{"id":45375,"date":"2022-09-19T12:07:21","date_gmt":"2022-09-19T16:07:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/?p=45375"},"modified":"2026-03-10T11:26:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T15:26:36","slug":"switzerland-between-city-and-nature-with-jean-michel-dufaux","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/travel\/switzerland-between-city-and-nature-with-jean-michel-dufaux\/","title":{"rendered":"Switzerland: Between City and Nature with Jean-Michel Dufaux"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The borders are reopening and many of you are probably looking for an adventure. Why not Switzerland? We asked Jean-Michel Dufaux, collaborator of the most recent national campaign for Switzerland Tourism and author of the book \u201cMon ann\u00e9e \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9tranger,\u201d Let\u2019s find out more about the must-see places for a first journey to the country of the Helvetians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basel<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Basel---SUP-on-the-Rhine-River\"
SUP on the Rhine in Basel
Photo: Switzerland Tourism<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It is the capital of culture in Switzerland. I love the style of the city, it is trendy, wall art is everywhere, not to mention that it is the birthplace of Art Basel, the international art fair. I think it\u2019s a very interesting city to kick off your journey. The city can be visited by foot only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay: <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hotel M\u00e4rthof
<\/span><\/b>Marktgasse 19
CH-4051 B\u00e2le<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to eat:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caf\u00e9 fr\u00fchling
<\/b>Klybeckstrasse 69
<\/span>4057 B\u00e2le<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sandoase
<\/b>Westquaistrasse 75
<\/span>4057 B\u00e2le<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not miss out on: <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Art Basel, mid-June every year
<\/b>Messe Basel
Messeplatz 10
4058 B\u00e2le<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geneva<\/b> (on the article cover)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We often think of Geneva as a calm destination, but it is a much more bustling place than one might think. It is also a French-speaking city. There is Gen\u00e8ve Plage where you can do several sports including paddle boarding or simply enjoy the bar and food. It doesn\u2019t feel like Switzerland at all. It disrupts the conservative angle under which the country is always shown. The whole region of Lake Geneva was a sight, but the city of Geneva is the true gem. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

H\u00f4tel Bristol
<\/b>Rue du Mont-Blanc 10
CH-1201 Gen\u00e8ve<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to eat:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Les Armures
<\/b>Rue Otto Barban
1204 Gen\u00e8ve<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Barista Lab
<\/b>Boulevard de Saint-Georges 8
CH-1205 Gen\u00e8ve<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not miss out on:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eaux-Vives Beach
<\/b>The Geneva Water Fountain<\/p>\n\n\n\n

International Watchmaking Museum
<\/span><\/b>Rue des Mus\u00e9es 29
2301 La Chaux-de-Fonds<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The canton of Valais \u2014 Zermatt<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Val-d'Anniviers---Valais---Switzerland\"
Val d’Anniviers in the Valais
Photo: Switzerland Tourism<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Here is a classic, where the famous Matterhorn rises with its ever-impressing crest. We find in this canton the mythical landscapes of Switzerland and it is a wonderful destination, as much for its wines (by the way, the Vall\u00e9e du Rh\u00f4ne wine takes root in Switzerland) as for its food. In addition, speaking of wines, you will find magnificent cuv\u00e9es to taste. You wouldn\u2019t think that Swiss viniculture is of exceptional quality, but the whole valley of Rhone bathes in sunshine, which provides the optimal conditions for the production of excellent Pinots Noirs. It\u2019s like the Napa Valley of Switzerland. Note that Zermatt is a 100% car-free city. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof
<\/span><\/b>Bahnhofstrasse 55
3920 Zermatt<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to eat:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Omnia
<\/b>Auf dem Fels
3,920 Zermatt<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not miss out on:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gornergrat
<\/b>Highest open-air cog railway in Europe. Runs all year round. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gstaad<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Switzerland---Glacier-3000---Jean-Michel-Dufaux\"
Jean-Michel Dufaux at Glacier 3000
Photo: Beno\u00eet Chamberland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Here, it\u2019s all about diversity. With its upscale hotels, gourmet restaurants, luxury chalets and proximity to gigantic glaciers, this is the perfect destination for lovers of the great outdoors. You can even do summer cross-country skiing at Glacier 3000. Together with its sister regions, Interlaken and Grindelwald, these three regions are truly the quintessence of Switzerland. Don\u2019t miss the chance to taste a cheese-tomato fondue, it\u2019s even better than just cheese!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

H\u00f4tel Waldhaus
<\/b>CH \u20143992 Bettmeralp<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to eat:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Alpina Gstaad
<\/span><\/b>Alpinastrasse 23
3780 Gstaad<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not miss out on:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glacier 3000
<\/b>Route du Pillon 253
1865 Les Diablerets<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Switzerland for Sports Lovers<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s climbing, kayaking, skiing, or hiking, there are activities for all levels. Switzerland is truly a breath of fresh air for outdoor sports enthusiasts. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting Around in Switzerland<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s really easy to get around without a car, especially since some cities completely ban them. By taking public transport, be it trains or busses, everything is beautifully orchestrated, and it is easy to move everywhere, regardless of the time of day or whether you are in the city or in the country side.  <\/span>(Editor’s Note: The Swiss Travel Pass<\/a> is a travel essential in Switzerland.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Switzerland in General<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What makes Switzerland so charming is that the country is a perfect meddle of different languages and cultures, in a very small and safe country of eight million inhabitants, a bit like in Quebec. There are so many cultural riches in the cantons and the different cities, it feels like we are on top of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FIND OUT MORE<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Switzerland---Jean-Michel-Dufaux\"
Jean-Michel Dufaux \u00e0 Basel
Photo: Beno\u00eet Chamberland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Switzerland Tourism myswitzerland.com<\/a>
<\/i>Jean-Michel Dufaux<\/a>, Mon ann\u00e9e \u00e0 l\u2019\u00e9tranger<\/a> (in french)<\/i> at \u00e9ditions Parfum d\u2019encre.
For travel to Switzerland, the main airline is Swiss<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vous pouvez \u00e9galement jeter un oeil sur les diff\u00e9rentes vid\u00e9os que M. Dufaux a fait pour Tourisme Suisse dans cette liste de lecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n