LisaCost

So I am trying to organize activities for about 50 guests coming over from the US and Canada for my wedding at the end of September. We have already organized a wine tour/tasting, trip to Lavey le Bains, and a fondue dinner. Are trying to find something fun to do for the day where our guests can get to know one another. Anyone have any ideas that are cheap and kind of specific to Switzerland? Thought about a walk around Montreux and the casino but it doesn't open 'til 4pm. (I know the "parade of cows" is around that time but we are looking for something specifically for Thursday afternoon, Sept. 25th). Any help would be greatly appreciated! Having a hard time finding sites in English. Thanks. [\quote]

Near Leysin is a restaurant named Le Kuklos. It is located on the top of a mountain. What makes it special is that the restaurant revolves in the middle of pristine nature. You can sit on a table the view keeps changing, offering the visitor 180 degree spectacular views of the Swiss Alps all around, Aigle valley to the south, the lake to the west. TeleLeysin offers cable car service to get you there (one can also hike the trails).

The food is good. When I was there, I felt they had a lot of space, even 100+ people should not be problem. There is a deck outside for those who wish to take in the fresh air, see the colors, stroll around and talk. The restaurant used to offer special events, banquet and wedding services to your tastes and budget.

Have fun. All the best.
colorado, Jul 25, 2008 @ 22:21

Thanks for your response. It's funny you mention Kuklos as that's where we are having our wedding reception.



Just not sure what to do the days leading up to the wedding. We have one day now to fill and was thinking of maybe a hike or something else kind of Swiss-centric to fill the time. Does anyone know where I can find the schedule for the parade of cows that takes place at the end of September. And if possible in English?



Thanks again.
LisaCost, Jul 26, 2008 @ 17:48

Depending on the weather and your preferences, one could consider to spend the afternoon in Lausanne by visiting

- the wooden tower in sauvabelin (coffee near by in the restaurant lac de sauvabelin) - websearch "tour de sauvabelin"

- the garden and public (free) part of the olympic museum in ouchy - coffee in the restaurant on top

- the lake and making a boat trip - not expensive if you take the regular boat and go hence and force between Ouchy and (wine tasting in) Lutry for example -

Or when you have a bus for 50 people, and don't have to come back to the same place, you can go one way for example Ouchy-Montreux



Farther away, visiting the Chateau de Gruyere with cheese making factory is always very much appreciated - about cheese making there is a cheesemaking show and small museum (not 50 people) in Leysin

Have you thought about Chateau Chillon near Montreux ?



Good luck with all preparations
jasper, Jul 26, 2008 @ 20:42

Since your guests will be here late Sept., the M2 (new Lausanne Metro) will be open. You should take it from Ouchy (before/after a visit to the Olympic Museum) all the way up to the highway (and return to downtown for a visit/shopping). The M2 will be open as of mid-Aug. with the official opening from the 18-20th of Sept.



The M2 is "unique" in that it uses unmanned trains on rubber tires (exists already in Europe) but with up to a 12% slope (unique). I think that I read that Lausanne is the smallest town in Europe (130k pop.) with a metro.



I am not sure if it is still available, but in 1994 I rented from the TL (Lausanne transit) a very old Paris bus from the 50's (if I remember the age correctly). It has an open back and is quite fun to drive around town in it. You would need to contact the TL to see if it is still running. Key words are "vieux bus Parisian".



Good luck.



Verbier
Verbier, Jul 26, 2008 @ 21:11

In addition to the ideas from Jasper and Verbier, consider a private cruise through Lac Leman. Board the boat from Villeneuve or Chateau Chillon. See a few French towns, Pully, Cully, Vevey and vineyards from the lake... very pretty. CGN offers mixing in Swiss folklore, Jazz, etc. I have treated to this once; my friends and I enjoyed it. 

http://www.cgn.ch/eng/croisieres/votre_croisiere_privee

A lot depends on the amount of time you have, and what folks may like. There is the golden pass panoramic train ride from Montreux... a ride quite spectacular and specific to Switzerland.
colorado, Jul 27, 2008 @ 04:39

Everything sounds good, just trying to keep the cost and traveling time down as everyone will be staying in Leysin and we need to be back at 5pm for Lavey les Bains. Was thinking of free activities like hiking, cow parade... Suppose the Swiss are not big on free or cheap ;)
LisaCost, Jul 27, 2008 @ 11:59

colorado, Jul 27, 2008 @ 19:36

LisaCost (27/07/2008)

Was thinking of free activities like hiking, cow parade... Suppose the Swiss are not big on free or cheap ;) [/quote]

Martigny is close by, and may offer some interesting and convenient options. Its a beautiful town, different from Aigle, on a historic trading route, once popular with Romans, a nice small art and history museum, near by trails, etc

http://www.martigny.com/martigny/switzerland/office-tourism/group-activities.html

Champery is not far from Aigle, with great and memorable hiking trails. A train from Aigle can get you all there... but good trails may need time to enjoy.
colorado, Jul 27, 2008 @ 19:45

[quote]

I am not sure if it is still available, but in 1994 I rented from the TL (Lausanne transit) a very old Paris bus from the 50's (if I remember the age correctly). It has an open back and is quite fun to drive around town in it. You would need to contact the TL to see if it is still running. Key words are "vieux bus Parisian".[/quote]



for renting the bus, the address is: www.retrobus.ch

and the e-mail address is: [email protected]



ciao

marco
marcomarco, Jul 27, 2008 @ 20:23