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Good fortune- and the sun- continued to shine on Paléo, as Wednesday turned out to be another very hot and sunny day. The evening was set under the sign of loud decibels and heavy guitar riffs, with a fair amount of the line-up dedicated to metal. The main event of the night was obviously the hard-rock legends of Iron Maiden, and their crazy spectacle of a concert. The coming of Iron Maiden to Paléo was obviously quite an event, a brought together a huge crowd of metal-heads and Maiden fans. They were hard to miss in the crowd, as it looked like on in every five people was wearing one of the band's t-shirts! From craggy old rockers with long beards and tattoo-covered arms to young kids happily bearing their first ever Iron Maiden t-shirt, it was a motley crowd, assembled in front of the main stage for a celebration of loud music and explosive guitar. The crowd was most definitely alive, and ready to go when the stage-hands stripped back the black fabric covering most of the stage, revealing an impressive construction of an abandoned Maya temple (in theme with their latest album, Book of Souls), and Bruce Dickinson, lead singer of the band, dramatically appeared on top of the set, back to the crowd and his hood up. Smoke billowed out from some magical stone pot, and flames lit up on each side of the stage, as the rest of the band ran out to meet the crowd and begin two hours of the best performance you could have hoped for. Starting off with two songs from their latest album, things got real when they hit Children of the Damned , an all-time classic, introduced in perfect French by Dickinson. “Most of the people in the crowd probably weren't born when this song came out”, he said, before adding “maybe your parents conceived you listening to this! 35 000 people right here, thank you Iron Maiden!” If the crowd had been enthusiastic up to then, they went crazy as everybody started singing, clapping and air-guitaring (it's part of the fun!) through the song. You could see little clouds of dust above the areas of the crowd turned into mosh pits, with ecstatic people happily dancing/throwing themselves onto each other (I must admit I was one of them!). The beauty of such a crowd is that although these places can be quite rough, they are based on mutual respect, and every time someone slipped, there were immediately eight hands ready to pick them back up again. Very different from some of the techno concerts were you just find people who want to be aggressive and don't give a damn about the others. The band didn't fail to deliver some crazy guitar solos, from all three guitarists and also from bass player Steve Harris. Running across the stage, from one side to the other, throwing their guitars up in the air or grouping up to play together, they showed Paléo that they can still put on a show despite four decades of concerts. Most of all, they seemed to be having lots of fun, and playfully interacted with the crowd. Another fixture of a Maiden concert is obviously the appearance of their zombie mascot, Eddie, here a three meter high giant who came on stage wielding a hatchet and attacking the band before getting his heart dramatically ripped out by Dickinson and thrown into the crowd! Slightly later on, it was an ever larger model of Eddie that appeared at the back of the stage, and a 15 meter high replica of his torso leered over the crowd before disappearing in a blaze of fire-crackers. As the concert came to an end, Dickinson took it out on the Swiss sound regulations, limiting the decibels for the concert, apologising to the crowd that the music “wasn't loud enough”, and on the sight of a French flag in the crowd, launched into a touching tirade about the events in Nice and the importance that we are all part of the same humanity, whatever our colour, gender or nationality. Most importantly, “as long as you like Iron Maiden and beer, you're one of us!” he shouted, before launching into aptly named Blood Brothers. When they had finally left, after throwing wrist bands, drumsticks etc. into the crowd at the end of the concert, it was an exhausted but happy crowd that slowly drifted towards something to eat, a place to sit or maybe just some more music to jump to. When you do folk covers of metal songs, you get "acoustic mosh pits" Metal and hard-rock were celebrated in all kinds of ways on Wednesday night, and apart from some more bands playing the genre, from melodic metal band the Raven Age (whose guitarist is the son of Iron Maiden bass player Steve Harris), to Swiss folk metal band Eluveitie , there were two rather special and eccentric bands playing. The first were the crazy bagpipe toting Scots from Red Hot Chili Pipers , who delighted the crowd gathered under the Dôme to hear their covers of rock classics. At the same time (the trick at Paléo is getting to see several concerts taking place at the same time!) on the second open air stage, Steve'n'Seagulls were showcasing their folk covers of metal songs . These two wacky projects, complete with slightly cheesy puns (but they're the best anyway), were very entertaining, and were enjoyable as much for people less into loud guitars and drums, as well as hardcore fans who loved every song they covered. The night ended with French rock band Louise Attaque, who have been playing for the last 20 years, and hadn't come back to Paléo in a few years. Starting half an hour late, Gaetan Roussel welcomed the crowd with a “we haven't seen you in a long time, it's good to be back”, before starting with an old classic. They mixed new songs with their older hits , bringing back memories from quite a lot of people's youth, and getting everyone to sing along. The area in front of the main stage seemed packed again, which means that a lot of the people jumping up and down to the savage guitar of Iron Maiden came back for the signature violin of Louise Attaque's songs. Long live musical diversity!

