In our Cycling Destination Approved section, we highlight hotels, cafes and cycling businesses that stand head and shoulders above the rest. How to become an 'approved location' read in this item. Most importantly for us: the title has to be earned and cannot be bought! Today we are looking at a beautiful place in Switzerland, at Tête de Course in fashionable Nyon. Why they deserve the title Cycling Destination Approved? You can read about that below.
Everything breathes bicycle
When I arrive at Tête de Course in Nyon on a stray Saturday morning in March, it is already buzzing with activity. Most striking? The café-restaurant is filled with a nice mix of different types of people. The first cyclists are queuing up for the social ride, which leaves from TdC every weekend. Next to them, older couples sit enjoying a delicious cappuccino or breakfast. Further down the café, a long table is reserved for what later turns out to be a bachelor party. That is directly the strength of Tete de Course. Although everything here breathes cycling, it is not just for the cyclist, MBT-er or gravel rider. It is a place for everyone who goes cycling in Vaud.
Quality above all
When you step into the shop, one thing quickly becomes clear: owner and founder Philipp Kneubuehler values quality. The shop is tip-top, with a lot of attention to detail. Everywhere you see 'the race' reflected, with beautiful bikes from former pros, nice photos and art on the wall to the toilet roll holder made from a crank set. It's all in the details.
This outward display is not meant to disguise anything. The quality of the food and drink is really very good. No wonder even non-cyclists like to have breakfast or lunch here. The menu is classic, with something for everyone. Another nice touch: the special of the day is called 'etape du jour'. I feasted on the classic pancakes and would order them again in a moment. The cakes, sandwiches and salads also make my mouth water.
Atelier
What sets the business apart is the presence of a workshop. Rightly called a 'workshop', by the way, because it looks spic and span. You can bring your bike here with peace of mind. The mechanics will take care of it while you enjoy a cup of coffee. By the way, you can always enjoy peace of mind here. Outside is a bike rack where you can park your cart nicely and inside you can borrow a lock to secure it. Now, Switzerland and certainly Nyon is not a place where you're going to lose your bike easily, but still. Details like these help a lot!
Coffee &....Barillette?
That coffee and cycling are an important combination is obvious by now. Let's be clear: the coffee here is delicious. Whether you order a doppio, a latte macchiato or another speciality, you won't be disappointed. With the coffee, too, you'll find another piece that shows that every detail has been thought of. Lift your cup and it says "prêt pour une Barillette? It's a wink and a reference to the mountain around the corner that TdC has made its home mountain: La Barillette.
There is (still!) more
That the shop is an absolute must now should be clear. Rides are organised, the owner himself walks around the shop and chats with acquaintances and other guests. The quality of everything is really high. There is also the possibility of watching races, special events are organised, you can safely park your bike and have it serviced, and if you need anything, they are there for you. If there is one shop in Switzerland that is Cycling Destination Approved, it is Tete de Course in Nyon.
Route Barillette
If you are at TdC, then a climb of La Barillette is actually mandatory. Cycling in the vast canton of Vaud is beautiful anyway, with basically always a view of Lac Leman (Lake Geneva). This round trip below takes you to the top. It is no mean feat, this climb fairly unknown to lowlanders.
Practical info
- Address:
- Tête de Course
Avenue Viollier 2
1260 NYON
Switzerland - Opening hours: Cafe: every day 08:00 - 19:00 ; Atelier: Monday - Friday 08:00 - 18:00, Saturday from 09:00 - 13:00
