Culture

During the Roman period, Aventicum was the capital city of the Helvetians, and Avenches remains one of the most important archaeological sites in Switzerland

This medieval castle (11th to 14th century) occupying a commanding position over Lake Neuchâtel is home to an extraordinary collection of weapons and armour, as well as models of the castle and of the celebrated Battle of Grandson (1476), in which Swiss soldiers defeated the army of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.

The Château de Chillon is the thrilling culmination of centuries of human ingenuity and labour. Initially the Counts of Savoy wanted a fortress, first and foremost; later, a residence.

The most beautiful Roman mosaics north of the Alps lie within a walled Gallo-Roman town measuring 400m x 400m.

The 11th-century abbey church of Payerne is one of the most important Romanesque churches in Switzerland, with its harmonious spaces, delicate stonework and fine murals.

Romanmôtier, the monastic town! Be sure to look around the old Roman abbey belonging to the Cluniac order (dating back to between the 11th and 16th centuries).

The "Pré-Giroud" fortress was built between 1937 and 1941 and is a typical pre-World War II example of fortification work. The fortress was built in order to protect the Col de Jougne.