Hidden gems of the Canton of Vaud
Intro
The Canton of Vaud stretches from the Jura Mountains to the Alps. In between lie authentic countryside, rolling vineyards, Lake Geneva and the "Swiss Riviera," medieval towns, Lake Neuchâtel with its charming marinas, and the picturesque old town of Montreux. There are marshes too — a delight for bird lovers, as Vaud has carefully preserved its wetlands. Looking for hidden gems? Let us guide you!
Canton of Vaud
Located in the heart of the Lake Geneva region, the Canton of Vaud stretches from the idyllic Jura countryside to the fascinating Vaud Alps. It lies along clear, majestic lakes, blending seamlessly with its unique and diverse landscapes.
Romainmôtier Old monastery
Romainmôtier is a charming village situated on the Nozon River and home to the oldest monastery in Switzerland. Nestled between two wooded hills, the village captivates visitors with its peaceful atmosphere. The upper town, featuring a long row of houses mostly dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, also enchants visitors. A particularly notable mansion, the Glayre House, dating back to the late sixteenth century, marks the eastern beginning of this row. Located in a bend of the Nozon River and nestled between two steep wooded slopes, Romainmôtier charms with its seclusion. Despite the passage of time and sometimes turbulent events in its history, the village has preserved its spiritual essence.
Moudon In the countryside
Nestled in the heart of the countryside is the historic town of Moudon. Once the capital of the Pays de Vaud in the Middle Ages, it has preserved a rich architectural heritage, including the Church of St-Étienne, adorned with paintings. Explore the upper town district, traversed by a footpath, the Château de Carrouge perched atop a rocky outcrop, and the green banks of the Broye River below. A discovery trail begins in the nearby village of Ropraz, 10 km to the south. The "6 Bridges Walk" takes you across the wild waters of La Bressonne. In Lucens, a neighbouring village, opposite the train station, the ochre-coloured building housing La Table des Suter is a highlight of Swiss gastronomy. According to the Michelin Guide, "This family institution brilliantly combines professionalism and the warmest welcome.
Getting there: By train from Lausanne (40 minutes)
Le Pont Valley Landscape
Le Pont is set in an idyllic location at the eastern end of Lake Joux, right on the water’s edge, framed by a breathtaking hilly landscape.
Until the early nineteenth century, the villagers primarily lived off agriculture and dairy farming; gradually, a few watchmaking workshops also emerged. A significant transformation occurred at the end of the century with improved valley accessibility following the arrival of the railway line linking Vallorbe in 1886. Le Pont evolved into a popular holiday resort for foreign tourists. Many farms were converted into residences, their facades refurbished to conceal their original rural purpose. New constructions, such as the Grand-Hôtel perched above the village, stand as majestic reminders of the Belle Époque style from the turn of the century.
Despite development throughout the twentieth century, Le Pont has preserved its distinctive historic character. The village core forms a gentle arc just above the water’s surface. The continuous line of facades creates a unified appearance, yet each house remains independent, separated by narrow streets. Behind these buildings lie courtyards, gardens, and orchards.
Nyon A turbulent past
Saint Saphorin UNESCO World Heritage
Nestled in the heart of the Lavaux vineyards, just below the foothills of Mont-Pèlerin, lies the charming winegrowing village of Saint-Saphorin. Once threatened by landslides, the village’s authorities built arcades supporting the facades of the houses—earning Saint-Saphorin the description of a fortified village.
The village centre is defined by narrow alleys and cobbled streets, lined with tightly packed winegrowers’ houses typical of the region alongside simpler dwellings. The colourful, symmetrical facades add a special charm to these buildings. Around the village square, known as the Place du Peuplier, stand important landmarks such as the Reformed Church with its bell tower and the Auberge de l'Onde. This square is also the vibrant heart of local festivals including Spring, Grape Harvest, and Christmas celebrations.
Down in the lower part of the village lies the port, whose entrance is spanned by the railway line. Saint-Saphorin has long been a refuge for artists, turning the village into a small cultural hub. Among its most famous residents was Jean Villard, known as Gilles, the renowned Vaudois chansonnier.
Yvonand Swiss exoticism
With its natural bays, pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking mountain views, Yvonand on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel truly feels like a holiday destination. From the Saint-Martin tower—22 metres tall and dating back to around 1240—you can admire the sparkling lake and the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve. This protected area encompasses wetlands, swamps, forests, and an exceptionally rich variety of flora and fauna.
To explore the diverse natural habitats, follow the hiking trails through the heart of the reserve or embark on a scenic hike from Vallorbe to the impressive Saut du Day waterfall. From Suchet, the summit of the Vaudois Jura, you’ll enjoy postcard-perfect views of the Alps, the Jura, and the lakes of Geneva and Neuchâtel. Along the Crêtes du Jura route, Chalet Suchet serves authentic alpine cuisine.
Getting there: By train from Yverdon-les-Bains (8 minutes) or Lausanne (25 minutes)
Rougemont Castle
Rougemont, named after the red flysch geological formations found in the area, is situated in the heart of the Vaud Alps near the border with the Bernese Saanenland. The region’s occupation began with the construction of a Cluniac convent in the latter half of the eleventh century. To the east, beyond the religious site, a village grew on the valley plain between the Sarine River and the wooded hillside. The castle, originally built in 1572 and rebuilt in the 1750s, is a massive square structure with a central courtyard. The church, visible from a distance, captivates visitors with its elegant hexagonal bell tower.
The village’s layout is linear. Seventeenth-century traditional peasant houses stand on sturdy masonry plinths, their wooden facades forming a striking sequence of gabled roofs along the street.
Behind these homes lie some of the old granaries, once numbering about 40. These structures testify to the historical importance of livestock farming and cheese production as key sources of livelihood. The prosperity this brought is reflected in the decorative details adorning many houses, still admired today.
Tourism began to flourish in Rougemont in the early nineteenth century and saw a resurgence in 1904 with the opening of the Montreux-Bernese Oberland Railway.
Montreux We will rock you
The hues of blue and green, the majestic Lake Geneva, the steep vineyards and the surrounding peaks – the magic of Montreux and the Swiss Riviera remains undiminished. Even ducks and wading birds have their own Riviera: Les Grangettes, a peaceful nature reserve best explored with binoculars in hand.
Freddie Mercury (1946–1991), lead singer of Queen, found both inspiration and serenity in Montreux. The “Freddie Tours” audio guide invites you to explore the city’s musical legacy.
Behind the train station, a footpath leads to the Gorges du Chauderon. After strolling through the old town – reminiscent of a French village – discovering the gorge feels like a true escape into nature. Don’t miss Chillon Fort either: this unique museum, built into the rock in 1941, offers an immersive fortress experience.
Getting there: By train from Lausanne (approx. 20 minutes) or Geneva (approx. 1 hour)