Autumn and Cézanne

“Aller sur le motif”

Paul Cézanne often sat for hours in front of his subject, absorbed in contemplation. He believed that a subject should reveal itself to the painter during patient observation. In autumn at Lake Maggiore, walkers understand this attitude: here, the landscape speaks so clearly in gold and copper that every step becomes a dialogue with nature.

“Painting from nature is not copying the object; it is realising one’s sensations,” Cézanne once said. At Lake Maggiore in autumn, every hiking trail becomes a canvas and every viewpoint an artists’ studio. Here, nature demonstrates what the master of modern painting meant – without brush or paint pot.
We believe that when you’re out and about around Vista Lakefront Boutique Hotel, it’s worth putting your smartphone consciously aside and immersing yourself fully in the beauty of the scenery.
Monte Verità near Ascona is the perfect starting point for your autumn walk. At the top, the panorama unfolds like Cézanne’s palette: copper red, golden yellow, deep blue. Here you pause, take in your surroundings with full awareness, and experience this symphony of colours unfiltered.
Just half an hour from Ascona lies Cardada. The cable car takes you up in ease and comfort to a place where wonder awaits: a walk across the suspension bridge that feels like floating between heaven and earth. Those with a head for heights enjoy a truly awe-inspiring view.
Far more leisurely is the lakeside promenade from Locarno to Muralto. Here, you can stroll at ease while autumn shyly peeks over the mountaintops and continues to paint the trees of the forests in vivid hues. And when you see the autumn colours of the mountains reflected in the water of the lake with your own eyes rather than through an Instagram filter, you’ll discover: sometimes the most beautiful moments are those stored only in memory.
Another tip for anyone who likes to combine movement in nature with a sporting challenge: golf is especially charming at Lake Maggiore in autumn. Between wonderfully wide fairways and shimmering treetops, every round becomes the perfect blend of sport and picture-perfect scenery.
A dinner at al Pontile is the ideal way to crown your adventures: delicious, cosy, and full of warmth.
We wish you wonderful autumn days!