Christophe Vuilleumier

Christophe Vuilleumier

Christophe Vuilleumier is a historian and board member of the Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Geschichte (Swiss Historical Society). He has published a number of articles on 17th and 20th century Swiss history.

Switzerland’s most famous midwife

Christophe Vuilleumier 11.02.2025 Marie Colinet, a Geneva native and pioneer in the field of medicine, made history in the 16th century. She initiated a number of innovative procedures as a midwife and doctor – including Switzerland’s first successful caesarean section.
Marie Colinet was not only a skilful midwife, but also an inventive doctor. Illustration by Marco Heer.

A trailblazing female politician from Meyrin

Christophe Vuilleumier 07.01.2025 Renée Pellet was the first woman from French-speaking Switzerland to be elected to an executive body in 1960. As deputy mayor of Meyrin, she secured her place in Swiss political history.
Renée Pellet is one of the most powerful women in French-speaking Switzerland and has made political history. Illustration by Marco Heer

Geneva’s Italian side

Christophe Vuilleumier 26.11.2024 The rise of Geneva, the home of Calvinism, owed much to the Turrettini family. Arriving there from Tuscany in the 16th century with ready money and access to an international network, they played no small part in buoying the city’s economy.
The Turrettini family’s influence is evident wherever you look in Geneva. View over the Quai Turrettini, circa 1940.

A travelling baron

Christophe Vuilleumier 16.01.2024 Jean-Baptiste Tavernier was famous in the 17th century for travelling as far as India. The adventurer and author wanted to retire in Aubonne. But his settled life did not last long.
A legacy from Jean-Baptiste Tavernier: the tower of Aubonne Castle.

Legal era in the canton of Vaud

Christophe Vuilleumier 08.12.2023 Seven of the first 36 federal councillors came from Vaud. And all of them were lawyers. This is not surprising, as jurisprudence was highly valued in the west of Switzerland.
The first seven federal councillors from Vaud were active in the legal profession. Illustration by Marco Heer.

The encirclement of Geneva by Spanish troops in 1743

Christophe Vuilleumier 09.05.2023 For almost seven years, from September 1742 to February 1749, Savoy villages neighbouring the city of Geneva were occupied and troubled by Spanish troops. Although part of the War of the Austrian Succession and therefore the great history of Europe, the occupation has been all but forgotten by historians.
The city of Geneva and its fortifications, circa 1760.

The freshwater pirate of Lake Geneva

Christophe Vuilleumier 25.08.2021 In the 18th century, a pirate was up to mischief on Lake Geneva. He scored his biggest coup when he carried off the French King’s war chest.
In the 18th century, a pirate plied his trade on Lake Geneva.

The first female Olympic champion

Christophe Vuilleumier 23.07.2021 New York-born Hélène de Pourtalès (1868-1945) of Geneva won gold at the 1900 Olympic Games. Largely unknown today, this pioneering yachtswoman paved the way for other women to compete at the Olympics.
Portrait of Hélène de Pourtalès, around 1878.