By Jennifer Ciotta
Lake Geneva served as the ultimate paradise for Mary Shelley and her husband Percy, along with friend and Romantic writer counterpart, Lord Byron. Today, it still remains an unspoiled place of beauty with its crystal blue waters and the towering Alps in the backdrop. A visit to Lake Geneva gives way to inspiration, since besides the natural surroundings; it is located in wine country. In the summer, a tourist can walk aimlessly through the medieval villages of the countryside, taking notice of the ancient stone houses built on the mountainside, and the historic castles of the region. In the warmer months, farmers tends to wheat fields, while others work long hours on the wine vineyards. However, the winter months allow for incredible downhill or cross-country skiing, hot air balloon rides and even stays in igloos.
Lausanne, however, is the true literary experience of the Lake Geneva region. It was here that Byron and the Shelleys lived, immortalizing the town in poetic history. Byron actually wrote his famous The Prisoner of Chillon in the Hotel d'Angleterre (the present day name). The stunning exterior of the hotel is intensified by the majestic waterfront background thus at twilight giving way to a breathtaking view of purple and golden lights bouncing off the water. Meanwhile, the interior boasts stately quarters fit for royalty with marble decor, elaborate canopy beds and a dining room with views of the mountains and the Lake. It is listed as a literary hotel, however, the prices are not cheap, but well worth the experience to a fan of the Romantic writing era.
Around the town of Lausanne, numerous cultural activities take place. For instance, the Opera House holds a variety of dance performances, choir concerts and recitals. Performance arts have become quite popular in the town since over 30 theatre troupes have popped up, ready to entertain tourists. Meanwhile, Lausanne Conservatory and the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music mold their young proteges to play anything from traditional classical melodies to rock, folk, rap or techno. Concerts are held for the public as well. Perhaps the most visited site though is the Olympic Museum (Musee Olympique) which celebrates the history of the games beginning with ancient Greece and moving through modern day, even showing the design of each current Olympic Games.
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