There are lots of events coming up in Nyon and the surrounding area in the final week of September. Cow Parades, Nyon’s wine festival, Autumn Fair, a massive (free) family spectacle in Geneva and a Venetian Carnival in Coppet!
On Saturday 30th September it’s the Désalpe in St-Cergue. This annual ceremony is a tradition in Switzerland and marks the start of Autumn. The “Désalpe” means the descent of the cows from the hills down to the lower pastures to be wintered inside barns. Traditional folk music, flag twirling, stands with food and wine are all on offer including artisanal products.
This is a must-see event if you are new to the region. Cows are decorated with flowers and headdresses and paraded through the village, note the first herd of cows comes through the village at 08:30!
On Friday the 29th September, the Wine Festival begins in Nyon and continues until Saturday the 30th in the Place du Château.There’s lots on the programme for both days.
Note – the picking and pressing of the grapes from the vines near to the château takes place around 15:00 (after the official ceremony at 14:30).
Also on Saturday the 30th, it’s the Autumn Fair/ Octoberfest in Place Bel-Air in Nyon. Stalls, markets and autumn produce. Market open from 08:00 -18:00 Bars open until 22:00 (depending on the météo!)
There will be a Venetian Carnival in Coppet from the 30th October- 1st September. More info here
Further afield in Geneva this weekend there will be a massive spectacle in Geneva called “Saga of the Giants”.
Enormous puppets over seven metres tall will walk through the town on the 29th, 30th and 1st October.
What’s it all about? There is an excellent explanation here and more details on the Know-it-all passport site
