The first weekend of the year brought a relaxed yet focused atmosphere to the boarding house. Students were clearly motivated and spent much of the time concentrating on their academic work, making it a quiet but very productive start to the term.

Alongside studying, there were some lovely shared moments around the house. A bit of cooking added warmth and a homely feel, with students enjoying time together in the kitchen. When the sun briefly came out, everyone was quick to head outdoors, making the most of the fresh air and brighter mood.

A gentle, positive weekend that helped set the tone for a focused and successful year ahead.

This weekend was full of energy, pride, and smiles here in the boarding community. Our students took part in the famous Escalade run in Geneva — a vibrant event that brings together thousands of runners each year. Despite the rainy weather, our boys showed tremendous spirit. From strong finishes to determined efforts, every student who took part demonstrated commitment, resilience, and a fantastic attitude. We were truly proud to cheer them on!

Back at the house, we shifted from running shoes to celebration mode as we gathered to celebrate Loris’s birthday. The boys enjoyed cake, music, and a warm atmosphere that perfectly reflected the supportive and family-like environment we strive to create. It was a lovely moment of togetherness, rounding off a weekend that highlighted both individual achievement and the strength of our community.

Here’s to more memorable weekends ahead!

This weekend was another great one here at Villa Franconi, filled with energy, effort, and a touch of holiday spirit!
One of the highlights was the CDL Climbing Competition, where some of our students proudly represented the house. A big well done to them — every point counts, and we’re thrilled to see their dedication and teamwork on the wall!

Back at the house, the students enjoyed a calm and productive rhythm. Between studying for upcoming assessments, cooking their own meals, and spending quality time together, Villa Franconi felt warm, lively, and very much like home.

On Sunday, several students joined the school trip to the Montreux Christmas Market, soaking in the festive atmosphere, bright lights, and holiday treats. 🎄✨

It was a lovely mix of effort, fun, and community — exactly the spirit we love at Villa Franconi. Looking forward to another great week ahead!

This weekend was full of variety and good energy in Villa Franconi! While some of our students enjoyed a school trip to Barcelona, exploring the city and soaking up the sunshine…

…others got involved in repairing and servicing bikes, getting them ready for rides to school and around the village. It was great to see their enthusiasm and practical skills in action!

The house turned into a mini Italian kitchen as everyone took part in making their own pizzas. From rolling the dough to choosing toppings, the students enjoyed a relaxed and delicious evening together. The smell of fresh pizza and laughter filled the house — a perfect way to wrap up the weekend!

Everyone is back after a recharging and relaxing Autumn Break, and it’s fantastic to see the house full of smiles, laughter, and energy again!

Villa Franconi is buzzing with life as students settle back in, share holiday stories, and get ready for another exciting stretch of the term. The suitcases are (mostly) unpacked, the snacks are restocked, and the common room is alive once more.

We’ve got plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks — fun activities, weekend adventures, and of course, lots of Franconi spirit along the way!

Here’s to a great start to the second part of the term — we’re so happy to have everyone back! 🌟

This past weekend was packed with highlights for our students!

A group of students enjoyed an unforgettable experience at Europa-Park — from thrilling rollercoasters to magical themed areas, the park was buzzing with energy and excitement. Everyone came back with big smiles and plenty of stories to share.

Meanwhile the atmosphere in the boarding house turned cozy as some students prepared a Japanese hotpot dinner together. It was the perfect way to wind down after a day of adventures — sharing food, laughter, and time with friends around the table.

On Sunday, many of our students kept the momentum going with some time in the gym. Balancing relaxation with a bit of fitness was a great way to round off the weekend and get ready for the new week ahead.

A wonderful mix of adventure, culture, and wellness — just the way we like weekends here in the boarding house!

This past weekend, our boarding community enjoyed an amazing trip to Verbier. With perfect weather and breathtaking mountain views, students took part in a variety of activities—from hiking and biking to climbing and team games.

Beyond the activities, the weekend was also about connection: spending time with old friends, making new ones, and sharing lots of laughter along the way. Moments like these help us grow closer together and build an even stronger boarding community. We also had a special reason to celebrate—Jeronimo’s birthday on Friday. It was wonderful to see his friends and housemates share in the celebration and make the day memorable for him.

We also had a special reason to celebrate—Jeronimo’s birthday on Friday. It was wonderful to see his friends and housemates share in the celebration and make the day memorable for him.
What a great start to the school year—adventures, friendships, and memories to last!

While the graduation ceremony was the highlight of the weekend for many, there were also other meaningful moments taking place—filled with family, good weather, and a spirit of support.

Friday included a special name day celebration shared across generations, bringing together close family members for a warm and joyful gathering. On Saturday, the beautiful weather made Geneva the perfect setting to enjoy some relaxed time outdoors and create lasting memories with loved ones.

To end the weekend on a thoughtful note, Sunday evening saw students coming together to help younger peers with their homework and exam preparation. Among them was Antonio, who offered his time and support to those who needed an extra boost before the final stretch of the term.

A wonderful reminder that even during busy times, there’s always room for connection, kindness, and community.

The graduation ceremony on Saturday was a joyful and memorable occasion. The atmosphere was filled with pride, celebration, and a strong sense of accomplishment.

As the graduates took to the stage, each name called was met with warm applause and cheering from the crowd. The ceremony moved smoothly, with heartfelt speeches and moments of reflection that highlighted the dedication and growth shown over the past years.

Laughter, smiles, and even a few emotional moments were shared throughout the event. The energy in the room was uplifting, and the celebration felt well-deserved.

It was a day that brought people together to recognize hard work and success. Every graduate should feel incredibly proud—this milestone marks not just an ending, but the beginning of exciting new paths ahead.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

This past weekend was full of sunshine, good energy, and a bit of friendly competition here at CDL!

One of the highlights was the annual Bikers vs. Runners Challenge, where cyclists race around Lake Léman while runners take on a 60km relay. We’re proud to share that Jerónimo joined the runners’ team and completed a strong 6km leg of the race!

It was great to see him put in such dedication, and even better to see him enjoy the moment. His commitment to his fitness routine really showed, and his cheerful spirit brought a lot to the team.

While the cyclists were a bit faster this time around, Jerónimo’s effort and attitude were a big win in themselves. Well done, Jerónimo!