Excursions vary from year to year, but here are some examples of trips that may be offered to both day and boarding school students.
Geneva is Switzerland’s second most populated city and is situated in the picturesque surroundings of the Alps and Lake Geneva, or Lac Léman as it is known to locals. A trip to the city offers Brillantmont students the chance to explore the city’s parks, see the sights or visit one of the many museums. Among the most popular is the International Red Cross museum, which explores the organisation’s history and the work it does around the world.
Visit www.redcrossmuseum.ch
Not all the excursions are about culture, some are simply about taking time out to relax and rejuvenate, and the thermal baths at Lavey offer the perfect place to do just that. The baths are fed by Switzerland’s hottest spring and contain natural minerals that are believed to help muscular and skin problems.
Visit www.lavey-les-bains.ch
From the end of November until Christmas Eve, Montreux is transformed into a winter wonderland with quaint market stalls spread along the lakeshore. A trip to the Christmas Market offers the chance to pick up some unique gifts for loved ones as well as getting into the festive spirit with music, dancing, a giant nativity scene and even Father Christmas himself.
Visit www.montreuxnoel.ch
The Salt Mines at Bex (pictured) include almost 50 kilometres of underground tunnels, caverns, and shafts created during the mining of the area for salt since the 1600s. Today, a small portion of the underground area is open to visitors allowing them to experience the difficult working conditions, see how mining has developed, and explore the amazing complex.
Visit www.mines.ch
Many of the excursions centre on offering students the chance to participate in outdoor or sporting pursuits, and Verbier in southwest Switzerland offers a wealth of opportunities. In winter, its mountain slopes provide pristine snow for skiing or snowboarding with runs to suit every ability level. In the warmer months, the slopes offer hiking and mountain bike trails. For a perfect view of the surroundings, students can try paragliding.
Visit www.verbier.ch
While not all excursions can be arranged every year, there is no doubt that weekends and vacations at Brillantmont offer students the chance to experience things they may never have imagined with a wide range of activities on offer. Contact Brillantmont, download our Middle and A Level boarding school packs, or arrange a private tour to find out more.