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Vaud
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Explore Vaud for Lausanne’s culture, Lavaux vineyards, Lake Geneva scenery, historic castles, Jura forests and Alpine villages.

Vaud occupies a remarkably varied corner of western Switzerland, stretching from the shores of Lake Geneva through the vineyard terraces of Lavaux and La Côte to the Jura highlands and the Vaud Alps. Its principal city, Lausanne, rises steeply above the lake, combining a medieval old town and Gothic cathedral with a major university, museums and the headquarters of the Olympic movement. To the east, Montreux and Vevey face the lake beneath wooded and Alpine slopes, while the northern shore leads towards Yverdon-les-Bains and the broad landscapes around Lake Neuchâtel.
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The canton’s geography creates distinct travel experiences within relatively manageable distances. Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape, is formed by centuries of viticulture on carefully maintained terraces between Lausanne and Montreux. La Côte, west of Lausanne, has its own vineyard villages and views across the lake towards the French Alps. Inland, the Jura offers forests, limestone ridges, pastures and traditional watchmaking communities, while the Vallée de Joux is known for its lake, winter sports and precision timekeeping. South-eastern Vaud rises into the Vaud Alps, where Les Diablerets, Villars and Leysin provide bases for walking, skiing and mountain activities.
History is visible in Roman archaeological remains at Lausanne’s lakeside Lousonna site, in the medieval churches and fortified settlements of the countryside, and in castles associated with the former Savoyard and Bernese spheres of influence. Château de Chillon, on the shore near Veytaux, is the canton’s most recognisable monument, its towers and halls reflecting centuries of strategic control over the lake route. Aigle Castle stands among vineyards in the Rhône valley, while the old streets of Moudon, Orbe and Grandson reveal Vaud’s layered political and commercial past.
Vaud’s cultural life is particularly strong in Lausanne, with theatres, galleries, concert venues and museums complemented by the food and wine traditions of smaller towns. Local tables draw on lake fish, Alpine cheeses, seasonal produce, bread and pastries, with vineyards producing Chasselas and other wines suited to the region’s slopes and varied exposures. Markets, cellars and village festivals offer a more grounded way to encounter the canton than sightseeing alone.
Outdoor travel ranges from lakeside cycling and boat journeys to vineyard walks, Jura hiking and Alpine excursions. Transport is efficient around Lausanne and the lake, but a carefully planned itinerary is useful for rural valleys and highland villages. Vaud rewards visitors who move between its urban, lakeside, vineyard, Jura and mountain landscapes rather than treating it as a single resort destination.

When is the best time to visit Vaud?

Best: July–September · 22–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January680
February770
March1190
April15100
May20110
June23120
July (best)26110
August (best)26100
September (best)2290
October1780
November1090
December6100

Getting to and around Vaud

How to get there

Most international visitors reach Vaud through Geneva Airport, outside the canton but connected directly by rail to Lausanne and other Lake Geneva destinations. Zurich Airport is a longer but practical alternative with rail connections towards western Switzerland. Lausanne is the principal railway gateway within Vaud, with direct domestic services to Geneva, Bern and other major Swiss cities. Regional rail lines continue towards Montreux, Vevey, Yverdon-les-Bains, Nyon, Aigle and the Jura and Alpine valleys. The A1 and A9 motorways provide the main road approaches, while Lake Geneva boat services offer a scenic route between several Vaud ports and neighbouring lakeside destinations.

Transportation

Rail and bus services make Lausanne, the principal lakeside towns and many vineyard areas straightforward to explore without a car. Boats on Lake Geneva connect ports including Lausanne-Ouchy, Morges, Rolle, Nyon, Vevey and Montreux, although routes and seasonal patterns vary. A car is useful for dispersed vineyards, Jura villages and mountain valleys, but roads can be narrow and winding in upland areas. Mountain railways and cable cars provide access to several resort areas, while walking and cycling are especially rewarding along the lakeshore, through vineyard landscapes and on marked Jura trails.

Top city travel guides in Vaud

The cities of Vaud, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Vaud

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Vaud

Vaud offers a broad mixture of urban culture, heritage, wine landscapes and outdoor recreation. Lausanne combines the medieval Cité and cathedral with museums, galleries, concert venues and the lakeside Roman site of Lousonna. Along the shore, the towns of Morges, Rolle, Nyon, Vevey and Montreux provide promenades, museums, historic centres and access to Lake Geneva boat journeys. Lavaux is the canton’s defining cultural landscape, where footpaths cross vineyard terraces between Lausanne and Montreux. Château de Chillon and Château d’Aigle provide different perspectives on medieval power and wine-country history. Inland, Yverdon-les-Bains offers thermal bathing and historic surroundings, while the Jura and Vallée de Joux suit forests, pastures and lakes suited to walking, cycling and winter sports. The Vaud Alps around Villars, Leysin and Les Diablerets bring higher mountain scenery, skiing and marked hiking routes. Museums, local markets and seasonal cultural programmes add variety beyond the best-known viewpoints.

