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The wide open spaces of Switzerland are waiting to be discovered seated on one of the world’s most beautiful bikes. Nothing else sounds like a Harley gliding through the lakes and mountain pastures. Exiting Geneva, on our right, Lake Geneva’s shores open onto the Lavaux terraced vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Following a reviving stop in the spas of Leukerbad, we cross a canyon landscape on the way to Martigny forest where works by Gauguin, Modigliani and Picasso are tucked away. After Lugano, the hairpin bends of Route 560 lead on towards beautiful Italy and the famous Simplon Pass. The route continues in the direction of the Urseren Valley and the legendary Gotthard Pass. Finally, we take a westerly turn to Neuchâtel, before riding back down to the shores of Lake Geneva. Park your Harley in front of the Grand Hôtel du Lac. Vevey, another adventure begins...
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur: suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
*Total price provided for information only, based on accommodation for two people in a double room for the number of nights per property as indicated on this page, exclusive of recommended activities, properties that cannot be reserved online and restaurants.
Hotel and restaurant in town. On the shores of Lake Geneva, close to Lavaux with its terraced vineyards, which have been listed as world heritage site by the Unesco, this timeless hotel offers a unique universe, which celebrates the past of this grand historical residence and combines it with subtle contemporary flourishes. An intimate and serene setting, a fine gourmet cuisine at the restaurant “Les Saisons”, local inspirations at the restaurant “La Véranda”, a terrace with a panorama view of the lake at the “Marina”, an outdoor pool and the "Dr. Burgener Switzerland Care & Spa", all offering moments of pleasure and relaxation.
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Restaurant in a village. Carlo Crisci’s cuisine provides endless joy. This Chef’s passion for innovation pushes him to look with unflagging curiosity for everything that could serve his imagination. Wild herbs, exotic spices and molecular gastronomy have all inspired him without ever detracting from his respect for products. He has been at the Cerf for 30 years and never stops innovating, whilst always remaining loyal to the classical basis of his great cuisine. His passion for the arts is reflected in the china specially designed in collaboration with great craftsmen and in his compositions which are a delight both for the eyes and the taste buds.
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This old fortress probably dates back to the 11th century. Known for having been at the centre of an illustrious battle between the soldiers of Charles the Bold and the Swiss army in 1476, the château has had a succession of unusual incarnations over the last two centuries. It housed a barracks, then a tobacco factory, before being (partially) converted into a car museum. Today, you can admire the impressive collection of weapons and armour as well as the collectable cars. Don’t miss Greta Garbo’s Rolls-Royce or Winston Churchill’s Austin Cambridge Saloon.
The route from Oron to Yverdon via Moudon is a very beautiful country road. After the Sainte-Croix Pass, enjoy the series of bends and the wide valleys. Located in the little town of Châtel-Saint-Denis, this restaurant is known for its superb fondue. You can get fondue made from pure Vacherin Fribourgeois cheese, or half-and-half (the cheese is produced in the region). On fine days, the terrace becomes a meeting place, where locals, tourists and bikers sit and admire the scenery. You are sure of a warm welcome. Sarah Colliard took over the business from her parents in 2009, keeping the same recipes and adding her smile.
Hotel and restaurant in town. Located in a historic mansion built in 1862, the hotel Beau-Rivage is a haven of peace on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. An ideal starting point to discover the cultural riches of the millenial city and the enchanting scenery around Neuchâtel, the cradle of Swiss watchmaker know-how. Cuisine based on local produce can be savoured at the restaurant “O’Terroirs”, with a panorama view of the lake and the Alps. And do not miss our traditional absinthes. You are very close to the picturesque city of Neuchâtel, whose beautiful yellow sandstone buildings made Alexandre Dumas write that the “city was like a town carved in butter”.
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This little town, of less than 5000 inhabitants, is considered to be the world capital of music boxes. In 1875, the Paillard company employed more than 600 people here. CIMA (Centre International de Mécanique d’Art) houses a unique collection of these little boxes whose melodies have been lulling us to sleep since 1796. The automatons, music boxes and singing birds will take you straight back to childhood.
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.
The journey as far as Le Noirmont
You can continue the journey as far as Le Noirmont, where you will find not only the splendid Relais & Châteaux of Georges Wenger, but also a charming little bistro, right beside the lake. Here you are in the middle of nowhere, on the border between Switzerland and France.
Andermatt is the largest of three villages in the Urseren Valley. It is located at the intersection of roads leading to the Oberalp and Furka mountain passes. But above all it is the setting for a veritable parade of bikers, come to brave (or enjoy) the Gotthard Pass…
Swiss Museum of Transport
Opened in 1959, this surprising museum is devoted to transport in all its forms. Help yourself to a scooter to move around the various buildings, where you will discover the history of rail, road, air and sea transport in a fun and interactive way. A journey which takes in over 3000 objects, and about 20,000 m² of exhibition space.
This is one of Switzerland’s most impressive landscapes. Connecting the cantons of Uri and Ticino, the Gotthard Pass is accessible by road between June and October (depending on snowfall). From Andermatt, a relatively straight road leads to the little village of Hospental, before giving way to a succession of sharp bends and turns leading to the summit, the Hospice and the very beautiful high-altitude lake, located at a height of 2108 metres. Although the traffic may sometimes be heavy, the road remains superb. At the summit, the old cobblestone Gotthard road leads down to Airolo, 13 kilometres lower down the valley. A small museum depicts the history of the pass and the role it played in the creation of the Swiss Confederation, as well as its exceptional location between Switzerland and Italy.
