adding different cultures, languages, and global flavours to our lakeside town. Walk down the high street, step into a café, or browse the local shops, and you’ll hear not just French, German, and Italian —but a mix of languages from all over the world. So, where is everyone from? Here are the top six foreign nationalities  in Nyon: French Portuguese Italian Spanish Kosovar British Any surprises here? There are over 130 nationalities represented in Nyon, including residents from Nepal, Uruguay, Vietnam, South Africa and Kazakhstan. The mix is never more obvious than during the Euros or the World Cup! Car horns beeping, flags waving from windows and cars and celebrations can last for hours after a big win—it’s all part of what makes Nyon such a lively place to call home. A small town with a big international heart. A Town on the Move Nyon has always had a transient side, with people arriving for work, study, and new adventure, while others move on to their next chapter. A snapshot of just one month in 2024 gives us a glimpse of this constant flow: 77 foreign and 56 Swiss residents moved in. 79 foreign and 69 Swiss residents moved out. 14 babies were born—hello, future Nyonnais! 12 residents officially became Swiss citizens. And looking at the bigger picture, in the past year, over 1,299 foreigners and 753 Swiss  arrived, while 1,130 foreigners and 897 Swiss  moved away—almost an even trade! It’s like Nyon has its own revolving door, constantly welcoming new faces while sending others off to their next adventure. Nyon is Young! With 1,638 residents under 16, Nyon is undeniably a family-friendly town. From lakeside adventures to playgrounds and parks, it’s a place where kids can grow, explore, and enjoy an outdoorsy childhood. Did You Know? Nyon’s international spirit isn’t new—it’s been a melting pot since Roman times! Back in the day, it was known as Colonia Iulia Equestris or Noviodunum, a bustling town full of merchants and traders from across the Roman Empire. Fast forward a couple of thousand years, and the mix of cultures is still what makes Nyon special. Roman Columns What Does It All Mean? Numbers aside, this paint a picture of what living in Nyon is really like. You’ll hear a mix of languages everywhere, in cafés, at the market, and on the train. This town thrives on its multicultural identity. Change is constant. People come and go for work, study, and new adventures. If you’re new here, don’t worry, you’re not the only one figuring things out! More people are putting down roots. With naturalisations nearly doubling since 2020, it’s clear that many who arrive in Nyon choose to stay for the long haul. The next generation is growing up here. With over 1,600 kids under 16, it’s a place where families build a future. So if you’re just passing through for a couple of years or looking to settle in, Nyon remains a dynamic place full of opportunity, culture, and community. These stats are just a snapshot in time, and they’ll shift again in the months and years ahead. Are you one of Nyon’s newest residents? What’s been your favorite discovery so far? Drop us a message, we’d love to hear!

Wednesday 19th of March 18:30-20:30 Dive Bär Gland Free to join. Come along for a fun and informal SpeedNetworking event. Meet like-minded international professionals. Get to know each other with some original and dynamic questions! Hosted by B-inspired - A community beyond networking Event details: Wednesday 19th of March 18:30-20:30 Dive Bär in Gland  - Chem. de la Chavanne 1, 1196 Gland Registration On website here Join the event Whatsapp group to connect with attendees before and after. Be sure to have a look at the group description tab for more information Contact Mandy Bronsil info@b-inspired.ch