The sun was shining bright as the first people walked onto the grounds of the 41st Paléo Festival, glad to be back for another year of music and more at l'Asse. After the 40th edition last year, Tuesday saw another important milestone, with the 6 millionth visitor awaited on the site ! The first concerts of the day launched the festivities with a bang and packed tents, first under the Club Tent where the Swiss rockers from  Antipods delivered their pop-rock riffs. Slightly later on, it was another Swiss band, Anach Cuan , who played their own "valaisan" version of Celtic music to a crowd overflowing from the Dôme. The massive turnout - especially for a concert this early on and in the Village du Monde, where the crowds tend to be slightly scarcer, shows to the popularity of the band and the capacity that Celtic music has of bringing people together ! A moment of microscopic poetry In such a huge festival, it was nice to escape for 20 minutes of pure magic and poetry at the Ruche ( the area of the site dedicated to street theatre, at the end of the Quartier des Alpes ) with Mister Alambic and his circus fleas . From the librarian flea who read books and made origami, to the acrobatic act of the teeterboard duo, this show, which takes place right in front of your eyes (as such, each performance is limited to small number of people,but they play several times during the day), makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the crowd as you get carried away on the back of a somersaulting flea. Mister Alambic, 5th generation flea tamer, performs every day at la Ruche. Big names and big crowds American folk band the Lumineers played to an enthusiastic crowd on the main stage, everyone clapping and singing along to their upbeat folk songs. They delighted the crowd with all of their favourite songs, throwing in a Bob Dylan cover and a walk through the crowd for the lead singer. Light and catchy, their performance was the perfect sunny open air concert. As the day continued, the sun went down to the relief of many, the temperatures cooling just enough for it to be enjoyable summer's evening. As a nearly full moon started rising over the huge crowd gathered in front of the main stage, Muse made their entrance. Their concert was the main highlight of the evening, and their well oiled performance didn't disappoint. Powerful rock anthems, punctuated by the odd calm ballad and accompanied by an efficient video show made up for a certain lack in originality or freshness, despite a few interactions with the crowd. Playing all their big hits, they had the crowd jumping and chanting along, and finished off the concert with a shower of confetti and colourful paper streamers shot straight over the crowd. A good solid concert, and a fine way to start the week, if maybe not as inspired by the eponymous muses as one could hope for. Wednesday evening is dedicated to metal music, and should see some serious head-banging and a lot of mosh-pit action with  as stars of the night, alongside Swiss folk-metal band Eluveitie and crazy Scottish band Red Hot Chilli Pipers . Get ready for some serious dancing !

