Grand tour of Switzerland, from Geneva to the Matterhorn

Since 1994, when MAMCO (Musée d'art moderne et contemporain) was opened, the Les Bains quarter has gradually transformed into an incredible laboratory of contemporary art. Take a stroll past the windows of the many galleries which have opened in this now-trendy area. Three times a year, the Les Bains neighbourhood association organises a special preview event involving all of these avant-garde galleries, known as 'La nuit des bains'.

In the Swiss capital of Art Nouveau, it has to be said La Chaux-de-Fonds hides its treasures out of sight. But curious travelers know to push open the doors to discover superb stairwells, colored stained glass windows, tiles and other curved ironwork made at the beginning of the last century. The tourist office can help you find these decorations, known as ‘fir tree style'. Guided tours are also organized in Summer.

A dozen artisans in this small region continue to distil this famous plant, which is both bitter and highly scented. Banned from sale for almost a century (permission to distil it again was not granted until 2005), this drink has become an attraction once more. Tours including tastings are available, and there is the possibility of custom distilling according to old recipes. You are certain to see a sign advertising the 'Green Fairy' at the side of the road.

Leave the motorway on the right and take the road which runs along the lake from Montreux to Geneva. The beauty of Lake Geneva is enhanced by the Alps, and this view is unique in the world.

From the medieval Schipfe district to the banks of the river, Zurich promises a cosmopolitan culture-rich city where life is good. Art lovers will appreciate the collection of modern art at the famed Kunsthaus Zürich. And fans of electronic music will be in heaven at the Street Parade, the world's biggest techno festival held on the shores of the lake. Feel like a trip to this urban culture hub? How could you resist a few runs down the ski slopes less than an hour away?

The Emma Kunz Grotto sits in the Ancient Roman quarries of Würenlos and is where culture meets wellness. This is where artist and well-known healer Emma Kunz (1892-1963) discovered the healing stone AION A. Reputed to help heal all sorts of inflammation, people make pilgrimages to the rock to find calm and inner peace.

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world, for more than 100 years, this little red train has been winding through the heart of a sublime setting where tunnels, bridges and suspended viaducts follow one another. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the railway showcases another side to the Swiss Alps that's both beautiful and wild. 

From Leukerbad, the road goes down towards Inden, through the village of Rumeling, before turning to the west. At this point you ride along a spectacular precipice. This stretch of road is as memorable as it is short.

Experience the story of Heidi, the little heroines in Johanna Spyri's children's book published in 1880. The walk takes about an hour along a marked trail that winds between mountains and fields as you visit key locations from the little girl's tale. You can begin and end your journey at the top station on the Pardiel gondola. A wonderful family excursion!!

Zermatt is known for its 360 km (220 miles) of year-round ski slopes and it's home to one of the world's most famous peaks, Matterhorn Mountain, rising to an elevation of 4,478 meters (14,692 ft). Shaped like a pyramid, it is Switzerland's most iconic mountain and one of the most photographed!