Time for the first in-person event of the year with the new workshop: "Networking done differently" Join us on Wednesday evening 5th of February between 17:30 and 19:30 in the center of Nyon. Living In Nyon has been hard at work behind the scenes with improvements and upgrades on many fronts! More about that very soon... One of the things we can already share with you is that there will be more opportunities to see each other in person this year. We kick off the events calendar with a workshop on networking. Having a strong network, and leveraging it are two different things entirely. It's just one of those topics... We know all the theory and the best practices yet its still uncomfortable. The goal is for us to be smart about, channel our energy into the things that DO work and make it feel more natural. What we will cover in this workshop: 👉 Alternatives to "classical" networking 👉 Hidden and effective ways to break the networking mould 👉 Bring your authenticity to the table and make yourself memorable 👉 Nurture and stay connected with your network to build stronger relations 👉 Role play learn from each other and have fun in a safe space. Come ready to play, meet some great people and test the boundaries of your communication skills. There is an in-person and online option depending on schedules and preferences: The details for the in person workshop: Date: 5th of February Time: 17:30 to 19:30 Location: The B-inspired Clubhouse - Rue Nicole 3, 1260 Nyon Free registration here The capacity is limited to 12 people so please be sure to book early!   The details for the online workshop: Date: 7th of February Time: 12:30 to 14:00 Free registration here The capacity is limited to 15 people. About Mandy Bronsil She took over the Living in Nyon website in 2020 from Catherine Nelson Pollard, and has actively been contributing ever since! As the founder of B-inspired Partners, Mandy is a dynamic force in fostering community and collaboration among local entrepreneurs and professionals. Her workshops and MasterMinds groups offer more than networking—they build lasting connections that fuel personal and professional growth. With a background in hospitality and extensive experience in recruitment and facilitation, Mandy brings her expertise to university classrooms, training future leaders in professional development, team collaboration, and career planning. Fluent in both French and English, Mandy empowers individuals and team, always with an eye on building strong, supportive communities. Join us on the 5th of February and meet our wonderful international community in person! For more English speaking and events hosted by B-inspired have a look at the full events calendar here or join the no-chat WhatsApp group to stay informed as they approach.

Prestige & Sensation are Redefining Hair & Beauty Excellence. Step into the Prestige & Sensation Salon, where artistry meets expertise in hair and beauty. With a reputation for precision, creativity, and personalised care, their team delivers exceptional styling, colour, and treatments tailored to you. Whether it’s a bold transformation or subtle refinement, Prestige & Sensation ensures every visit is an experience in luxury and confidence. Call: 022 361 12 16 Email: info@prestige-sensation.ch Address: Rue de rive 18, Nyon https://www.salon-prestige-sensation.ch

Imagine a bright, welcoming space filled with rows of beautifully organised books, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a trendy bookstore than a traditional secondhand shop. Now, step into La Bouquinerie , the fresh face of secondhand bookstores, located on the platform of Gland train station. Karine, one of the founders, shared how La Bouquinerie came into existence and their vision. This incredible transformation from the old CFF office into a literary haven was born out of a passion project by a dedicated committee of five driven individuals plus volunteers. They translated their vision into a reality within just three months, opening their doors to the public on September 6th 2023. A Haven for Book Lovers La Bouquinerie has a simple yet impactful mission: to provide a platform where readers and book enthusiasts can find quality literature at incredibly reasonable prices. The bookstore accepts book donations from the public, which are then carefully sorted to ensure high-quality offerings. Prices for the books start as low as CHF 1 and range up to CHF 6, making them very affordable. While the majority of books are in French, La Bouquinerie also dedicates shelves to titles in English, German, and Spanish and other languages. They have plans to expand their selection of foreign language books as well as having specific days dedicated to books in each language in the future. Non-fiction titles are also available, in limited quantities, covering various topics like travel, biographies, and health. More Than Just a Bookstore La Bouquinerie is more than just a bookstore; it's a community hub. The committee and growing team of volunteers are always eager to welcome visitors and make their experience memorable. The shop currently operates four days a week, with plans to expand based on volunteer availability. The goal is to always have two volunteers present during operating hours. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of the bookstore. From the secondhand bookshelves to the repurposed rug, they've crafted a space that's not only eco-friendly but has a modern and inviting atmosphere. Unlike traditional secondhand bookstores, its bright and contemporary look changes the stereotypical image of dusty, old bookshops. A Place for Creativity and Learning Looking ahead, La Bouquinerie aims to offer a space for creativity and learning. A smaller room within the store will soon host workshops, where adults and children can explore various art forms. These workshops will focus on paper-based crafts and recycling projects, showing that books don't have to be discarded once they've been read. Even books too old to sell can be transformed into beautiful objects. It's all about demonstrating the value of sustainability and durability. In addition to workshops, they are also open to hosting various events in the space. They hope to collaborate with the English-speaking community in particular, providing a venue for language exchanges and other gatherings. Ultimately, they aim to create a hub that contributes positively to the community. A place where people can gather, learn, and create. Get Involved La Bouquinerie welcomes book donations, emphasizing the importance of good quality books. Those that don't meet the selling criteria are either given away or repurposed. La Bouquinerie invites you to join them as they're actively seeking volunteers to support their operations and expand their opening hours. As an annual subscriber to the "Les Amis de la Bouquinerie" association, you'll contribute to the growth of this literary gem. Subscription rates are CHF 30 per year or CHF 50 per year per couple or family. Opening Hours Wednesday: 15:00 – 19:00 Thursday: 09:00 – 12:00 / 15:00 - 19:00 Friday: 15:00 – 19:00 Saturday: 09:00 – 12:00 La Bouquinerie is more than just a bookstore; it's a community-driven initiative with a passion for books and sustainability. Whether you're a book lover, an advocate for sustainability, or simply looking for a cozy spot to wait for your train - consider paying them a visit, donating your books, or becoming a member to support their mission.

