This calm lakeside town on Lake Geneva has a medieval castle, Roman ruins, and a busy central square. Locals swim and sail in summer, making it a relaxed day-trip from Geneva.
Nyon sits on the shores of Lake Geneva, 25 kilometers from Geneva city center. Walk through its medieval streets to discover a 13th-century castle, Roman columns from the ancient Noviodunum settlement, and active vineyards. The town comes alive during the summer Paléo Festival, while UEFA's headquarters brings an international presence year-round. Local residents gather at the twice-weekly market and stroll along the lakeside promenade with views of Mont Blanc.
Getting to Nyon
Trains run every 15 minutes between Geneva and Nyon, with the journey taking just 15 minutes. You can also arrive by boat from other Lake Geneva ports or drive via the A1 motorway. The Geneva airport is 30 minutes away by train.
Walking Through Nyon
Start at the market square, where 18th-century Bernese arcades line the streets. Follow the medieval lanes down to the waterfront promenade, where Mont Blanc rises 4,808 meters above the lake's southern shore. In summer, swim at the public beaches or take boat trips across the lake.
Museums and Historical Sites
The Nyon Castle rises above the old town, housing the Museum of History and Porcelain with its collection of locally-made 18th-century ceramics. Near the lake, three Corinthian columns mark the site of the Roman colony of Noviodunum. Visit the Roman Museum to see everyday objects, coins, and tools from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD. The Museum of Lake Geneva (Musée du Léman) exhibits historical boats and maintains aquariums with local fish species.
Wine and Local Food
The hillsides around Nyon belong to La Côte wine region, where vineyards produce Chasselas white wines. Local restaurants pair lake perch and arctic char with these regional wines. The Route du Vignoble (Wine Route) connects the vineyards between Nyon and Morges - you can walk or cycle this 24-kilometer path through the vineyards.
Festivals and Events
The Paléo Festival brings over 250,000 visitors to Nyon each July, with concerts in L'Asse field outside town. During April's Visions du Réel film festival, documentary screenings take place in venues across town. Les Hivernales brings music and winter activities to Nyon during the cold months.
Day Trips from Nyon
The NStCM railway climbs from Nyon to Saint-Cergue in the Jura mountains, where hiking paths crisscross the peaks and ski runs operate in winter. Regular boats cross to Yvoire, a French medieval town with stone houses and flower-covered walls. The 3-hour Toblerone Trail follows a line of World War II concrete barriers - triangular fortifications that look like the famous Swiss chocolate - through woods and fields south of Nyon.
