TRAVEL SPECIAL ......SWITZERLAND'S LAKE GENEVA REGION

SWITZERLAND'S LAKE GENEVA REGION

Ranveer Singh has been giving us some serious travel goals with his trips to Switzerland with Swiss Tourism. The actor gives us an inside view of his latest vacation to the picturesque Lake Geneva region

Located in the French-speaking part of western Switzerland, the Lake Geneva region is a treasure trove of experiences. Here is Ranveer’s take on everything you need to know about this unexplored gem that will make you fall #inLOVEwithSWITZERLAND.

MONTREUX THE JEWEL IN THE SWISS RIVIERA’S CROWN

Speaking of this beautiful resort town, Ranveer Singh said, “Montreux, also called the Pearl of the Swiss Riviera, took me by surprise. Known for its famous jazz festival this city, on the shores of Lake Geneva, has been the inspiration for many famous musicians including our very own Parsi boy, Freddie Mercury. His statue overlooking the azure lake looks like he is still seeking inspiration. The city is an ode to music, food and the good life. To just sit in one of its lakefacing cafés on its beautiful promenade and watch the world go by is an ideal way to slow down and enjoy life.”

Montreux is also the starting point for the GoldenPass Line as well as the Chocolate Train and is just a few minutes away from Chillon Castle. This 13th century castle that is the most visited historic building in Switzerland has been the inspiration for many poets and authors including Lord Byron who wrote The Prisoner of

Chillon here. Chaplin’s World in Vevey is just a short drive away from Montreux. Opened in 2016, this engaging museum celebrates the life and work of the iconic comic-star, Charlie Chaplin. Split between the Manoir de Ban mansion where Chaplin spent 25 years and a Hollywood-style interactive studio, the exhibits include multimedia displays, excerpts from Chaplin’s films, recreations of film sets, family photos and other evocative memorabilia right down to Chaplin’s trademark hat and cane.

Paying tribute to his favourite comic-star, Ranveer said, “Being an avid fan of the legend that is Charlie Chaplin, I was eagerly looking forward to visiting Chaplin’s World. This one-of-a-kind interactive museum, once home to the comic genius, is dedicated to his life and contribution to cinema. What caught my attention instantly was his quote on a wall that read – ‘A day without laughter is a day wasted’. It is a philosophy I try.

A ONE-OF-ITS-KIND MUSEUM Chaplin’s World in Vevey celebrates the life and work of the iconic comic-star, Charlie Chaplin and follow in my life as well. For me, he’s always been the greatest cinematic auteur and I couldn’t be more honoured to pay tribute to one of the most multi-faceted and gifted creators who wrote, starred, directed, edited, produced and composed for a majority of his films, making him the most original creator in the movies.”

LAUSANNE

THE OLYMPIC CAPITAL

Lausanne is home to the Olympic Museum, the cornerstone of Olympism – sport, art and education come together through its ultra-modern, interactive facilities. Lausanne is also one of the leading gastronomic cities with traditional as well as avantgarde new age restaurants.

Mesmerised by the charm of the city, Ranveer said, “Lausanne is a city of contrasts that just beckons you. Compact, diverse, and full of surprises, Lausanne is a beautiful blend of the old and the new. On the one hand, there is the city’s Gothic Old Town with its majestic Lausanne Cathedral, which takes you back to an era gone by; on the other the neighbourhoods of the Chi Chi Lakeside, Ouchy and Flon, reflect the city’s hip, urban culture. I explored the city by taking a long relaxing walk. I loved its upbeat vibe, its delectable aromas, hectares of gardens, unbelievable views and a fantastic waterfront.”

This quaint city is also known for its boat cruises and after a serene ride along the blue waters Ranveer shared his experiences saying, “There is something therapeutic about sailing in one of the most spectacular Belle

Époques - paddle steamboats on Switzerland’s largest lake. The unique experience on the boat makes for a refreshing summer activity and is perfect for those ‘selfie’ moments as you pass by a line of magnificent views of the Lake Geneva region one after another. The relaxing humming rhythm of the steam boat, the serenity of the water overlooking the beautiful vistas of the region… What an amazing way to spend a day!”

LAVAUX VINEYARDS

A TASTE OF SWISS WINE

The stunning Lavaux vineyards between Montreux and Lausanne that are home to the Chasselas white grape are the ideal place to sample Swiss wine. You can tour the vineyards in the mini train Lavaux Express or just walk or even bike through the vineyards like Ranveer did. Speaking about his love for vineyards, Ranveer said, “Swiss wines are the world’s best kept secret. The Lavaux vineyards, Switzerland’s largest wine-growing region, are a Unesco World Heritage Site. I experienced these beautiful sun-kissed terraces spread across 800 hectares of land. The dynamic uphill and downhill trails gave me an in-depth feel of local life as I rode my bike through narrow alleys, visited wine cellars, traditional winegrowers, mountain homes and quaint villages and restaurants. But you can’t really experience a country in the true sense until you have had a go at the local food. After all that cycling and working up a sweat, I gorged on local delicacies, paired with a spectacular glass of wine from the region and what a wonderful end that was to our Lavaux trip.”

GLACIER 3000

AN ALPINE EXCURSION FOR ALL TO ENJOY

After all that culture, food and wine an exciting excursion to Glacier 3000 with the highest situated alpine coaster in the world is a must.

Talking about his thrilling experience at Glacier 3000, Ranveer said, “Any holiday to Switzerland is incomplete without a snow experience and Glacier 3000 is a must-visit excursion in this region! You take a cable car up to the top to reach the glacier that has snow throughout the year. I tried the snowbus, which takes you across the glacier and, I also took a ride on a husky-pulled sledge. The snow, the blue skies and the huskies made for a wonderful experience. But in terms of adventure, the peak walk was the icing on the cake. The amazing suspension bridge provides a 360-degree view of 24 snow-capped 4,000-metre high giants.”

GOLDENPASS TRAIN

Any trip to the Lake Geneva region would be incomplete without a train journey on the GoldenPass Line especially the newly launched - ‘Ranveer on Tour’ train. The train’s large windows offer sweeping, panoramic views of the changing landscapes, taking you through lakes, mountains and vineyards.

Snow-capped mountains, vineyards clinging to hillsides, unique world-class hotels, ancient castles and cathedrals, creative culinary experiences, snowy adventures and the sound of cowbells tinkling in the meadows, all combine to make the Lake Geneva region a truly amazing summer travel destination. 

HTBR 17JN18