Last weekend, we went on our first day trip since arriving in Switzerland!
Even though the weather was a little wet and chilly — which basically has been the weather the entire month of May, off and on — we hopped on the train, traveled some 15 minutes and ended up in the picture-perfect coastal city of Nyon.
I’m planning on this being a regular view– us heading out early on a day trip! 
Hi train! 
Q loved her first train ride ever 💕
Nyon is located just north of Geneva and was founded by Julius Caesar between 45 and 27 BC. (It was called Noviodunum back then.) Nods to the city’s Roman heritage can be found throughout, including a well-regarded Roman museum and a courtyard appearance by the one and only Caesar. There’s also the stunning sight of columns perched high atop the Esplanade des Marronniers overlooking the lake.
Giant street art out near the Roman museum 
Evie was in awe of the columns 
Caesar!
Besides the Roman history, there’s a super cute old town area with winding cobblestone streets lined with cafes, bakeries and stores. And we lucked out to visit on a Saturday when the farmers market was in full swing. (I do love a good farmers market!)
Cute view of Old Town 
(Evie took this photo!) 
It might have been a grey day, but the city’s planters made the scene lively 
Trying to get both kids to smile on cue is like trying to brush a toddler’s hair… impossible. But I’ll keep trying! 
Nyon’s farmers market sprawled throughout OId Town 
Picture perfect gallery draped in wisteria 
Can you spot the reason for this photo? 
Scott heading through the back alleys of Nyon 
Scott found this hip spot with fresh eats like avocado toast
Follow the streets and you’ll find a medieval castle at the end of a picturesque public square that has a great view of the waterfront from above.
A castle! 
Check out this view! (Entry is free – just walk right in!) 
A view of the castle as we headed down to the waterfront 
Evie and I are dwarfed by the big building
Continue downhill from the castle, and you’ll find more old town charm along with a picturesque waterfront. (There’s a scenic walkway right next to the castle that will take you right down to the waterfront.) We strolled along the lake a bit and ended up at a park that’s perfect for younger kids, which conveniently had some outdoor bars right next door… a perfect combo for weary parents. 🤪
The walkway down to the waterfront 
Wisteria hysteria! 
Down, down, down 
Cool old building 
The buildings down near the waterfront proved to be just as charming as those in Old Town above. 
I loved this quirky, colorful building 
Walking along the waterfront promenade 
A view back towards the castle 
Ice cream break — who cares about the chilly weather? 
Perfect spot to take cover from the drizzle 
Quinn was happy to break out of the stroller for a bit
It was a GREAT day trip, and there’s more to see. We’ll be back to Nyon again soon!