Experiences along the Grand Tour in Vaud

La Pierreuse Nature Reserve in the Vaudois Alps is the ideal place for mountain walks. On the right bank of the Sarine, south of Château-d’Oex the nature reserve is arranged around the Gummfluh. This characteristic pre-alp landscape covering an area of 34 km2 includes valleys overlooked by limestone rock faces.

The Quays of Montreux extend over thirteen kilometers along the shores of Lake Geneva. Here, walkers can admire the exotic flowers and palm trees while also enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The picturesque Morges region stretches along vineyards between Lake Geneva and the Jura forests. During the 17th century, Morges, with its unique guard houses known as ‘guérites’, was the most important commercial port on Lake Geneva. The castle, with its striking towers, houses five museums and, on a clear day, the glistening, snow-capped peaks of the breathtaking Mont Blanc massif can be seen. From April to October, a plethora of flowers in the most beautiful colours adorns the city.

Versailles in miniature: this magnificent palace was built in 1696 by Charles de Chandieu, an officer in the French army, in the French classical style. You’ll see families of ducks enjoying themselves on the pond.

In the Canton of Vaud, the salt mines of Bex have been extracting salt from the mountain for centuries. Hop on the mine train, explore the tunnels with only a lantern in hand and combine the tour with a meal at Brasserie La Mine.

The “Train des vignes” (vineyard train) runs on a fantastic route through the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, the landscape high above Lake Geneva designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, with views of the Savoy and Valais Alps.

Few architects have left such a mark on modern building worldwide as Charles-Edouard Jeanneret - better known as Le Corbusier - who grew up in La Chaux-de-Fonds. 17 selected works in seven countries have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The old city of Vevey is dotted with historical monuments and museums bearing witness to its rich heritage. In addition, a large variety of boutiques and craftsmen can be found in the narrow paved streets, displaying their know-how and wares.

Walking or skating on the largest frozen lake in the Jura mountain range is an experience not to be missed.

The La Garenne zoo is home to a host of mammals, birds and reptiles, in addition to an important collection of European birds of prey.

A natural haven of peace located on Montriond hill in the heart of Lausanne. In this little green paradise, full of brightly coloured flowers and large trees, you’ll be able to escape into a haven of relaxation – even though you’re practically in the city centre still.

From Ouchy, the quays open out into a vast public park with extensive lawned areas and magnificent age-old trees. The grounds are graced by a 16-metre-high Thai pavilion.

The 110-hectare "Parc Pré Vert du Signal de Bougy" is also ideal for relaxing in verdant surroundings. The location above Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Geneva is perfect for enjoying a hiatus from the daily grind.

Vullierens Castle, together with its magnificent gardens and sculpture park, constitutes one of Switzerland’s most remarkable heritage sites with a superb 180° view of the Alps, Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.

Rochers-de-Naye offers a unique panoramic view of the Swiss and French Alps: from the Eiger to Mont-Blanc and down to Lake Geneva – the cog railway takes guests up to an altitude of around 2,000 meters above sea level, where various experiences and opportunities for discovery begin.

The River Orbe created a fascinating cave system at the Vaudois town of Vallorbe. The tour leads visitors along the subterranean course of the Orbe (an outflow from the Vallée de Joux), passing by stalactites, stalagmites, drip-stone formations, columns and galleries. Once upon a time fairies that charmed young men were supposed to have lived here.

The natural wilderness is just a few steps away from the old town of Montreux. The La Baye de Montreux River flows through the gorge from the foot of Rochers-de-Naye into Lake Geneva.

The park is located in the heart of the city and offers a breathtaking view of Lausanne and of the lake.

Get away from it all and visit the sandy beaches at Yvonand. When the sun is shining on Lake Neuchâtel and the waves are lapping softly, it is almost like being at the seaside.

This route will give you a closer look at all of the region's distinctive landscapes, including the lake, the vineyards, the countryside and the foot of the Jura mountains.

Visitors can now discover the Lavaux wine-growing region with the Vaud:Guide app. Vines were already grown here in the 11th century on terraces buttressed by walls. Since then, generations of vintners have cultivated and cherished this exceptional natural mosaic.

With its picture-perfect location in the middle of a vineyard, the photo spot of Lavaux is a beautiful stop on the Grand Tour of Switzerland, a vast network of roads connecting around 40 iconic places throughout the country. A veritable invitation to travel and a fun way to capture where you stopped, complete with incredible views of Switzerland’s beautiful landscapes. Share the joy!

Discover one of the most beautiful train journeys in Switzerland: The panoramic route from Lake Geneva to the Bernese Oberland. With the GoldenPass Express you can travel through 3 cantons without changing trains, past vineyards, alpine pastures and the mountain village of Gstaad.

The Vernex Park is set on the shores of Lake Geneva next to the Auditorium Stravinsky and offers walkers a green area along the extension of the flourishing quays of the Montreux Riviera. Each July, one of the stages for the Montreux Jazz Festival is set up in this park.

Discover the history of the Olympic Games from antiquity to the present day at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Over 1,500 objects, interactive stations and an 8,000 square metre sculpture park await you on Lake Geneva.

Enter the animal kingdom a few minutes from Lausanne!

Resurgence where the Orbe rises out of the mountain into its stony, very green riverbed. You can see the resurgence and the entrance to the riverbed, as well as a wild, natural environment. The discovery of the Vallorbe caves took place via this resurgence. Indeed, it was through this "entrance" that the first explorations of the cave were made. Thanks to their courage and the few diving techniques available at the time, speleologists discovered the immensity of the Vallorbe caves. It was in 1893 that the first explorer began to travel upstream, but it was not until 1961 that the caves were discovered. This is the only known natural entrance to the caves.

Thanks to natural barriers, the Tropiquarium permits you safely getting close to creatures from all around the world. It’s also home to several endangered species such as the Siamese crocodile, the African penguin and the Galapagos tortoise.

Located in Rathvel, near Les Paccots, this mini-zoo is especially attractive for families with young children.

On the hills above Lausanne, Sauvabelin Park is a popular destination with families and nature lovers. Anyone who scales the 302 steps up to the platform of the Tower of Sauvabelin will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views.

The abbey church of Payerne, which was founded in the 11th century by Cluniac monks, is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and building technology of the period. The abbey church, the 14th century parish church facing it, and the adjacent buildings together form a noteworthy unity.