Paleo festival revealed the line-up for its 38th edition this morning in Nyon, at the Uni Global headquarters in the centre of town. Daniel Rosselat introduced the press conference by expressing the hope that the sun shining outside would prove a good omen for the weather during the Festival itself, which will take place from the 23 rd to the 28th of July on the Asse plain, just above the town of Nyon. “The weather is always an important factor for an enjoyable festival” commented Paleo's boss, and it's even truer this year as Paléo will be inaugurating a new open-air stage, “Les Arches”, in place of the the Chapiteau. ( mentioned on Living In Nyon here ). A winning recipe Never change a winning recipe, continued Rosselat, even if the ingredients vary slightly from one year to another. A few (very) big headliners, some smaller emerging talents, and a dash of spice with the artists from the Village du Monde to top it off. Neil Young had already been announced earlier this year , and he will be joined in the “Legends of Rock” category by mythical Latino-rock guitarist, Carlos Santana . Other heavy-duty stars, such as Nick Cave (who Paleo have been trying, unsuccessfully, to get to sign up for quite a few years now), Blur (who reformed last summer) and the Smashing Pumpkins will be rocking the crowds this summer. Never get too comfortable Only a quarter of the bands on the programme this year have played at Paleo before. As Paléo boss Rosselat explained, it would be easier- and more comfortable- to keep inviting the same bands again and again, cashing in on known talents, but Paléo is also about discovering new bands, renewing the line-up year after year. So whereas a few of the names on the line-up will be familiar to Paleo regulars - the Arctic Monkeys , back again a few years after their excellent concert on the main stage, or Sophie Hunger , who will be playing this year in front of an audience of 30'000 after her rather more intimate début a few years back - get ready to discover exciting new bands like Alt-J , winners of this year's Mercury Award – the top recompense for independent bands in the UK each year (the Arctic Monkeys scooped the award in 2006), Retro Stefson (described as the Icelandic Arcade Fire) or the Skints , the new stars of the English Ska scene, continuing the legacy of 70's bands like Madness and The Specials. Discover the Indian Ocean at the Village du Monde The Village du Monde, a “festival inside the Festival”, will be bringing you sounds, colours and flavours from the eastern seaboard of Africa and the numerous islands that lie just off the continent. Dedicated to bringing music from a different part of the world each year, the Village du Monde is one of the popular highlights of the Festival. “But it isn't supposed to be an ethno-musicology festival” reminded Jacques Monnier, Paleo's head programmer. Although there are a few traditional bands coming, like the Tambours du Burundi or Deba (a women’s group from the Island of Mayotte, involving dance and polyphonic chants based on sacred Muslim rituals), the focus is on bands who are experimenting with the folklore, by mixing traditional music with more contemporary sounds like electro, dub-step or jazz. Look out for bands like Shangaan Electro , Nathalie Natiembé or Skip and Die. The full line-up , with descriptions of all the bands and links to their website can be found here Here's a video presenting some of the artists   Tickets on sale next Wednesday Tickets and passes will be on sale from midday on Wednesday 24th April , on www.paleo.ch , the Migros and the FNAC- but hurry up , each year, the tickets sell out faster and faster! Here's a list of all the ticket outlets . For the people who don't manage to get Festival tickets in time, 1500 tickets will be on sale each morning during the Festival on the Paléo website at 9 a.m for the same evening.

Neil Young And Crazy Horse To Play At Paleo Festival ! Earlier this month, Paleo confirmed that this year's edition will start with what promises to be an amazing concert by rock'n'roll legend Neil Young.  