[Removed user]

25 August 2018 at 13:25:50 #818069

I recently returned from my visit to Leysin (canton of Vaud) where I reconnected with old friends from my years there at the American College. I had a wonderful time! The village is a little changed from the days I lived there (47 years ago!) but is essentially the same. I stayed at l'Hotel La Tour d'AI, a small, reasonably-priced, old-style hotel with comfortable rooms (many with balconies with mountain views) and a very good breakfast.

One of the best meals I had was a lunch on the terrace at l’Essentiel (Route de la Cite 40) where I enjoyed a great burger and a wonderful “Cherry Soup” dessert. (See photos) The restaurant at the top of the Berneuse – Restaurant Tournant le Kuklos, accessible via cable car – was also very good. Not to mention the spectacular, ever-changing views from the restaurant as it turns.

We took a drive to Gruyeres which is a beautiful little medieval city, where you park outside the town and walk in – there’s no traffic. It’s about a spectacular hour-and-a-quarter drive from Leysin. And plenty of good fondue and raclette!

Finally, the crowning experience of my trip was paragliding from the top of the Berneuse with PanPam Airlines. It’s a tandem flight with a pilot who guides the sail for a 20-25 minute trip from the top to the village. I can’t describe the exhilaration and joy I experienced – and I wasn’t a bit scared. If you even think you might be up to it, I say go for it! You won’t regret it. (You also wind up with a 10 minute video of your flight.)

Thanks to the forum for your help in advance of my trip. I hope to visit again – sooner than 47 years!

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[Removed user]

26 August 2018 at 6:07:12 #894979

Thanks for the report Frederick!

Always appreciated, especially about less visited, smaller towns like Leysin!

I hope you get back soon! 🙂