When Nyon Turns Off the Lights
For one weekend in October, Nyon will look at night differently.
From Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October, the Nyon will take part in the sixth edition of La Nuit est belle!, a Grand Genève event designed to raise awareness of light pollution, energy consumption and the effects of artificial light on the natural world.
During the weekend, Nyon’s public lighting will be switched off, with the exception of pedestrian crossings. The change will create an opportunity to observe the night sky, discover the city’s nocturnal wildlife and experience familiar places under very different conditions.
This year’s theme is “Water… at night”, with a programme of free activities taking place across the city.
Friday 9 October: the sky, museums and a lantern-lit past
The evening begins with a chance to look beyond the town. At the Ferme du Manoir, Gaël Ottoni will give a public lecture entitled “A Universe on a Large Scale” from 18:00 to 19:30. Participants will receive an observation kit after the talk.
From 19:45 to 23:30, four astronomers will guide a telescope observation session on the Place du Château. An inflatable planetarium will also be set up in front of the Ferme du Manoir from 19:00 to 22:00. Indoor activities will be available if the weather does not cooperate. Registration is required for these activities.
Nyon’s museums will also take part in the evening. From 18:30, the Roman Museum will invite visitors to discover the world of Hecate, goddess of the Moon, by moonlight and torchlight. Registration is required. At the Musée du Léman, visitors can explore the museum and its surroundings from 18:30 to 22:30. The programme includes phosphorescent drawings, torch-lit visits, a look at the aquariums in the moonlight, nocturnal animal observation and the chance to listen to the sounds of Lake Geneva.
No registration is required for the Musée du Léman activities.
At Chez Théophile on Route de l’Etraz, a family-friendly route will recreate the atmosphere of the lantern-lit past. Visitors can explore the former perfume factory built in 1900 by Théophile Mühlethaler, with an animated tour by the light of a traditional magic lantern.
The visit runs from 18:00 to 20:00 and includes an olfactory workshop called “Smell with Your Eyes Closed.” Registration and further information are available at cheztheophile.ch.
Saturday 10 October: light, water and the natural world
On Saturday evening, the Service du territoire and Radiance35 will lead a night-time walk focused on Nyon’s lighting plan. Taking place from 20:00 to 21:30, the walk will explore the role of lighting in the city, including questions around safety in public spaces and the impact of artificial light on biodiversity and ecosystems.
The walk begins at the NStCM Les Plantaz stop and ends at the Place du Château, where a drink will be served. Places are limited to 30 people and registration is required. The Région de Nyon will also organise a twilight walk along the local waterways in Nyon and Gland, led by naturalist and biologist Frank Rein.
The Nyon walk begins at 19:00 at Route de Clémenty 48. Participants will learn more about local waterways and nocturnal nature, with the possibility of observing bats along the way.
The activity is free, but registration is required.
Dinners by candlelight
Two Nyon restaurants, Le Dôme and La Puccia, will also take part throughout the weekend by reducing or switching off their lighting and offering candlelit dinners. It is another way to experience the event: with less artificial light, more attention to the food, the atmosphere and the people around the table.
What to know before you go
The reduced lighting will change conditions for people travelling around the city. The Ville de Nyon is asking pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to take extra care. Drivers are asked not to exceed 30 km/h within the municipality during the event. Residents, shops and businesses are also encouraged to reduce or switch off their own lighting wherever possible.
A longer-term conversation for local businesses
La Nuit est belle! is also being used to encourage businesses to think beyond one weekend.
Together with the Société Industrielle et Commerciale de Nyon, the Ville de Nyon is asking local companies to consider how they can reduce light pollution and energy consumption over the longer term.
For small and medium-sized businesses, SI Nyon offers the free Éco-PME programme. This includes a visit from an energy specialist, a personalised action plan and regular follow-up to help businesses reduce consumption and identify potential savings. SI Nyon is also offering a PEIK energy audit until 31 December 2026. The audit helps businesses identify suitable energy-efficiency measures. According to the City, this type of audit will become compulsory for medium-sized electricity consumers when the new energy law comes into force on 1 January 2027.
For the full programme, registration details and information for businesses, visit nyon.ch/lanuitestbelle or lanuitestbelle.org.
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