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Best landmarks in Vaud

Lausanne Cathedral dominates the old city from its hilltop position and remains one of Switzerland’s most important Gothic buildings, with the surrounding medieval streets forming the historic core of the canton’s principal city. On the lake shore near Veytaux, Château de Chillon is a remarkably preserved fortified complex whose towers, courtyards and waterside setting reflect its role on the route between northern and southern Alpine territories. The terraces of Lavaux, extending between Lausanne and Montreux, are a landmark landscape as much as a wine-growing area, with dry-stone walls and villages descending towards Lake Geneva. Château d’Aigle stands amid vineyards in the Rhône valley, while the historic centres of Moudon, Orbe and Grandson preserve medieval and early modern townscapes. At Vidy, the archaeological remains of Roman Lousonna mark the earlier lakeside settlement of Lausanne. In the Jura, the wooded ridges and open pastures around the Vallée de Joux form a natural landmark characteristically different from the lake and Alpine districts.

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Explore Vaud on the map

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Best restaurants in Vaud

Vaud’s food culture is shaped by Lake Geneva, vineyard country, Alpine dairying and the French-speaking traditions of western Switzerland. Menus may feature perch or other lake fish, seasonal vegetables, breads and pastries, while mountain areas are associated with fondue, raclette and other cheese-based dishes shared in convivial settings. Chasselas is the signature white wine of many Vaud vineyards, with additional regional varieties appearing in cellars and restaurants across Lavaux and La Côte. Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux offer the widest range of contemporary restaurants, cafés and international cuisines; smaller towns and villages are more likely to centre on brasseries, bakeries, farm shops and traditional inns. Farmers’ markets and village wine events are useful places to encounter local produce, including cheeses, fruit, preserves and wines. Restaurant prices vary considerably, but lakeside resorts and major urban centres are generally more expensive than rural districts.

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Best bars in Vaud

Evening life in Vaud is concentrated in Lausanne, whose Flon and central districts contain bars, live-music venues, clubs, cinemas and theatres, while nearby Ouchy is oriented towards the lake rather than late-night entertainment. Montreux and Vevey offer hotel bars, wine bars, music venues and restaurants, with activity often increasing during major seasonal events. In vineyard and mountain communities, the evening scene is quieter and usually revolves around village cafés, traditional pubs, hotel lounges, cellar tastings and occasional live performances rather than large clubs. The canton’s wine and brewery culture provides alternatives to nightlife centred on spirits, and many visitors prefer an early dinner followed by a lakeside walk or concert. Opening arrangements vary, especially outside Lausanne, so rural visitors should plan transport home rather than assume late public services.

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Best nightclubs in Vaud

Evening life in Vaud is concentrated in Lausanne, whose Flon and central districts contain bars, live-music venues, clubs, cinemas and theatres, while nearby Ouchy is oriented towards the lake rather than late-night entertainment. Montreux and Vevey offer hotel bars, wine bars, music venues and restaurants, with activity often increasing during major seasonal events. In vineyard and mountain communities, the evening scene is quieter and usually revolves around village cafés, traditional pubs, hotel lounges, cellar tastings and occasional live performances rather than large clubs. The canton’s wine and brewery culture provides alternatives to nightlife centred on spirits, and many visitors prefer an early dinner followed by a lakeside walk or concert. Opening arrangements vary, especially outside Lausanne, so rural visitors should plan transport home rather than assume late public services.

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Best shops in Vaud

Lausanne provides Vaud’s broadest shopping choice, from the pedestrian streets around the old centre to independent boutiques, design shops, bookshops, food halls and specialist retailers in newer districts. Morges, Nyon, Vevey, Montreux and Yverdon-les-Bains offer more compact high streets where local businesses, bakeries, delicatessens and weekly markets are central to the experience. Vineyard villages and rural areas are good places to buy bottles of Vaud wine directly from producers, although opening arrangements and tasting availability vary. Regional food gifts can include Alpine cheeses, chocolate, preserves, biscuits and dried produce, while farm shops often reflect the season. The Vallée de Joux and Jura have a long association with precision watchmaking, though specialist purchases require research and a suitable budget. Craft galleries and small studios provide alternatives to mass-produced souvenirs, particularly around the lake and in mountain resorts. Swiss design goods and practical outdoor equipment are widely available in Lausanne and larger resort towns.

