The Vaud canton is where steep stone walls hold back the earth in the Lavaux where thousands of vineyard terraces plunge toward the blue expanse of Lake Geneva. This landscape thrives on three sources of light: the sun, the reflection off the water and the heat trapped by ancient masonry. Along the shore, the atmosphere shifts from the urban energy of Lausanne to the palm lined promenades of the Swiss Riviera in Montreux, mirrored by the snowy French Alps across the water.
Inland, the terrain breaks into the rolling green pastures of the Jura and the high altitude drama of the Vaudois Alps. You'll encounter Pays d’Enhaut, a region of traditional wood carving where lake views are replaced by deep pine forests. The grand Chateau de Chillon stands as a silent stone sentry on the water edge, guarding the narrow passage between the mountains and the shore.
The vibe here is undeniably French, felt in the relaxed pace of lakeside cafes and the local Chasselas wine production. One hour you are standing on the Glacier 3000 suspension bridge and the next you are in a sleek city square surrounded by world class museums. The Vaud canton gives you a journey of massive contrasts where Mediterranean plants grow in the shadow of eternal ice.
Vaud (canton) highlights
- Lavaux Vineyard Terraces Drive through the narrow lanes of this massive wine region built into the side of the lake cliffs. The stone walls have been maintained by hand for a thousand years.
- Chateau de Chillon Visit the water castle on Lake Geneva that inspired poets like Lord Byron. It sits on a rocky island and features deep dungeons and grand halls.
- Glacier 3000 Bridge Cross the only suspension bridge in the world that connects two mountain peaks. The views cover the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and the Eiger.
- Vallée de Joux Explore the high plateau where the air is silent and the world most expensive watches are made. The lake is a hub for windsurfing in summer and skating in winter.
- Salt Mines of Bex Go deep into the mountain on a small train to see how white gold has been mined for centuries. The underground tunnels are kilometers long and full of history.
- Montreux Lakeside Promenade Walk past exotic flowers and sculptures in this mild microclimate where palm trees grow. The statues of famous musicians celebrate the city rich jazz history.
- Avenches Roman Amphitheater Discover the ruins of Aventicum, the former Roman capital of the region. The massive theater and stone gates are some of the best preserved in the country.
- Pays d'Enhaut Ballooning Visit the village of Château d'Oex, the world capital of alpine hot air ballooning. The high valleys offer perfect wind conditions for flying over the peaks.
- Le Brassus Forest Walk through the Risoud forest where the trees are used to make world class violins and guitars. The wood is prized for its unique acoustic properties.
- Morges Tulip Festival Stop in this lakeside town during the spring to see over 100,000 tulips in the park. The views across to the French Alps and Mont Blanc are unmatched.
The local Four
History of Vaud (canton)
The Vaud canton is a tale of liberation and the birth of the Swiss Riviera. For over 250 years the territory was ruled as a subject land by the powerful city state of Bern. The local people who spoke French and felt a deep connection to the Enlightenment eventually revolted in 1798 with the help of Napoleon. This birth of the Canton of Vaud turned the region from a quiet agricultural province into a center of intellectual freedom and high end tourism.
While the elite were enjoying the lakeside the monks and farmers were building a masterpiece of manual labor known as the Lavaux vineyards. Since the 11th century Benedictine monks have been stacking stones by hand to create the thousands of terraces that line the lake. This massive undertaking created a unique microclimate that allows the region to produce world class Chasselas wine. The history of the land is found in these stone walls maintained by the same families for generations.
In the 20th century the province became a global hub for innovation and sport. The decision to host the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne turned the lakeside into the Olympic Capital while the founding of Nestle and the EPFL university made the region a leader in science and food technology. The history of the Vaud canton is the story of a community who moved from the shadow of Bernese rule to become the sophisticated French speaking heart of Swiss luxury and global diplomacy.