Hotel and restaurant in town. Ticino, Switzerland, is blessed with a balmy climate, stunning scenery and the infinite pleasures of “la dolce vita”. It is a land of lakes and mountains, fabulous food, fine wines and endless leisure pursuits. The elegant Villa Principe Leopoldo is situated on the “Collina d’Oro”, with stunning views over Lake Lugano Bay and the mountains. The villa is characterised by its strong Italian spirit and Mediterranean style, accommodating spacious rooms and suites. The gourmet temple Restaurant Principe Leopoldo offers a cuisine that reveals authenticity, passion and respect for its ingredients, not forgetting tradition and territory.
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Castello del Sole, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, is one of the largest hotel estates in Ticino. It is an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of an expansive park and a bird reserve. The authentic architecture of a southern manor house, refined details like the seating in the park, the private beach on Lake Maggiore and the delightful inner courtyards all contribute to a sense of well-being. The two suite pavilions with the luxurious junior suites and suites are the stuff of which dreams are made. In the restaurant Locanda Barbarossa, the chef delights guests with his Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. Total relaxation is guaranteed in the exclusive spa of 2 500 m².
Opt for route 560 which runs alongside the pretty Melezza river to reach the Simplon Pass from Locarno. You will go through the villages of Bernardo, Intragna and Malesco… in Italy, before returning to the Valais. Superb!
Simplon Pass
At an altitude of 2005 metres, the Simplon Pass is a biker’s dream. The location is splendid and the road is very fast. On 1 May every year, the pass is the setting for a blessing of motorcyclists. Several thousand bikers come together in a very festive atmosphere. And the priest is a biker too!
Moosalp restaurant, Törbel
Set at a height of 2048 metres, this mountain restaurant is one of the favourite meeting places for Harley Davidson fans. This might be because there is a table dedicated to the famous American motorcycle brand. In the kitchen, the owner, Amadé, prepares incredible "biker steaks", rösti and macaroni cheese. A place that is as simple as it is magical.
Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. On the Matterhorn in Zermatt on the Swiss-Italian border, Chalet Schönegg has the charming feel of properties found high in the mountains with raw materials and wood given pride of place inside. Its cosy atmosphere is conducive to relaxation, much like the panoramic view of the mountains in the surrounding area that inspires calmness and peace of mind. Zermatt is a paradise for hikers with more than 400 kilometres of hiking paths through fir trees. When you want to unwind, the Uncorked restaurant serves sophisticated but unpretentious cuisine alongside an 80 strong wine list; the Metry family has been producing its own wine for some four generations.
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Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. A revitalizing bath in the very own thermal hot springs of the Sources des Alpes in the open-air is one of those experiences that are simply unforgettable. All around the springs lies virgin white snow. Hot-stone and essential oil massages, fango, and slimming or sculpting body treatments complete the extensive menu of spa treatments. Moreover, individual slimming diets are proposed. The rooms are spacious and welcoming. In the restaurant, fresh, well-balanced cuisine highlights the flavours of surf and turf. The chef’s personal motto - “be a wise gourmet” - rises to the occasion in this temple of health and well-being.
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In this restaurant, the (local) cuisine holds its own against the incredible view of the turquoise waters of a high-altitude lake. You must try the toasted cheese, the Anniviers sausage cooked in marc of Dôle and the homemade apricot and rosemary tart… A little slice of paradise, less than fifteen minutes by Harley from the village of Grimentz (watch out for the post bus which connects the two!).
From Leukerbad
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.
Fondation Pierre Gianadda, Martigny
More than just a foundation, this is a splendid space in the heart of the forest of Martigny which puts on very beautiful temporary exhibitions. You can discover works by Van Gogh, Manet, Degas, Modigliani, Gauguin, Picasso and many more. The permanent collections feature works by such varied artists as Leonardo da Vinci, Henry Moore, Bourdelle and Arman. It also houses the ten masterpieces of the Louis and Evelyn Franck Collection, a very nice Gallo-Roman museum and a collection of old cars. Classical music concerts are also held here, and Cecilia Bartoli is a regular visitor.
Hotel and restaurant in town. Discovering the beautiful sights of Geneva starts at the Hôtel de la Cigogne, a haven of peace and tranquility in the heart of Geneva’s business centre, only a few steps from the old city, the lake and the cultural district. On place Longemalle, the gilded swan overlooking the door sets the tone of a hotel in which all rooms are different and have been entirely redesigned in a young and dynamic spirit. In culinary terms, you can take a delicious break right in the city centre and sample gourmet treats, now also on the terrace.
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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".
Lake Geneva
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.
The vineyards of Lavaux
This landscape is at once splendid and unexpected. Between Montreux and Lausanne, the terraced vineyards of Lavaux slope towards Lake Geneva, endowing the landscape with unique light and shading. After Vevey, take the vineyard road towards Chexbres. Stop off in this charming little village to visit the restaurant-lounge Le Deck, whose unobstructed view of the lake is spectacular. Cultivated since the 12th century, the vineyards were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The white wine produced here is a real treat for the palate. Enjoy responsibly before continuing your journey…
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