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Vaud essentials

Currency and Payment
Vaud uses the Swiss franc, written CHF or Fr., like the rest of Switzerland. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in cities, resorts, hotels, restaurants and transport facilities, although a small amount of cash remains useful for rural cafés, farm shops, lockers or occasional self-service facilities. Prices can be high by international standards, particularly in lakeside and resort areas. Euros may sometimes be accepted near the French-speaking border or in tourist businesses, but change and pricing are generally more favourable in Swiss francs.
Safety
Vaud is generally well organised for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain sensible in busy stations, on crowded lakefronts and at major events. Outdoor risks deserve more attention than serious crime: mountain paths may be steep or exposed, weather can change quickly, and snow or ice affects higher routes in winter. Follow marked trails, check local conditions and carry suitable footwear and water. When driving, allow for winding mountain roads, cyclists and changing conditions; never rely on a lakeside or valley forecast for an Alpine excursion.
Emergency Situations
Switzerland’s national emergency numbers apply throughout Vaud: call 112 for the general European emergency line, 117 for police, 118 for fire and 144 for an ambulance. In the mountains, 1414 connects callers with Rega, the Swiss air-rescue service, where appropriate. Give your exact location, trail or road information and the nature of the problem, and do not leave an injured person alone unless remaining there creates greater danger. A charged phone and offline map are sensible on rural walks.
Do's and Don'ts
Use marked paths and respect vineyard, pasture and forest access signs, particularly around Lavaux and Alpine communities. Keep dogs under control where livestock or wildlife are present, and do not pick grapes or enter private land without permission. Swiss public transport etiquette values quiet carriages, orderly queues and keeping platforms clear. Tipping is not compulsory, although rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is customary. At churches, castles and museums, follow photography rules and dress considerately where religious services are taking place.
Local Tips
The canton is easier to appreciate when divided into contrasting areas: Lausanne and the central lake shore, Lavaux and Montreux, La Côte, the Jura and the Vaud Alps. Check the last return connection before visiting a mountain village or rural cellar, as evening services can be limited. The Lavaux terraces are best explored slowly on foot, while boats provide a useful change of perspective on the lake. In winter, lowland towns may be clear while higher resorts have substantial snow, so plan activities by altitude rather than by canton-wide weather.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloSalut[sah-loo]
GoodbyeAu revoir[oh ruh-vwahr]
YesOui[wee]
NoNon[noh]
Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien[seel voo pleh / duh ree-ehn]
Thank youMerci[mehr-see]
Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé[ehk-skew-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
How are you?Comment ça va?[koh-mohn sah vah?]
Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?[byehn. eh voo?]
Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?[par-lay voo ahn-glay?]
I don't understandJe ne comprends pas[zhuh nuh kom-prahnd pah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray vwar luh meh-nu, seel voo pleh]
I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande[zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyahnd]
Cheers!Santé![sahn-tay]
I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Au secours![oh se-kour]
Go away!Allez-vous-en![ah-lay voo zahn]
Call the Police!Appelez la police![ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin![ah-peh-lay uhn meh-deh-sahn]
I'm lostJe suis perdu[zhuh swee pehr-due]
I'm illJe suis malade[zhuh swee mah-lahd]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...[zhuh voo-dray ah-sheh-tay...]
I'm just lookingJe regarde juste[zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
How much is it?C'est combien?[say kohm-byen?]
That's too expensiveC'est trop cher[say troh shair]
Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?[poo-vay voo beh-say luh pree?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?[kel uhr eh-teel?]
It's one o'clockIl est une heure[eel eh tün uhr]
Half past (10)Dix heures et demie[dees uhr eh duh-mee]
MorningMatin[mah-tahn]
AfternoonAprès-midi[ah-preh-mee-dee]
EveningSoir[swahr]
YesterdayHier[ee-ehr]
TodayAujourd'hui[oh-zhoor-dwee]
TomorrowDemain[deh-mahn]
1Un[uhn]
2Deux[duh]
3Trois[trwah]
4Quatre[ka-truh]
5Cinq[sank]
6Six[sees]
7Sept[seht]
8Huit[weet]
9Neuf[nuhf]
10Dix[dees]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Où est un/une...?[oo eh uhn/oon...?]
What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?[kel eh la-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?[poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sur lah kart)?]
When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?[kahn eh luh pro-shen (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)[uhn bee-yay (poor ....)]

