Experiences along the Grand Tour in Vaud

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.

Sample Fribourg specialities as you walk along one of the gourmet trails high above Lake Geneva amid the Pre-Alps – this is possible in Les Paccots.

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.

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.

The Panoramic-Express is a part of the famous Golden Pass Line from Montreux to Lucerne. The elegant trains take passengers from the banks of Lake Geneva via the famous resort town of Gstaad to Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland.

The Fort de Chillon in Veytaux is considered a newcomer among Switzerland’s museums. What used to be a réduit of the Swiss Armed Forces is now an interactive museum with impressive scenography. The world of experience that this has created provides exciting insights into the world of the military.

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.

To experience the Olympics at close quarters and feel the Olympic spirit the way the athletes felt it, to study the history of the Games from antiquity to today - thanks to the latest computer technology and audiovisual media, all of this can be accomplished in the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

Each day, Patrice goes out on Lake Geneva to catch fresh fish. He works at the five-star hotel Les Trois Couronnes and knows the Swiss Riviera like no other.

A unique museum dedicated to the legendary band Queen fascinates rock music fans and all those who want to become fans.

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.

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.

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!

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

The Pro Natura Center Champ-Pittet is surrounded by valuable sedge meadows, reeds and lake-shore forest. You can stroll in a leisurely fashion on the interesting and varied nature-studies hiking trails, where you can obtain information about the local ecosystems. Most trails and bridges are accessible for wheelchairs and baby carriages. Let us guide and inform you on this fascinating tour!

In the midst of vineyards, visitors enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and the mountains, and they get to know the work of the vintners.

On the approximately two-hour hike you will discover exciting secrets of the forest and enjoy a wonderful view of Villars-sur-Ollon and the surrounding mountain world.

In the Grande Cariçaie, some spots are known by experts for their frequent visits from beavers. Why not spend an evening on their trail?

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.

How many destinations can boast guaranteed snow year-round? Apart from the breathtaking alpine scenery, Glacier 3000 has lots more in store: renowned architecture, Instagramable photo spots, and unique thrills…

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the gems and the hidden corners of the city thanks to a new type of digital rallye. Each team will have to take on a maximum of challenges to win the game!