Have you heard the myths about the secret underground Swiss military tunnels? Well, they’re true! Come and visit this little farmhouse and get taken underground. Carved out of rock, this fort, was built between 1937-1941. Their mission was to protect the passage of the Col de Jougne from any foreign army and support the defense of the French-Swiss border during World War II.
In 1945, the artillery fort, which was carved into the rock, housed 200 men. It consists of six blockhouses, connected by a network of galleries with stocks of ammunition, a machine room and barracks.
The life of the fort has been reconstructed using dummies. The temperature is a constant 8°C so make sure to dress appropriately.
Museum and exhibition
- An exhibition which recounts real events through the customs of Vallorbe 39-45 (photos, plans, mannequins, banners, weapons)
- The refectory has been converted into a museum with various weapons and infantry items provided to the men who were responsible for the external defense of the fortress (diorama)
- The dormitories of the non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and kitchen helpers are still totally equipped, with arms, uniforms and all accessories
- Rooms for officers and senior NCOs
- The officers mess, decorated with wood by the soldiers of the garrison
- The telephone center, connecting the fort with all the troops in the sector
- The company office
- The sanitary block (operating room, dentist, infirmary) where a physician-surgeon officer is ready for any intervention
- Sound and light reconstruction of shooting parts (gun and submachine gun)
Buffet campagnard au Fort de Pré-Giroud
Sunday, 13 August 2023 from 10h-16h: Not only will a visit be a great idea for you this summer but take advantage of their buffet lunch on Sunday, as well. In addition to the food, there will be cannons, cor des Alpes and entertainment.
Brisolée au Fort de Pré-Giroud
October 2023 date to be announced: Visit of the fort with brisolée (roasted chestnuts) accompanied by a raclette and sausages of the region. Cannons will be fired and other entertainment will be organized. Prior reservations required.
Note: Picnic spots and a barbecue (for grilling) are provided in front and at the entrance of the fort. At the kiosk: hot and cold beverages, wine, confectionery, postcards, brochures, pennants, glasses, military equipment (and more).
The term "accrobranche" refers to an activity of climbing in the trees. "Accro" is French for "hang" as in "hook" and in this context is hanging or hooked onto a branch. Obviously for safety reasons, the activity consists of a series of steel cables (rather than branches) and carabiner hooks that are shackled to a harness.
Safety instructions are indicated verbally to each person by a qualified monitor in an initiation area before they go up in the circuit.
The two safety carabiners (hooks) are said to be "smart" and will prevent unintentional detachment. When moving, they must be hooked and unhooked one after the other on the continuous steel lifeline; only one of the two connectors can be detached at a time.
In addition, both carabiners must be hooked in such a way that the openings of the carabiners are in the same direction, pointing outwards.
This year, Festiléman Evian returns with new creations: 5 thematic universes, 3 stages and many new partners and exhibitors. A festive, joyful and poetic artistic stage.
You will discover, during a weekend, all the richness of the life of Lake Geneva thanks to a multitude of local actors who will offer you numerous animations including:
- exhibitions
- gastronomic stands
- boat models
- concerts
- initiations
Model boats
Evian model boats: models on a large basin Saturday, 27 May 2023 (day and night) and Sunday, 28 May 2023. Piloting school for children with diplomas, static models and books on the art of model shipbuilding. Takes place at the Promenade du port de plaisance.
© photo - Lisa Cirieco
The festival Feu Ô Lac takes place along the lakeside in Geneva. Put together by the Department of Security and Sports of the City of Geneva and under the responsibility of the Administrative Councillor and Mayor of Geneva, Marie Barbey-Chappuis.
On the program: animations and entertainment on the quays or on the water, concerts, food and drink zones; a unique drone show of 23 minutes will take place at 22h featuring an astounding 1,350 drones near the jet d'eau (photo above). All the activities and concerts will be free. Click here for a short video of the performance.
On the quays, several festive events are scheduled. Like the tennis village (quai Gustave-Ador), set up in partnership with the Gonet Open. During the four days, two mini tennis courts, a tent for autographs and a speed camera for services will be available to the public.
Near the lake stage, a giant Jass tournament will be held on Sunday, 21 May 2023 between 11h-16h.
Rehearsals for "Doubt: a Parable" are well under way as seen in these photos
The Village Players are putting on "Doubt: a Parable" by John Patrick Shanley directed by Margot Jaggy and are offering up a pair of tickets for one lucky knowitall reader!
Many will know Shanley's 2004 parable form the Oscar-nominated film adaptation. This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play is a gripping portrayal of a clash between progress, persuasion and the complexity of truth.
Catholic school prinicpal, Sister Aloysius, is wedded to tradition and holds fast to her beliefs, while basketball-playing priest, Father Flynn, is charismatic and forward-thinking.
As suspicions deepen, their actions spark a battle of wills from which no one will escape unscathed; but where does the truth lie? Without proof, the only thing certain is doubt.
The history of The Village Players (VPs)
The Village Players was founded on 11 November 1981 in La Conversion, Switzerland, by a group of enthusiasts of English language theatre led by Zelda and John McKillop.
Since then the Village Players have produced a wide range of shows in various theatres and halls in and around Lausanne and elsewhere in Europe.
Currently the VPs have staged 100+ Productions in front of paying audiences – including Old Time Music Halls and English language Theatre Festivals, not only in Switzerland but also in Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany. Participation in these festivals has resulted in the awards being gained for Best Presentation, Original Script and a Discretionary Award for an actress with a non-speaking role!
The Village Players are a friendly and informal group who have been entertaining themselves and others in the Lausanne area with amateur theatre, music, song and dance for the last 30 years. In addition to the wonderful public productions the group puts on each year, members have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of monthly events including play readings, poetry recitals, musical evenings and social events.