There are lots of activities in English held at the Chateau de Prangins this summer and there is the "GAMES" exposition that takes us on a video game time travel! Prangins was recently awarded the Wakker Prize . You can read the previous Living in Nyon article here . Here are some of the upcoming events in English planned: • Sunday, 6 June – Guided tour of Prangins as part of the Wakker Prize • Wednesday, 9 June - Guided tour of Prangins as part of the Wakker Prize • Thursday, 10 June – Guided tour of the new Exhibition Chintz. How a Fabric Conquered the World • Thursday, 24 June – Online guided tour of the new Exhibition Chintz. How a Fabric Conquered the World • Thursday, 8 July – Guided tour of the Historical Kitchen Garden on the theme of Digital Detox • Sunday, 1 August – A celebration of the Swiss National Day with various activities – Free admission • Thursday, 5 August – Guided tour of the Historical Kitchen Garden on the theme of Digital Detox Another activity well suited to families is the GAMES exhibition on the history of video games. It shows the development of the industry since 1970 and allows you to actually play the old games (Pong, Pac-Man, Space Invaders, etc.) as well as the new games (SIMs, Minecraft, etc.). Our children will enjoy seeing the games we used to play and are now referred to as old :-)! All of the temporary and permanent exhibitions have information and audio guides in English Happy visiting!

Step into the world of Oak Hill, where students facing reading, writing, and math challenges discover a unique path to success. Join us in exploring the Oak Hill experience, a journey that unlocks each student's potential and nurtures both academic and personal growth. Oak Hill's specialised support in fulfilling educational needs Oak Hill serves a critical need in the educational landscape by providing specialised support for students facing challenges in reading, writing, and maths. Their research-based programme is tailored to address the needs of students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD/ADD, offering a unique approach to learning that goes beyond traditional classroom settings.jj Students attend either  a morning or afternoon session and for the remainder of the day, they are at their 'home' school. Oak Hill collaborates closely with many bilingual and international schools in the area. The school's vision and mission reflect a commitment to advocating for and supporting students in the English-speaking international community. Who thrives at Oak Hill? Profiling the ideal student The Oak Hill program is tailored for students, typically between 7 and 13 years of age, who may be struggling with literacy and numeracy skills. A typical Oak Hill student thrives in a supportive 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio, where individual attention and tailored learning plans contribute to their academic and personal growth. While many students are bilingual or trilingual, fluency in English is essential for effective participation in the fast-paced, multi-sensory lessons. Oak Hill is also committed to helping students overcome social challenges; fostering an understanding of differences and boosting communication skills are key priorities. It's not just about academics; it's about preparing students for life's social challenges. Significant strides for families and the time frame for success Families can expect tangible and rapid improvements in their child's academic and social skills during their time at Oak Hill. The half-day program allows for intensive support, enabling students to bridge gaps in their learning within a relatively short period. The daily routine, structured lessons, and individualised, short homework assignments develop skills like self-discipline, organisation, and independence, preparing students for upper primary and secondary education. The Oak Hill journey (typically around two years) focuses on helping students reach their full academic potential and grow in self-confidence so that they can become independent learners. The programme also aims to instill resilience and perseverance. Seamless Transitions Formative and standardised assessments are conducted throughout the year at Oak Hill to closely monitor each student's progress. Parents receive comprehensive school reports and learning objectives twice a year, offering valuable insights into their child's academic journey. Oak Hill regularly communicate with both parents and the home school, ensuring a seamless transition between educational settings. Flexibility is key at Oak Hill—students can join at any time during the school year, subject to available space and the fees are pro-rated based on the starting date. A Typical Day at Oak Hill A typical morning or afternoon at Oak Hill involves a balance of hard work, regular breaks and enjoyment. The morning and afternoon sessions provide a structured environment where students engage in three 50-minute lessons covering reading, writing, and math. Short daily homework assignments further enhance the skills necessary for success in and out of the classroom. The half-day format is strategic, allowing students to receive intensive support while still participating in other subjects at their home school. This approach ensures that students can apply the skills they develop at Oak Hill in other settings, creating a holistic educational experience. Daily attendance is recommended. The daily repetition of tasks strengthens neural connections in the brain, eliminating learning gaps, and building learner confidence. A Call to Exploration Oak Hill stands as a beacon of support for students facing academic challenges, providing a transformative educational experience that empowers them to reach their full potential. If this resonates with you and sounds like something you'd like to explore for your child, don't hesitate to get in touch with Oak Hill to attend one of their Open Days. See firsthand the enriching environment on offer and learn more about how Oak Hill could be the perfect fit for your child's educational journey. Read more on Oak Hill in our previous articles

