May 14 2013
CERN, in collaboration with its local partners, will be inaugurating a scientific tourist trail through the Pays de Gex and the Canton of Geneva known as the Passport to the Big Bang. A major programme of activities has been organised for the general public at various CERN sites, including special events and bike rides.
The trail through the local countryside, between 10 exhibition platforms located at 10 different CERN sites, will follow the course of the huge underground ring of the LHC particle accelerator. The mini-exhibitions on the platforms will explain the fundamental research conducted at CERN and their spin-offs and will include telescopes similar to those that can be found at tourist spots. By looking into the telescopes visitors will be able to watch short video sequences illustrating different aspects of CERN science and technology. Visitors will also be able to take part in an online game called the “LHC Mission” using the interactive terminals located on each platform.
“This project is one of our initiatives to reinforce the dialogue between CERN and the local French and Swiss communities” explains CERN Director-General Rolf Heuer. “CERN is a unique scientific partner from which the inhabitants of the local area can derive greater benefit through educational and tourist projects.”
The project has been selected to form part of the Programme de coopération territoriale européenne INTERREG IV A France Suisse 2007-2013. As such, it is benefitting from funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and from the Canton of Geneva. It has also obtained funding from the Fondation meyrinoise pour la promotion culturelle, sportive et sociale and benefits from a subsidy from the Fondation Genève Tourisme & Congrès.
The 10 platforms, located in eight French and Swiss communes, are linked by 54 km of signposted itineraries. These itineraries and their signposting have been organised in collaboration with the Communauté de Communes du Pays de Gex and with the help of the Conseil général de l’Ain and the Département de l’intérieur, de la mobilité et de l’environnement de l’Etat de Genève. The communes, the French and Swiss Tourist Offices, Altec (the Centre de culture scientifique, technique et industrielle de l’Ain) and Meyrinroule have also contributed to the project.
A Passport to the Big Bang booklet containing all the necessary information and a number of riddles to be solved will be available from the beginning of June at mairies, tourist offices and the CERN Reception, and will also be downloadable from the project web site (www.passeportbigbang.org).