History of Vaud

Prehistoric lake-shore settlement

The shores of Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel supported communities long before the modern towns of Vaud emerged. Archaeological remains associated with the Alpine lake-dwelling tradition show how prehistoric inhabitants built settlements in or beside shallow water and relied on farming, fishing and craft production. Sites around the lakes preserve evidence of changing water levels, tools, ceramics and domestic life. They form part of a wider transnational archaeological heritage recognised for its contribution to understanding prehistoric settlement around the Alps.

Roman Lousonna and the lake route

The Roman settlement of Lousonna developed at Vidy, beside present-day Lausanne, from the first century BC and became an important commercial centre on the route linking the Rhône corridor with the Alpine hinterland. Its position on Lake Geneva supported trade, transport and communications, while roads connected it with other settlements across western Switzerland. Excavated remains, foundations and museum displays at the lakeside site help explain how Roman urban life shaped the area before the settlement pattern shifted towards the hill above the lake.

Savoyard and medieval Vaud

During the Middle Ages, much of the territory that became Vaud was influenced by the counts and dukes of Savoy. Castles, churches and fortified towns protected routes through the lake shore, the Rhône valley and the Jura approaches. Château de Chillon, Moudon, Grandson and other strategic sites reflect the importance of controlling movement, taxation and political authority. Lausanne also developed as an episcopal centre, while rural communities were organised through lordships, monasteries and increasingly prosperous market towns.

The Bernese conquest and the Reformation

Bern conquered the Pays de Vaud in 1536, ending Savoyard rule and bringing the territory into the Bernese political sphere. The Reformation was introduced soon afterwards, transforming religious institutions, education and public life. Lausanne became an important centre of Protestant learning, and the establishment of the Lausanne Academy in 1537 laid foundations for the canton’s later intellectual role. The period also left a strong architectural and institutional legacy in churches, civic buildings and historic town centres.

From subject territory to canton

The upheavals surrounding the French Revolution encouraged opposition to Bernese rule, and the Vaudois revolution of 1798 led to the creation of the short-lived canton of Léman within the Helvetic Republic. After the Act of Mediation in 1803, Vaud entered the Swiss Confederation as a canton. This transition gave political expression to a distinct regional identity while integrating Vaud into the federal system that continues to shape Switzerland.

Railways, vineyards and tourism

Nineteenth-century railways connected Lausanne and the Lake Geneva shore with Geneva, Bern and the Alpine valleys, accelerating commerce, migration and tourism. Vine-growing remained central in Lavaux and La Côte, while workshops and specialist manufacturing expanded in the Jura and Vallée de Joux. Improved access also encouraged the growth of resorts such as Montreux, Villars and Leysin. Hotels, promenades, railways and mountain facilities from this period helped establish Vaud as both a productive canton and an international leisure destination.

A modern centre of education, sport and international culture

In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, Vaud increasingly combined agriculture and tourism with higher education, technology, health sciences and international institutions. Lausanne’s universities and research organisations have strengthened its role as a knowledge centre, while the city is internationally associated with the Olympic movement. Montreux’s cultural profile was reinforced by music and entertainment, and the canton’s towns continue to balance historic environments with expanding contemporary economies.

Vaud in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Vaud, Switzerland

Discover Vaud with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Enjoy seamless trip planning and local tips.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Evendo is a comprehensive, free travel guide app for Vaud, Switzerland. Discover top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and book hotels and tours effortlessly.

  • Curated local tips to experience Vaud like a local
  • History of Vaud and travel essentials
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs
  • Coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide

Welcome to Vaud, Switzerland, a land of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Evendo is your perfect travel companion. This app-based travel guide offers detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Vaud. Imagine exploring the iconic Chillon Castle, wandering through the beautiful Lavaux Vineyards, or dining at the exquisite Restaurant de l'Hôtel de Ville in Crissier—all with insider tips and easy navigation at your fingertips.

Evendo's user-friendly interface makes trip planning a breeze. With rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, you can effortlessly organize your itinerary. No more searching for what to see, do, or experience—Evendo brings everything to one place, including the ability to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app.

Explore Vaud like a local with curated tips and the 'Near Me' feature, which shows you the best attractions and hidden gems around your current location. Learn about the history of Vaud, get travel essentials, and enjoy tons of good, local advice to make the most of your visit. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Download Evendo now and unlock the wonders of Vaud and beyond. With coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, you have the world in your pocket.

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