7 Reasons To Visit The Lake Geneva Region This Fall

1. James Bond Time – Timing is everything, especially for everyone’s favorite fictional spy, James Bond. It is fitting that an exhibition of the timepieces used in the James Bond movies will open this fall at Espace Horloger in Le Sentier in the heart of Swiss watchmaking, the Vallée de Joux.  This interactive museum is dedicated to Swiss timepieces and the James Bond Time exhibit will run from September 17 2016 to  April 23, 2017.

2. Villa le Lac -- A hidden treasure in the Lake Geneva Region, the Swiss architect Le Corbusier designed Villa le Lac, also known as Petite Maison Corseaux, in 1923-24 on the shores of Lake Geneva for his parents. Situated just outside of Vevey, this modernist masterpiece was his first work in Switzerland and was recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. The house is open to visitors on weekends in July and August, or by appointment.

3. nest – The new nest discovery center by Nestlé opened in Vevey this summer to celebrate the company’s 150th anniversary. This is a 32,000 square foot interactive space, with a sculptural ramp that winds through small displays, as well as a life-size tree decorated in over a thousand "flowers" made from crumpled and folded Nestlé packaging. Think Cailler chocolates, Nescafé instant coffee and Maggi stock cubes. These products originated at Nestlé and nest is located just behind the Vevey rail station in the iconic building where Henri Nestlé devised his "Farine Lactée" milk food for infants in 1866. Visit nest for more information.

4. Alimentarium -- Founded by Nestlé, the Alimentarium was the first museum in the world entirely dedicated to food when it opened in 1985. It reopened this summer after a nine month renovation, it has a new permanent exhibition, a multilingual digital archive and a Food Academy where members of the public can take cooking classes. Situated along the waterfront in Vevey, it’s easily spotted by the giant fork sculpture in Lake Geneva. Visit the Alimentarium.

5. L’Italie -- The paddle-boat L’Italie has undergone a year-long renovation and will be relaunched on Lake Geneva in November. This 1908 vessel is one of eight Belle Époque boats of the Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman  (CGN) that link cities and towns on the lake.

6.New Museum Restaurants -- Some of Vaud’s recent gastronomic highlights can be found in the cafes and restaurants of the regions new and reopened museums. They include Café Henri at the nest museum, The Tramp at Chaplin’s World (above)  as well as the café and restaurant of the Alimentarium.

7. Les Trois Ours – A remarkable new B&B in the ski resort of Villars-Gryon, Les Trois Ours offers a small spa with a range of wellness massages, an alfresco hot tub and a “Sauna Cosmic” with a dramatic mountain view. There’s also a Carnotzet, a small lounge adjacent to the wine cellar. Guests can choose from three south facing guestrooms as well as two apartments, and reserve the Saturday evening fondue. Details at Les Trous Ours.

The Lake Geneva Region (Canton of Vaud) is located in the French-speaking part of Western Switzerland. Visitors come for the history and the rich culture, but also for wine tastings in the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps. They dine in celebrated Michelin-starred restaurants and local brasseries and visit lively farmers markets. Outdoor opportunities are endless, from skiing to hiking, biking and walking in the mountains and boating or swimming in Lake Geneva. Visit the Lake Geneva Region for more information.

The Best Place To Experience The James Bond Lifestyle Is In Monaco

You too can experience the glamour, excitement and jetset lifestyle of James Bond by visiting one of the most glamorous Bond locations - Monaco! The Principality’s landmarks, museums and even the Belle Époque buildings reflect the colorful history of this storied nation on the French Riviera and provide the perfect backdrop for a Bond getaway.

With the release of Spectre, on November 6, here are tips on how you too can live the life of 007 in this enchanted Principality – at least for one weekend.

Heli Port■ 

Literally swoop into Monaco via helicopter and make your grand entrance. Just a quick seven-minute trip from Nice (and not much more expensive than a taxi ride) can start your jetset weekend feeling like a million bucks – or a bit like James Bond. From your perch you will see the beautiful and spellbinding views of this mesmerizing destination – from the Prince’s Palace on “The Rock,” to the yachts in the harbor and many restaurants, museums, hotels and homes.

Monte-Carlo Casino■

Take a selfie as you walk up the steps of one of the most famous cultural landmarks in the world, the Monte Carlo Casino &Opera House, designed by the architect of the Paris Opera House, Charles Garnier, and featured in Never Say Never Again starring Sean Connery andGolden Eye starring Pierce Brosnan. Visitors from around the globe can walk through the famous Casino Square full of Ferraris, Bentleys, Aston Martins and Lamborghinis and then tour the Casino de Monte-Carlo in the mornings and court Lady

Luck at the Casino’s gaming tables at night. Try your hand at Baccarat (a Bond favorite) or Roulette and let the magic begin. Don’t forget – men – jacket and tie if you visit in the evening!

Yachts and Speedboats■ 

Perhaps make your entrance by jetting into Monaco on a speedboat, much like 007 is doing in Spectre. Monaco’s Port Hercule provides the perfect backdrop, and opportunity, to do so under the sparkling Mediterranean sky. Take a look at the many beautiful yachts who call it their home.

The Museum of Antique Automobiles■ 

Visit the Bond-type automobiles in The Museum of Antique Automobiles. The private collection of the late H.S.H. Prince Rainier’s exquisitely restored vintage cars from all over the world represent almost every decade since the invention of the automobile. 

Refined Gastronomy■

And don’t forget a fine dining meal at one of Monaco’s restaurants, six of which feature a combined nine Michelin stars. Among the myriad exceptional experiences to be found in Monaco, dining is just one of the Principality’s many pleasures and there is no other location in the world where so much epicurean distinction can be found within less than a square mile.

Although the range of fare is international, Monaco boasts its own Monégasque cuisine: a flavorful fusion of southern French (especially Provençal and Niçoise) and northern Italian, excellent quality, legendary wine cellars and martinis - shaken not stirred!