Why is this fish everywhere in Nyon?
This fish which is on flags and signs all around Nyon is a symbol of the town. Most folk think it is a perch but it is called a “poisson d’argent” which translates as a “silver fish”. A fish was chosen for the flag as orginally Nyon was a small town of fisherman on the lake. The anecdote goes that (the flag) with the fish on the red and blue background , symbolises the fish going from blue of the lake to the red heat of the cooking pot!
However, perch is one of the local specialities here and it is caught in lake in the summer. Served in fillets with chips (french fries) and lemon butter sauce and salad, it’s delicious. There are some small fishermens’ huts along the lake side where you can buy freshly caught fish by the kilo.
Stuart Orr says
Hi Katherine,
Hope all is well. Quick question regarding the fish flag – where can i buy one of these?
Thanks Stu
Catherine Nelson-Pollard says
Hello Stuart, I am assuming you mean the council one with the perch on it. As far as I’m aware, they are not for sale, they are the official Nyon council symbol. I guess you could approach the council and ask them if it is possible to purchase one, or the tourist office. Let me know how you get on. Kind regards Catherine