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Bonjour!
Je M’appelle Laura
In the wide, wonderful maze of the internet, I’m so glad you found your way to Swiss Serendipity.
Swiss Serendipity is devoted to sharing unique experiences in Geneva and French-speaking Switzerland. My goal is not to turn Switzerland into something to check off your list, but rather to help you savor your time here.
I delight in romanticizing this peaceful corner of the world and nearby France — magnolia season, independent cafés, and centuries-old chocolate traditions. I hope this blog inspires your next trip, or perhaps even deepens your love for the French language along the way.
Explore Switzerland
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a move, find inspiration for experiencing Switzerland like a local.
Reader favorites
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Earth Angel: Audrey Hepburn’s Swiss Sanctuary
Described as “an angel- someone from another dimension,” star Audrey Hepburn was very much in tune with the natural world, and enjoyed the tranquility that Tolochenaz, Switzerland offered. Her home, La Paisible, translates to “peaceful place”, and is today on sale for US$ 21 million.
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Aboard Switzerland’s GoldenPass Belle Époque Train
The GoldenPass Belle Époque was reconstructed in 2005 to give our 21st century minds a glimpse into the glorious, albeit brief, period of the original railway from Montreux to Interlaken,
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Stay in a French Château: A Night at Burgundy’s Enchanting Château de Longecourt-en-Plaine
Unlike most property rentals on Airbnb, ours was family owned, dating all the way back to the 13th century, and managed by a Count.
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Pro Brothel and Anti AC – 10 Surprises I Learned after Moving to Switzerland
For years I dreamt of living in a French-speaking country. While I job hunted in France, Morocco, Canada, and even Pondicherry, India, Switzerland never crossed my radar.
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La Maison du Prieur: An Enchanting Lunch Spot in Romainmôtier, Switzerland
La Maison du Prieur holds a special charm, perhaps in part because it doesn’t feel victim to stampedes of tourists. It was almost as if we’d found a well-kept secret in the palm of our hands, treading carefully so as not to spill out any of its magic.
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Tuscany, My Old Friend
Some places in the world are special because major life experiences occurred there, engraving the city into our brains like a stain of red wine on a white carpet.
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I Just Want to Be Swiss: Inside Switzerland’s Fide Language Exam
I arrived at the Fide exam having had nothing prepared. This wouldn’t be a test about a specific time in history, nor of The Grapes of Wrath or other high school reading, but rather a general knowledge…
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Café de l’Amitié: An Old Favorite, A New Menu
I’ve been back to Café de l’Amitié twice in two weeks. Here’s why Geneva’s reopened neighborhood institution is worth the return.
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A Parisian Bistro in Geneva: L’Odéon
I was pleased upon finding that the Brasserie Odéon’s selection was kept to a minimum – keeping the options to the essentials: frog legs, snails, and sardines.
