Travel: This charming lakeside town in Switzerland is worth slowing down for
Come spring and it is time for sunny days, warmer temperatures, vibrant colours and of course floral blooms. Tulips, daffodils, wisteria and poppies herald the season often associated with rebirth, rejuvenation and regrowth.
And mention the word tulips and it is not uncommon for one to immediately think of the Keukenhof gardens in Lisse, Netherlands which is a great tourist attraction during spring.
However, if you are looking to enjoy these floral beauties without the crowds and the hassle of entry tickets, head over to Morges in Switzerland. An ideal place to visit in spring, Morges perched on the banks of Lake Geneva is the epitome of the quintessential Swiss charm. With views of the majestic Mount Blanc, the stunning vineyards of the La Côte region and the lush meadows of Parc Jura Vaudois, a regional nature park, Morges is a hidden gem in the Swiss canton of Vaud.
Medieval heritage
Morges is a port town that dates back to the 13th century having been founded by 1286 by Louis of Savoy. A beautiful town that allows you to explore and soak in its vibe at a leisurely pace, Morges is a great idea if you are an advocate of slow travel. Take a stroll along the well laid cobbled paths of the historical old town where you can catch a glimpse of the antiquated buildings, yesteryear fountains as well as the old town hall. The latter was the erstwhile centre of Morges' political life and has been standing tall since 1518. A classic example of Gothic architecture, the townhall building has been recently renovated to accommodate Escape 81 which is a dynamic exhibition space. It serves as a venue for exhibitions spanning art, culture and environment and is managed by the Office of Culture. Escape 81 is free of charge and open all around the year.
The highlight of the old town is the Morges castle built in 1286 by Louis of Savoy and is the perfect example of the 'Savoyard square'. Today, it is an important cultural centre for the region and has been transformed into a military museum. Spread across multiple levels, the museum houses the Artillery Museum displaying an array of firearms, gun carriages, rifles, officer uniforms and scale models of the Swiss artillery. The complex also has the Swiss Museum of Historical Figurines and the Museum of the Vaud Gendarmerie. From the cellars to the rampart walk, the castle's five floors tell the story of Swiss military and defence history from different perspectives, right from the Middle Ages to the present day and forms for an interesting visit. Further, there is also a gallery dedicated to Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) who was a famous Polish pianist and a resident of Morges.
Annual flower festivals
Arguably the most important event in Morges' calendar is the tulip festival (Fête de la Tulipe) that is held in the verdant grounds of Parc de l'Indépendance, which is a park in the town. A yearly affair since 1971, the festival in its 55th edition showcased a riot of colour with close to 150,000 flowers across 350 varieties in full bloom. There are information boards pertaining to the tulip varieties including facts like the name, its flowering period, size etc., which makes the festival engaging. The festival which happens from March to May each year is free for visitors.
Further, the festival also features several events including treasure hunts, workshops like origami for children, music concerts and floral workshops. As part of the exhibition, there are special displays including those of stone sculptures, paintings etc. Tulip bulbs are on sale after the festival. The tulip festival is organised by the Morges Fleur du Léman association and once the tulip season is over, the town gears for its annual Dahlia festival that takes place between July and October.
Tracing the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn
It is a revelation to note that famous British actress and fashion icon, Audrey Hepburn spent a large part of her life in in Tolochenaz, near Morges. Tolochenaz is a quaint village just under 10 km from Morges and it is here that the Roman Holiday actress spent three decades of her life away from the media glare and paparazzi. She also served as a goodwill ambassador for the Unicef from 1988 until her death. As you approach the town, one can spot street art mostly inspired by the renowned artist although there is no documentation supporting the same.
Hepburn was married at Morges town hall before she moved to Tolochenaz where she purchased her sprawling abode named La Paisible. She lived here with her family including her two sons until her death in 1993. While you cannot visit her house, you can see the small yet pretty town square where her bust has been installed. This bronze hued bust has been donated by her sons in 2012 and is often surrounded by her favourite flowers including roses. You can also visit the church of Tolochenaz where her funeral was held.
Go to the Tolochenaz cemetery for a view of her unpretentious grave set amidst those of the other residents of the village. With her name and a bunch of flowers surrounding it, the humble grave is rather surreal given that she was such a huge star. Perhaps it is a reflection and a symbol of the simple life the actress craved all along. It is key to note that every summer there is an exhibition dedicated to the life and times of the talented actress at Escape 81 gallery in Morges which is curated by the Expo Foundation Bolle.
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