Nyon Castle And My Tortured Visit

Nyon Castle is a medieval fortress on the banks of Lake Geneva. Constructed in the 1200’s, it was used as a prison until around 25 years ago. Castles like this one always make me think of Cinderella. I tend to skip around them like a child and expect fairy tale creatures around every corner.

Nyon Castle houses a porcelain museum. Nyon was one of the first European centers of porcelain. And if I’d known, I never would’ve darkened the door. I’m addicted to dishes. They. Are. Crack.

Like any good Southern girl, I assembled my trousseau, and it included a set of Bavarian porcelain. 12 place settings, plus serving pieces. My mother gave me her wedding China from the 1960s, and I wasn’t satisfied until I had 12 place settings and matching serving pieces. I have Christmas china. I own a set of flowery stone wear. Don’t need any more dishes.

AND MY FINGERS TWITCHED THROUGH THIS PLACE OF TORTURE.

I wanted one of everything. I made a list of pieces I liked, figuring I might buy one or two in the shop. NOPENOPENOPE. 240 francs!!!! I left despondent, but not broke.

All three Nyon museums are a joint admission. Only 8 francs. A Swiss bargain!

In addition to porcelain, the museum has a small art collection on display. Here, a bust by Canova, one of my favorite sculptors.

Castle acoustics are remarkable. For that reason, Nyon Castle sports a play-as-you-like piano situated for maximum sound penetration. I wish I still played well enough to try it. This guy was brilliant.

Here I am sweating on the train back to Trélex and my room in Maison Binet for my writing residency.

Do you like dishes?

How many sets do you have? Tell me in the comments, and let me know I’m not the only one with this problem.