20 years after his last concert on the plain of l'Asse, he will be performing his latest album, Psychedelic Pill, with his long-time backing band Crazy Horse on Tuesday 23rd of July. The entire line-up of the festival, which will take place from the 23rd to the 28th of July, will be revealed on Tuesday 16th of April. The ticket-office will open at midday on the 17th. More info on Paleo website Caribana Headlines Announced Archive will be playing in Crans-près-Celigny on the Thursday 6th of June. This English electro-pop band will bring its American indie pop band FUN will be playing on the lake-side on the 8th of June. Their second album, “Some Nights”, came out last May, and their single “We are young” became an instant hit, topping charts in the US. They will be bringing their highly contagious energy and good mood for an evening of... fun! Caribana has also launched the first edition of the Caribateens DJ Contest. Open to all between the ages of 12 and 17, this competition will take place ont the 1st of May at the After club in Nyon, and the three winners will get to play during the festival, on the 9th of June. You can sign up until the 3rd of March on the website by joining an mp3 file. Tickets are already on sale here (Very) Early Walk To See The Sun And Moon Meet! This Sunday  an early morning hike from St-Cergue will take place to admire the sunrise. Leaving from the Archette car-park in St-Cergue at 06:15, and guided by moonlight, you will climb to a peak at 1555 metres where you will be able to see the sunrise over the Alps. After enjoying a panoramic view from the top of the Jura, you'll stop for a coffee-break at the Ski-Club chalet, before walking back down to St-Cergue, at around 12 o'clock. A refreshing soak at the Cheserex swimming pool is planned for the afternoon, where you will be able to have a snack. The walk will take about 5 hours, and you must be equipped with snowshoes, a frontal light, walking sticks, and a change of clothes (don't forget your camera!) The walk is free, safe for the entry fee to the swimming pool. Please announce yourself by writing to this address: sigihaller@bluewin.ch   "C'est la vie": Swiss Press Photo Exhibition If you are interested in recent Swiss history, this photo exhibition in the Chateau de Prangins looks back at 60 years of local press photography. What better way to understand the last 60 years but through the eyes of the people who lived it? Ranging from the exceptional to everyday life, these photos give us a glimpse of the past. Until the 19th of May. More info here Caveau De Nyon Events In Late January And Early February The Caveau de Nyon, situated under the Castle, will be hosting the following events. Booking is required for all events. Thursday 31st January at 18:30: Apero jazz Thursday 7th February from 19:00 : Raclette a gogo (30.-) Saturday 9th February from 12:00 : Papet vaudois (20.-) (book before the 27th) More info on website *Amateurs of electronic and experimental music can discover Stade at the Usine a Gaz on Friday. This Swiss duo composed of pianist Pierre Audetaz and drummer Christophe Calpini explore the universe of experimental jazz and electronica music. On of their latest projects will also take place in Pully this weekend, involving a dance company interacting with the music via sensors.( See here ) They will be playing with Mc Granite, from Swiss band Aloan , in a free concert at the Usine a Gaz at 21:00. *Folk aficionados can go to the Parenthèse on Thursday fo a concert by folk musician Denison Witmer on Thursday. This artist from Pennsylvania has played with bands such as Cat Power or Sixteen Horsepower over the last fifteen years. French indie rock band Appletop will be playing on Friday. You can get further info and the full line-up on the Parenthèse facebook page. *There will be a Jazz jam session at the Quai 23 pizzeria in Nyon on the 31st of January. It will be animated by a quartet formation with a guitar, double bass and sax player.

Paléo has arrived! The Paléo sponsors have their posters up around Nyon, one of them is showing a couple covered in mud at an outdoor concert. However,the weather is promising to be great, so no mud at least for the next few days..just sunshine and music. The streets of Nyon are starting to fill up with festival goers, the local butcher who always puts up a Paléo display in his window has done so again this year. And Migros supermarket has carrier bags with the Paléo logo on. So all remains now is for the bands to start arriving and for the music to start. Of course Paléo is not just about the music its also about meeting friends, eating food from all the great foodstalls and watching and experiencing all the entertainment provided. This year check out the area called La Ruche (the Hive), a new area dedicated to circus performance and street theatre. In the Quartier des Alpes there will be sculptures that look like giant chandeliers and balls of light, and they will be set alight by a team of lamplighter-actors at nightfall. There will be lots more on offer. If you haven't got tickets, then all is not lost there are a 1,000 that go on sale at 09:00 each morning on the Paleo website.

