Literary miracle Joël Dicker enjoys a kick-about at the House of Switzerland

Arriving at the House of Switzerland, it didn't take long for Joël Dicker, the striking young author of The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair, to discover the red footballs dotted about the lawn of the Wanderlust. The winner of the 2012 Grand Prix du roman de l’Académie française couldn't resist a kick-about. He dribbled and exchanged passes with Le Temps journalist Richard Werly, executing some strikes that reached the bank of the Seine, and when the sun set he stopped to sample some lard de Begnins and Alpine Gruyère before watching the Portugal–Netherlands match.

"The Wanderlust is a venue in Switzerland's image, really beautiful and a little bit hidden. There's loads of people all speaking different languages, or at least the three national languages. There's a peaceful atmosphere, nicer than anywhere else. You feel good here, like in Switzerland... The Wanderlust is a breath of fresh air. There's even a cow!"

And grinning as he spotted the neon MIRACLE erected by artist Sylvie Fleury: "It's a good choice of word because Switzerland is a little miracle", he added.