BEAUTIFUL BASEL WHAT TO EXPECT Switzerland’s oldest university city and home town of the legend that is Roger Federer, German-speaking Basel is located a twoand-a-half hour train ride to the north west of Lausanne. Located on the banks of the Rhine, the city boasts no fewer than 40 museums, the highest density of museums in the country. It’s old town is a must-see featuring landmarks like the ornately decorated red sandstone town hall and the late Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. Get around with the BaselCard available free with every accommodation booking in Basel. The trams and buses are a dream of efficiency and are super-easy to navigate. If I can do it, anyone can! FOR CULTURE VULTURES A short bus ride from the city, Foundation Beyeler is the most popular art museum in Switzerland, considered one of the finest worldwide. Its founders Ernst and Hildy Beyeler had a clear vision: that it should be an open, active museum to inspire an appreciation for art in a wide audience. Among the works on display are those by the likes of Bacon, Cezanne, Degas, Lichtenstein, Matisse, Monet, Picasso, Rodin and so many more. At the time of my visit, for the first time in its 25-year history, the Foundation Beyeler and surrounding park was the scene of a fascinating experimental exhibition of contemporary art. Take a break from art appreciation with a spot of lunch at Beyeler Restaurant im Park, located in the rooms of the Villa Berower. TIME TO EXPLORE During the summer, Basel life bustles on the banks of the Rhine in Kleinbasel. So, why not do as the locals do and cool off with a swim in the River. There’s none of the constant water-quality worries that blighted the Olympic Triathlon in Paris 2024, as the Rhine in Basel is perfectly safe. Grab yourself a Wickelfisch, a waterproof sack produced by the tourist board, pack it with your belongings and let yourself be carried by the gentle current through the picturesque landscape of the old town. It’s a totally unique way to see the city and so... much... fun! The Tinguely Museum is the best place to start your swim. Get off after the Mittlere Brücke and enjoy a drink in one of the Kleinbasler buvettes for an authentic Basel experience. For the history buffs among you, Basler Münster should prove a worthwhile visit. Probably Basel’s most famous landmark, its red sandstone walls, colourful roof tiles and two towers mean it looms large in the city’s landscape. Built between 1019 and 1500 in the Romantic and Gothic styles, the cathedral welcomes you to witness a fascinating tale of construction over a period of several centuries. FOODIE HEAVEN Switzerland’s pedigree in chocolate can’t be disputed and Basel had a key role to play in the history of the trade. Still an important part of the city’s identity today, it would be remiss not to embrace it! Equally as obsessed with chocolate as I am cheese, I made a beeline for Confiserie Brändli (www.braendli-basel. ch/workshops) as soon as I arrived in town! A chocolate workshop here offers you the opportunity to give free rein to your creativity to mould and refine your very own chocolate bar. Lead by the lovely Nadine I gained an exclusive insight into a traditional chocolate maker, a local family business now in its third generation. I also had the opportunity to sample some of its creations and can confirm that Brändli’s Kirschstengeli were a total revelation. The fact that I can’t enjoy them every day is now a source of great sadness for me. For more choccy treats, be sure to pop into Confiserie Schiesser (https://confiserieschiesser.ch), opposite the Town Hall in Martkplatz. One of the most traditional confectioners in Basel, Switzerland’s oldest coffee house has been a family-run business since 1870 and is now in the hands of its fifth generation. When it’s time to dine, check out Basel’s open-air cafes (buvettes) located on the Kleinbasel bank of the Rhine. Alternatively, I’d highly recommend my favourite eatery on Rebgasse, Volkshaus Basel. A French brasserie with a stunning courtyard garden adorned with plane trees, it offers a haven away from the hustle and bustle with a Mediterranean vibe. Plus, the truffle tortelloni is to die for! WHERE TO STAY Pullman Basel Europe (www.pullman-basel-europe.com) WHERE TO EAT Volkshaus Basel (www.volkshaus-basel.ch) Kunsthalle (www.restaurant-kunsthalle.ch) Krafft (www.krafftbasel.ch) Beyeler Restaurant im Park (https://restaurant.fondationbeyeler.ch/en) DON’T MISS Historiches Museum Basel (www.hmb.ch) Scan to view video HONEYMOON REVIEW 93
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