Places to visit: Switzerland offers something for all tastes

For people who have a passion for cooking, a thirst for adventure, or a taste for high style and luxury, studying at Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland (CAAS) is a great opportunity to satisfy all your desires. While studying in Switzerland, culinary students have extensive opportunities to explore Switzerland and Europe during the time spent studying for a degree in culinary arts. And after graduation, a degree from CAAS opens the door to a wealth of international careers that will also cater to your passions.

There is a wide choice of culinary arts schools to choose from, so why do so many students choose CAAS? It could be its legacy of culinary excellence and a global reputation for a world-class education, or perhaps it's the QS ranking as the best culinary arts school in Switzerland and one of the best culinary schools in the world. One big advantage is certainly the gorgeous location in Switzerland, right in the heart of Europe.

Switzerland has a rich history in hospitality, being the country that was best known for its Palace hotels throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, a golden age of luxury in Europe known as the Belle Époque. Train lines running along beautiful lakes and gorgeous views along the mountains ushered in tourists from around Europe, feeding the booming luxury tourism industry. Today, our students get to experience firsthand why Switzerland became a tourism hotspot in the first place. 

From east to west, Switzerland is essentially a tourist's playground. Very few regions can rival the allure of the Canton of Valais, where CAAS resides. Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva between the majestic Swiss and French Alps, this area is a year-round haven for visitors. Though most people associate snow sports and cheese with Switzerland, for those in the know, summer is its best-kept secret. (And you can still eat cheese!)

Of all the places to visit, Switzerland has a few standout destinations in Valais, where the two CAAS campuses are located, and the neighboring Canton of Vaud, which offer an array of unforgettable experiences.

Leysin, a charming Alpine village, is the closest Swiss ski resort. Though known for skiing, Leysin is, in fact, a year-round paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you love the idea of hiking like Heidi through lush meadows surrounded by breathtaking vistas, or you seek the adrenaline rush of exhilarating activities such as paragliding, downhill mountain biking, or traversing a via Ferrata, Leysin is your destination. Some famous sights to see in the area include hiking to the peak of the Berneuse for a breathtaking view. Known as the sunniest village in all of Switzerland, Leysin also hosts several events during the summer, including the Hautes Fréquences Festival, where attendees can enjoy open-air concerts of contemporary music in July and a Midsummer Festival in August.

Not too far away from the Culinary Arts Academy is Montreux, known as the "Pearl of the Swiss Riviera." Famous for its annual jazz festival in the summer, its Christmas Market in December, and its stunning lakeside promenade, Montreux is a cultural and culinary delight. For the gastronomes, you will find the Michelin-starred restaurant, Stéphane Décotterd hidden in Montreux's charming, winding streets. Alternatively, enjoy a gourmet dinner on a vintage steamboat as it cruises Lake Geneva, where the panoramic views will leave you in awe. A 30-minute walk along the waterfront will take you to the legendary Chillon Castle, where medieval meals are served, and in September, wine is tasted and bottled.

There are many idyllic towns to visit and explore in the surrounding region. Romantic historians may find themselves at the Charlie Chaplin Museum, located in Vevey, where the famous comedic actor retired, attending a concert in a Roman amphitheater, or visiting the bisses of Valais. Switzerland is teeming with caves, castles, and convents to explore and lose yourself in the history of the region. The town of Martigny, not far from the campus in Le Bouveret, is particularly rich in historical sites from the Roman and middle ages.

Our Gastronomes often spend their spare time in the vineyards of the canton of Valais and of Vaud, sipping Swiss wine, another secret of Switzerland. Not many know that Switzerland produces exceptional wines because the Swiss tend to keep it for themselves, exporting very little.  A Swiss rosé is also a perfect accompaniment with Swiss cheese and bread packed in a picnic destined for a hot summer day spent at one of the secret beaches along Lake Geneva. However, on a rainy day, the Nestle Alimentarium, with a focus on all things food, is a popular way to spend the day when one has an interest in cuisine. From history and production, little-known facts, tips and tricks, and cooking demonstrations, this museum is a constant source of information and inspiration for students studying for a degree in culinary arts.