A Fresh Look. A Smoother Experience. Still Your Go-To for Nyon. If you've been following Living in Nyon, you know we’re all about sharing what matters most in this stunning region of Switzerland, from community news and cultural highlights to local events and need-to-know insights. A reliable resource for the English-speaking community that shares stories, tips and information to help expats, newcomers, and residents feel at home in Nyon. At its heart, LIN exists to celebrate the town’s mix of local charm and international energy. Why the Change? With over a thousand articles published since LIN was founded in 2009, we wanted to update the website so that it is easier to navigate, more engaging, and better suited for locals, newcomers, and visitors alike. Now you will be able to look for recommendations, business spotlights, or upcoming events, faster and more intuitively. AND we couldn't pass up the opportunity to add as much beautiful imagery as we could to showcase this town - perfectly positioned between the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and the stunning Jura mountains.  What You’ll Find on Living In Nyon Everyday Life in Nyon – From settling into Swiss life and understanding local customs to discovering the best cafés, hiking spots, and cultural events. Community Events – From the legendary Paléo Music Festival to the internationally acclaimed Visions du Réel, along with the Nyon lakeside flea market, wine festivals, music events, and seasonal festivities... you get the idea! There’s never a dull moment, and we’re here to keep you updated on all that’s happening. People & Stories – Interviews with inspiring community members, business owners, and creatives who make Nyon such a dynamic place. Business & Community Connections – We love working with local entrepreneurs, organisations, and community initiatives to bring valuable insights and opportunities to our readers. A Platform Built for the Community Our goal is simple.  We wish to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels at home. We envision a community where everyone who visits our site feels valued, and engaged with information that is accessible to all. We’re continuously working to bring you relevant and engaging content that reflects life in and around Nyon. Living In Nyon is about YOU—our readers, contributors, and community members. Take a look around, explore the new features and let us know what you think!   Get Involved! If you have an event to promote , would like to become a member of the LIN Association , or have an experience to share - we’d love to hear from you!