From March 19 to April 5, 2025, Nyon is set to host a series of cultural, artistic, and festive events under the banner La Fabrique Des Discriminations ( The Manufacture of Discrimination ). This initiative, led by the Swiss-Foreign Integration Commission of Nyon ( CISEN ), aims to explore the mechanisms behind discrimination, with a special focus on the history and culture of Roma communities. The program aligns with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. Anti-Racism Action Week 2025 Photo: DR Switzerland is home to an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 Roma individuals, many of whom are Swiss citizens contributing to the nation's cultural diversity. Despite their integral role in society, the Roma community has historically faced discrimination and marginalisation. A Symbol of Commitment: Illuminating Nyon Castle In a powerful statement against discrimination, the Château de Nyon will be illuminated from March 21 to 28, serving as a luminous reminder of the importance of vigilance and unity in the face of prejudice. A Photographic Journey at La Soliderie From March 19 to April 5, La Soliderie will host "The Long Road to Oneself," a poignant photographic exhibition by Ukrainian artist Daria Vorobiova. The showcase features the stories of 14 refugee women in Switzerland, capturing narratives of resilience and reconstruction. The exhibition's opening on March 20 at 17h will feature music by Lausanne DJ Prêtresse Fatale and an aperitif prepared by chefs from the Alter Start Food program. Engage and Reflect: Workshops and Festivities Awareness Workshop:  On March 22, from 15h to 17h, a participatory workshop at La Soliderie will delve into understanding and dismantling discrimination mechanisms. Open to participants aged 8 and up, no registration required. Concert and Gypsy Dance Introduction:  On March 26, from 17h30 to 18h15, pianist Coraline Parmentier will perform in the Levratte neighborhood, followed by an introduction to gypsy dances led by actress and dancer Pat LaGadjii. This event offers a vibrant immersion into Roma traditions. "La Fabrique Des Discriminations" Exhibition:  On March 29, from 09:30 to 14:00, Market Square visitors can explore an exhibition detailing the history and culture of Roma communities, accompanied by interactive resources to challenge prejudices. A "World Aperitif" will conclude the morning, fostering exchange and discovery. Through these events, Nyon reaffirms its dedication to combating racism and promoting a more inclusive society. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to participate actively, enriching their understanding and contributing to a future free from discrimination. For more detailed information visit the Ville de Nyon website.

Claude Nicollier What do you get when you mix Swiss efficiency with cosmic ambition? Switzerland’s first and only astronaut, Claude Nicollier, recently spoke at A-One Business Park in Rolle, sharing stories from space that left the audience inspired and quietly awestruck. A-One, known for its panoramic views over Lake Geneva and modern workspace design, has also become a venue for thought-provoking events but this one was something special. After all, it’s not every day you hear firsthand what it’s like to float in orbit or repair the Hubble Space Telescope. From Earth to Orbit Between 1992 and 1999, Nicollier completed four space missions with NASA and the European Space Agency. His work on the Hubble Space Telescope remains one of his most well-known contributions and one of the most dangerous. He shared what it felt like to move through space at 28,000 km/h, to spend hours in a spacesuit outside the shuttle, and to trust a team with your life in a place where even the smallest error can be fatal. And yet, he spoke with calm and humility and a touch of dry humour. What stood out wasn’t just the science but the mindset. His key message? Spaceflight teaches you serious lessons in risk management, shared leadership, and staying laser-focused in chaotic situations. “You don’t think too much about the danger,” he said. “If you do, you’ll just stop.” The Man Behind the Mission Nicollier's passion with space began in childhood. He remembers spotting Echo 1 , one of the first satellites visible from Earth, and was instantly hooked.  It wasn’t just the technology that drew him in. It was the beauty. He still gets emotional watching a sunset,that moment when light fades and stars begin to appear. That magical twilight, he says, is where his love for the cosmos truly lives. What's Next for Swiss Space Switzerland’s future in space is looking bright. Marco Sieber, a medical doctor and astronaut, is currently in training with the European Space Agency. Could he be the first Swiss on the moon? We will have to wait and see! Even more groundbreaking: ESA has also begun training the world’s first “parastronaut”, a physically disabled astronaut who uses a prosthetic. It's a powerful sign that space exploration is becoming more inclusive and more human. A Few Fascinating Facts from Space Space shuttles fly at 28,000 km/h: that’s Nyon to Zurich in under a minute! Apollo 11 landed on the moon on 20–21 July 1969. There’s no clear line where Earth ends and Space begins. It's more of a gradual transition. Echo 1 , launched in 1960, was one of the first visible satellites and deeply influenced a young Claude Nicollier. More Than Just a Business Park This event also highlighted how A-One Business Park is evolving. Beyond its modern offices, it’s becoming a space where people come together. For talks, meet-ups and community events like this one so we can learn, connect, and occasionally hear from someone who’s been to space and back! And with panoramic views over Lake Geneva, even the most grounded of us can feel a little inspired. Claude Nicollier’s message wasn’t just about rockets or orbits. It was about perspective. On risk, on wonder, and what it means to work together toward something greater than ourselves. Whether you’re launching satellites or startups, that’s a message worth hearing.

