AS hobbyists one of the first questions we want answered when moving to a new area — especially in a new country — is where do I find the supplies I need to do my hobbies?

While it may not be possible to find exactly the same products we used back home, often new ones are there to be discovered either in local shops or easily ordered online.

To help you get started finding your hobby and arts and crafts supplies in the Geneva-Vaud region, I’ve compiled a list of references below, some of which are based on my own experience, some by way of friends’ recommendations and others from online searches.

As always, if you come up with some new tips please drop me a line so I can add them to the list and help other hobbyists find what they need. I hope you find these suggestions helpful.

Art supplies

Kramer Krieg, Lausanne and online-shop.
Boesner, Europe-wide art supplier selling either online or in numerous outlets, including the closest to Geneva in Aarberg, a drive of just under two hours. I’ve heard you can spend hours there losing yourself in all that’s on offer.
L’Astuce, a bright, cheery store offering a wide range of art supplies and workshops in the heart of Geneva.
Gerstaecker, online-shop.
Jallut Beaux-Arts has a comprehensive variety of art supplies at its store at Rue des Battoirs 6, 1205 Genève, near the Tram 12 stop “Augustins”.
Brachard in downtown Geneva has a wide range of art supplies – pens, brushes, paints, papers, etc. in the basement. Art courses for kids and adults are offered in the Atelier upstairs. And visit the well stocked Caran d’Ache outlet just next door for watercolor pencils and paints.
Campiche in Morges is worth a visit with a good selection of paint brushes, markers, fine liners, sketching books and more.
Papeterie Morel, located on Rolle’s High Street, has a small but varied selection of pens, pencils and paper for sketching and watercoloring.
Le P’tit Peintre in Gland – recommended by a friend though I haven’t visited myself yet.
Boutique Bozard in Bursins is another I have yet to visit but it appears to offer a complete range of art products. You can also order online.
Manor downtown Geneva has a broad range of drawing and painting supplies in its “Papeterie” department.
Micasa at M-Park LaPraille and Porte de Nyon also stocks paints, aquarelle pencils & crayons, pens, and many other craft items.
Jumbo for basic arts and crafts supplies.
Hornbach for basic arts and crafts supplies.

Ceramics/Pottery supplies

Les Argiles du Moulin – Caspar Ceramique, near Yverdon-les-Bains. Online-shop.
Lehmhuus AG, at Aesch near Basel. Online-shop.

Sewing, Knitting, Quilt making, etc, supplies

Please read my blog post “Sewing and Needlecraft Supplies” for a list of outlets.

Scrapbooking supplies

Etsy Switzerland, online-shop.
Azza Shop, online-shop.
Cap sur le Scrap, online-shop.
Scrap house, online-shop.

Jewellery making supplies (Bead shops)

New Bead Box, Lausanne for beads, group and individual courses, and repairs.
La Cave à Beads, online-shop or by appointment and also at the Plainpalais and Nyon outdoor markets.
Le Jardin des Perles, with two outlets, one in Morges and one in Nyon.

Photography supplies

The Geneva Photo Club recommends checking out Top Preise to compare prices across Switzerland. For second-hand purchases, refer to Anibis.ch (free) and also ricardo.ch (paid).

Decorative Office supplies

Bookbinders Design, throughout Switzerland
Kramer Krieg, Lausanne
Ordning&Reda, 20 rue de Rive, Geneva
Globus department stores in Switzerland.
Brachard, Geneva.
Manor department stores in Switzerland.
Coop – larger outlets and Coop City.

Gardening supplies

Schlliger, top garden centre at Gland, Matran and Plan les Ouates.
Jumbo Brico-Loisirs, garden centre at Geneva, Chavannes, and elsewhere in Swiss Romandy.
Migros Brico-Loisirs, garden centre at M-Parc La Praille, Nyon, and elsewhere in Swiss Romandy.
Botanic, garden centre in France at St. Genis Pouilly, Ville La Grand.
Jardiland, garden centre in France at Ornex.
Hornback for garden furniture and supplies