In our Cycling Destination Approved section, we highlight hotels, cafes and cycling shops that stand out above the rest. How to become an ‘approved location’ can be found here. this article. The most important thing for us: you have to earn the title and it is not for sale! Today we are looking at a beautiful place in Switzerland, to Tête de Course in the fashionable Nyon. Why they deserve the title Cycling Destination Approved? You can read about that below.
Everything breathes cycling
When I arrive at Tête de Course in Nyon on a Saturday morning in March, the atmosphere is already bustling. The most striking thing? The café-restaurant is filled with a lovely mix of different types of people. The first cyclists are lining up for the social ride, which departs every weekend from TdC. In addition, older couples are enjoying a delicious cappuccino or breakfast. Further down in the café, a long table has been reserved for what turns out to be a bachelor party later. That’s the very strength of Tête de Course. Although everything here breathes cycling, it’s not just meant for the cyclist, the MBT rider or the gravel rider. It’s a place for anyone who rides in Vaud.
Quality above all else
As soon as you step inside, one thing becomes clear: owner and founder Philipp Kneubuehler places high importance on quality. The place is in tip-top condition, with a great attention to detail. You can see the ‘direction’ everywhere, with beautiful bikes from former pros, beautiful photos and art on the walls, right down to the toilet roll holder that is made from a crankset. It’s all in the details.
This appearance is not meant to hide anything. The quality of the food and drinks is really good. No wonder cyclists also like to have breakfast or lunch here. The menu is quite classic, with something for everyone. Another nice detail: the special of the day is called ‘etape du jour’. I treated myself to the classic pancakes and I would order them again. Also the cakes. The display cases, the sandwiches and the salads make your mouth water.
Atelier
What sets this place apart is the presence of a workshop. It is indeed a ‘studio’, as it looks immaculate. You can bring your bike here with complete peace of mind. The mechanics will take care of it while you enjoy a cup of coffee. By the way, you can always enjoy yourself here with complete peace of mind. Outside there is a bike rack where you can put your bike neatly inside and inside you can borrow a lock to secure it. Now, Switzerland and especially Nyon are not a place where you will quickly lose your bike, but still. These kinds of details really help!
Coffee &….Barillette?
It’s now clear that coffee and cycling are a great combination. Let’s be clear: the coffee here is delicious. Whether you order a doppio, a latte macchiato or another specialty, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll also find a little detail here that shows that every detail has been thought through. Raise your cup and you’ll see ‘prêt pour une Barillette?’ It’s a wink and a reference to the mountain just around the corner that has made TdC its home mountain: La Barillette.
There is (yet!) more
That the place is a must-visit is now clear. Tours are organized, the owner walks around the shop himself and chats with acquaintances and other guests. The quality of everything is really high. In addition, there is the opportunity to check out the route, special events are organized, you can safely store your bike and have it serviced, and if you need anything, they are there for you. If there is a place in Switzerland that is Cycling Destination Approved, it is Tete de Course in Nyon.
Barillette Route
If you’re with TdC, then a climb to La Barillette is practically mandatory. Cycling in the vast canton of Vaud is always beautiful, with usually a view of Lake Geneva. This tour below takes you to the top. It’s not a walk in the park, this rather unfamiliar climb for those with low fitness levels.
Practical information
- Address:
- Tête de Course
Avenue Viollier 2
1260 NYON
Switzerland - Opening hoursCafe: every day 08:00 – 19:00; Atelier: Monday – Friday 08:00 – 18:00, Saturday from 09:00 – 13:00
The route from this story
- Vaud: TdC Nyon – Barillette – Cycling Destination Approved41.2 km · 1,134 hmGPX ↓
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.