The Night is Beautiful - Nyon Photo: www.lanuitestbelle.org Nyon once again dims its lights for the fifth edition of 'La Nuit est Belle!' This annual event invites residents and visitors to rediscover the charm of the night while raising awareness about light pollution and energy conservation.​ What's Happening in Nyon? From the evening of Friday 11th until the early hours of Saturday morning, Nyon will switch off its public lighting, creating a unique nocturnal atmosphere. But the darkness isn't just about turning off the lights; it's also an invitation to engage in a series of special nighttime activities:​ Château de Nyon (7:30 PM – 10:30 PM):  Grab your flashlight and embark on a moonlit tour around the castle's ramparts and gardens. It's a rare opportunity to experience the historic silhouette of the château under the night sky. ​ Musée du Léman (7:30 PM – 10:30 PM):  Ever wondered what lake creatures do after dark? Join aquarium specialists to delve into the nocturnal world of Lake Geneva's aquatic life. ​ Musée Romain (6:30 PM – 10:30 PM):  Step into the realm of Hecate, the moon goddess, and explore ancient myths and legends in a torch-lit setting.  Open-Air Documentary Screening (8:00 PM):  Head to the Stand district for an outdoor viewing of "Where Have the Fireflies Gone?" Remember to dress warmly; hot drinks will be available to keep you cozy. ​ Candlelit Dinners:  Several local restaurants will offer meals by candlelight, enhancing the evening's ambiance. It's the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a peaceful meal with friends. ​ Safety First While the dimmed lights create a magical environment, it's essential to stay safe:​ Drivers:  Please reduce your speed to a maximum of 30 km/h within Nyon during the event.​ Pedestrians and Cyclists:  Equip yourselves with reflective gear or carry a flashlight to ensure visibility.​ Join the Movement Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by turning off or dimming their own lights. This collective effort not only enhances the experience but also contributes to the broader goal of reducing light pollution.​ For more details and to register for specific events, visit the official Nyon website or the La Nuit est Belle! page . Embrace the night and discover Nyon in a whole new light!

It's taking place on the 29th of March, and it promises to be a memorable evening. This event is jointly organised by " Tous Unis Pour L'enfance " (TUPE) and the Mondial de Fondue are joining forces to organise the very first Fondue charity event on the 29th of March in Beaulieu Lausanne. The evening will bring together over 1,500 participants with the goal strengthening the network of associations. It's looking to foster exchanges between local associations in the french speaking part of Switzerland.. Thanks to the Piguet auction house there will be a raffle and auction lots will be made available. The funds collected will be donated to partner associations and will also allow us to perpetuate this biennial event in Lausanne. Celebration of Swiss traditions: Offering a friendly experience around fondue and artistic performances. Village of associations: Stands will allow associations to present their actions and interact with participants. · Swiss tradition: Guests will be able to enjoy fondues prepared by experts · Artistic performances: Live concerts with renowned artists such as Kendji and Danny Brillant but also countless French-speaking Swiss mobilized for the occasion with Stéphane, Aliose, Gjon’s Tears, Igor Blaska, Shana Pearson, Stevans, Noa R. and Fanny Leeb. o Varied entertainment for all ages, creating a festive and warm atmosphere. Doors open from 5:30 p.m. and fondue starts as of from 6:30 p.m. Rates Adults CHF57 Children under 12: 1/2 price Children under 6: Free Reservarions: Add price Billetterie https:// www.qoqa.ch/fr/offers/71214 Mondial de fondue https:// www.mondialfondue.com/ Save your seats, feel the Swissness flow through you and make a difference by providing your much needed support to the host of charities in our area!

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