January can feel like the longest month of the year—grey skies, chilly weather, and the festive sparkle now a distant memory. But it’s also the perfect time to prioritize you . Shake off the winter blues and step into the warmth of Prestige & Sensation , Nyon’s premier beauty salon, where relaxation and rejuvenation await. Here are some blissful ways to refresh your body and mind this winter: The Detoxifying Glow Treatment (DXGlow) Say goodbye to dull, dry winter skin with this deeply hydrating facial. Powered by boletus extract, organic rowan berry peptides, and hyaluronic acid, this treatment leaves your skin soft, radiant, and luminous after just one session. Special Offer : 530 CHF for three sessions (normally 570 CHF). Book your DXGlow session here Laminat Hair Ritual: Shine All Winter Long Revitalize your hair with the “lamina” ritual, a luxurious treatment enriched with argan, sesame, and almond oils. This nourishing ritual repairs and hydrates winter-damaged hair, leaving it strong, silky, and beautifully shiny. Perfect for : Keeping your locks looking fresh even in the coldest months. Book your Lamina Ritual here Hands & Feet: Winter-Ready Pampering Cold weather can be tough on your hands and feet. Treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure that doesn’t just beautify but deeply nourishes. Whether you prefer gel, semi-permanent, or classic varnish, you’ll leave with nails that are perfectly polished and a sense of total relaxation.🛋 Pro Tip : Book a nail appointment alongside your hair service for the ultimate day of pampering! Book your manicure or pedicure here Relaxing Massage: Your Winter Escape Ease the heaviness of winter with a soothing massage that targets water retention, tired legs, and sluggish circulation. Featuring menthol and caffeine, this draining treatment will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.60 minutes of pure relaxation. Book your massage here At Prestige & Sensation , every visit is a chance to pause, recharge, and rediscover your glow—even on the darkest winter days. From innovative treatments like the Calligraphy Cut® to bespoke facials and premium nail care, their expert team is here to make sure you feel radiant all year round. Don’t let the winter blues linger—treat yourself to a well-deserved escape. Contact them at 022 361 12 16 or info@prestige-sensation.ch for bookings or more information. And follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay inspired! Discover more in our previous article, including their signature Calligraphy Cut®!

Are you interested in playing netball?  A group of keen players is looking to set up a netball team in Nyon as part of the Swiss Netball association. There are teams currently across Switzerland, including in Aubonne and Geneva, but they would like to get a team of 14 girls/ladies together to play locally on a weekly basis (this could be junior and senior). Their idea would be to start in late August (confinement rules-allowing) as the school term starts again. All ages and skills-level, amateurs, experts and newbies welcome. They are keen for everyone to learn! The aim is to make it a bilingual session (fr/eng) to get everybody on board. Register your interest with   nyonnetball@gmail.com  and they will get back to you as soon as possible. More InfoFor newbies: Netball is a ball sport played by two teams of seven players. Netball is most popular in many Commonwealth nations , specifically in schools, and is predominantly played by women. Games are played on a rectangular court with raised goal rings at each end. Each team attempts to score goals by passing a ball down the court and shooting it through its goal ring. Players are assigned specific positions, which define their roles within the team and restrict their movement to certain areas of the court. During general play, a player with the ball can hold on to it for only three seconds before shooting for a goal or passing to another player. The winning team is the one that scores the most goals. Netball games are 60 minutes long.

Loungers, a giant chess game, a maze as well as a bar! Giving Perdtemps back to the People If you have recently been at the Perdtemps parking, you may have seen a section now taken up by loungers, a giant chess game, a maze as well as a bar and plenty of colourful flowers. You can even grow your own fruit, vegetables or herbs there in the soil that has been made available for this purpose! This is the temporary "Jardin Ephèmère" or ephemeral garden, and it is back after a successful first summer season last year when it was on the square from May to August. This year, due to the coronavirus uncertainty and restrictions, it only went up on the 18th of June, and respects the hygiene rules. The town has taken on board feedback from the previous season and has improved upon the facilities this year. Whilst an ephemeral plant is one marked by short life cycles, the term ephemeral garden is typically a short term garden installed in the city centre and often brings with it a sense of community as well as rich biodiversity and plant varieties. The space is testing ground to understand what the people of Nyon would like their future park to become. Over the years there have been several such projects like the Grand Jetée (2018) on the beach of Nyon or the "Voie 4" (2019) The image below, although in French, illustrates the logic that is being used to incorporate feedback before making final constructions with the temporary structures. The garden is part of the "Coeur de Ville" project, or "heart of the city" with the aim being to "give Perdtemps back to the people" and make it an area for the population to gather and hold activities where the parking is currently. The construction is set to start in 2022 and will see the Perdtemps parking be shifted to an underground parking in the same location, with the new park overground. The Perdtemps ephemeral garden is run by "Le Saint-Jean" located in the Hotel de l'Ange and provides a variety of snacks as well as some nice after-work apèro options, so next time you are in the area you can watch your children play in the playground from the comfort of your lounge chair and enjoy a snack or a G&T!