Switzerland as a tourist destination, with its legendary landmarks such as the Matterhorn, William Tell and Chillon Castle, gives me the comforting feeling that everything is just where it should be. The feeling of homeland touches me deeply when I see a Swiss flag waving in the wind, a virtuoso flag toss, or a boat gliding peacefully on the lake.
In this gallery, I want to share these emblematic images, as well as more unusual shots that tell little-known stories. I'm particularly fascinated by the statues dedicated to women: they deserve to be known and highlighted!
Switzerland, the most beautiful country in the world... after yours, of course!
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Flag throwing at the Nendaz International Alphorn Festival. Every year, more than 130 alphorn players from Switzerland, Europe and North America come together. A unique event, combining tradition and spectacle at high altitude.
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The Matterhorn (4,478 m) is Switzerland's most emblematic mountain. Its pyramid-shaped silhouette is famous the world over. Nicknamed ‘Horu’ by the people of Zermatt, it is one of the most photographed mountains on the planet! Zermatt, where the world is in order.
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The Château de Chillon, a medieval jewel perched between lake and mountain near Montreux, is a dream setting that inspired Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Lord Byron and the English painter Turner, who were all captivated by its romantic silhouette. Today, Switzerland's most visited historic monument continues to fascinate visitors.
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The Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen: a breathtaking natural force. With a width of 150 m and a height difference of 23 m, these giant European waterfalls pour thousands of tonnes of foam every second, creating one of Switzerland's most spectacular natural attractions.
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Central Swiss landscape in the canton of Obwalden, near Flüeli-Ranft. Here, even nature breathes peace and transmits it.
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William Tell, Switzerland's most famous freedom hero. Historical figure or legend? No one can decide between one version or the other. Although some historians doubt the authenticity of this hero, it doesn't matter. Legends are all about danger, courage and then wisdom. William Tell thus embodies the Swiss national identity and is one of its founding myths.
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Beneath the majestic dome of the Federal Palace in Bern, a Latin inscription has stood guard since 1902: Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno (‘One for all, all for one’). More than a motto, this oath of solidarity - framed by two angels with feminine features - embodies the very soul of the Confederation, at the heart of Swiss political power.
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France has Marianne. Switzerland has Helvetia. Shown here in front of the Federal Palace in Bern, this allegorical figure has embodied the nation since the 19th century.
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The ‘Dove of Peace’ statue, erected in Geneva in 1939 by the sculptor Frédéric Schmied.
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La Grande Lune by Niki de Saint Phalle, an artist world-famous for her daring works. This sculpture in polyester, glass and ceramics embodies a feminine symbol that is both powerful and poetic, illuminating the gardens of the Musée d'art et d'histoire de Fribourg with its joyous colours.
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Lindenhof, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Zurich, hides a daring story: in 1292, faced with the threat of Duke Albert I of Habsburg, the women of the town disguised themselves as soldiers to simulate a military presence. Their ruse - an extraordinary act of collective bravery - deterred the attack and became the stuff of legend.
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Turkish fans discover the Reformers' Wall in Geneva before the Portugal-Turkey match at EURO 2008.
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Gruyères Castle, a medieval jewel built in the 11th century, with the Moléson (2002 m), the emblematic mountain of the canton of Fribourg, in the background.
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The statue in homage to the world-famous music icon Freddie Mercury has become one of Montreux's most iconic attractions. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva in a majestic setting, it attracts admirers from all over the world every day. Flowers, drawings and messages left at its feet testify to the unwavering love of its fans.
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The ‘Montreux’, the oldest boat in the Belle Époque fleet, combines tradition and modernity with its latest-generation steam engine. Classified as a historic monument by the canton of Vaud, this majestic paddlewheeler continues to ply the waters of Lake Geneva, accommodating up to 1,100 passengers.
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The Giant Fork, a steel work by Jean-Pierre Zaugg, is 8 metres high and 1.3 metres wide. It was created to mark the 10th anniversary of the Alimentarium in Vevey on 21 June 1995.
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Bhutan Bridge. This 134-metre suspension bridge, built in partnership with the Kingdom of Bhutan, spans the Illgraben in the Bois de Finges (a protected site). Covered in prayer flags, it symbolically unites the German-speaking and French-speaking Valais, while creating a spiritual link with Himalayan cultures. At its entrance, a chorten (Buddhist stupa) watches over travellers in traditional Bhutanese style. The footbridge is 2.5 km from Susten.
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Stunning views of the Grandhotel from the Giessbach Falls, an architectural gem built in 1873. Before 1914, this mythical site attracted Europe's high society: crowned heads, heads of state and artists stayed here in summer, in search of energy and inspiration. The spectacular falls tumble down 400 metres in 14 foaming cascades - a spectacle enhanced at night by magical lighting. Even today, 150 years of history continue to fascinate.
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The group of menhirs at Clendy, near Yverdon-les-Bains, is the largest megalithic site in Switzerland. Comprising 45 menhir statues erected more than 6,000 years ago, this mysterious site offers unique evidence of Neolithic cults and traditions.
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The ‘Blüemlihalle’, built in 1924 by Augusto Giacometti. A little-known jewel of Zurich, this municipal police entrance hall is adorned with floral and geometric frescoes, a veritable explosion of colour. The walls feature stonecutters, astronomers and magi: a vibrant tribute to craftsmanship and science. A century later, this masterpiece of Swiss Art Nouveau continues to surprise with its audacity.
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In the heart of the medieval town of Gruyères, the Tibet Museum takes up residence in a former chapel and houses one of the world's largest collections of Buddhist sacred art. Some of the exceptionally rare pieces date back as far as the VIe century. More than 350 works of Himalayan art are brought together here, offering visitors a unique immersion in this spiritual heritage.
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Rendez-vous Bundesplatz, Volare: The wedding parade of cranes lights up the Federal Palace. An extraordinary spectacle under a blanket of snow.
Photos © Catherine Touaibi