A vibrant summer destination, the idyllic canton of Vaud in southwestern Switzerland is easily accessible from the GCC, thanks to regular flights into Geneva. Home to the culture-rich cities of Lausanne and Montreux Riviera, endless expanses of verdant fields, glassy lakes and cycling trails, Vaud offers a box-ticking blend of activities for all ages, backdropped by some of the Alps’ most dramatic peaks.
PEDAL ACROSS VAUD’S PRISTINE LANDSCAPES
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or someone who prefers a gentle pedal, the Swiss canton of Vaud is a cycling haven just waiting to be explored. With a choice of terrain spanning flat rural roads that are perfect for families, and hilly climbs through spectacular wine regions, see the best of the region on two wheels. Cycle along the northern shores of Lake Geneva on the 106-kilometre Vineyard Route or explore the safe cycling paths and farm roads of the picturesque Chablais Region, perfect for families.
HIKE TO GREAT HEIGHTS
With emerald-green country scenes that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a postcard, the region of Vaud encourages you to slow down and soak it all in. And what better way to embrace the trend for ‘slow travel’ than by exploring on foot. This serene region is crisscrossed by 4,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails, from strolls through fields carpeted in wild flowers to pulse-racing hikes to Le Tour des Muverans, scaling an elevation of 4,337 metres – the effort will be rewarded with breath-taking views of Mont Blanc, Pennine Alps and the Dents du Midi.
GO CHASING WATERFALLS
Summer is the perfect season to seek out Vaud’s captivating collection of waterfalls. Follow the rapids of the Arnon river to spectacular Covatannaz Gorge; visit the 19-metre Dard waterfall in Croy-Romainmôtier; or cool off at the gorgeous staircase waterfall of Saut du Day in Vallorbe Region, an idyllic setting with its own natural beach.
COOL OFF WITH THRILLING WATERSPORTS
Vaud’s iconic waterways come to life in summer. Try your hand at wakeboarding or wakesurfing at the Osmosis Wake Club in Lutry, or visit Lake Joux for thrilling aquatic activities including windsurfing, stand-up paddling, water skiing, pedal boating, canoeing, kayaking or kite surfing. Learn how to sail on Lake Geneva, one of Europe’s largest lakes, or for something a little more sedate, take a dip at one of 116 beaches on the lake’s sun-kissed shores.
GET YOUR CULTURE FIX AT PLATEFORME 10
For your culture fix in the Swiss city of Lausanne, visit Plateforme 10, a dynamic art and culture hub on the shores of Lake Geneva. Summer highlights include a spotlight on Lebanese art with Beirut. Les temps du design, plus guided tours, family workshops and exclusive exhibitions throughout the season.
LOSE YOURSELF AT THE MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL
An annual star on Vaud’s cultural calendar, the Montreux Jazz Festival returns to the shores of Lake Geneva for two weeks, starting 30 June 2023. The second-largest jazz festival in the world, it attracts jazz virtuosos, pop stars and legendary rock groups for an impressive line-up that is immortalised on film – the concerts comprise a unique musical archive protected by UNESCO.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST-LOVED STAGE STARS AT CHAPLIN’S WORLD
Film fans can walk in the steps of Hollywood’s legendary Charlie Chaplin, immerse in the studio to experience the silent world of film or roam the sprawling ten-acre estate the star once walked retracing the steps of the cinematic hero. The last 25 years of his extraordinary life were spent in Switzerland as he enjoyed the peace and privacy it provided, with views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Now, the museum in his honour invites the world to celebrate the life of this much-loved man.
INDULGE IN SUMMER-FRESH CUISINE AND SUNDOWNERS
Work up an appetite on the hike up to Casba Chalet, set to open on 1st July 2023, and is about an hour-long walk from the Sainte-Croix train station. Immersed in a majestic forest setting, this bucolic restaurant serves Swiss specialties such as rösti galettes, mountain cheeses, fresh organic salads, and local game meats in season. For something less challenging, join the local Lausanne city dwellers as they gather on the shores of Lake Geneva for a relaxed round of sundowners. An ideal option is La Jetée de la Compagnie, a temporary terrace on the shores of Lake Geneva, in Lausanne-Ouchy, which is a great spot for sunbathing after a dip.
About the region of Vaud (Lake Geneva region), Switzerland
Located in the southwestern part of Switzerland in its French-speaking region between Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel, the region of Vaud is a dream vacation destination. The region is served by Geneva international airport, which is a short 40-minute train ride away from Lausanne. The region boasts a strong infrastructure including luxurious and affordable accommodation and a well-connected transportation system. The region features beautiful towns such as Lausanne, the Olympic Capital and Montreux Riviera, all steeped in centuries of history and culture. It has influenced and inspired many artists over the years from Lord Byron, Audrey Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin to David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. Vaud region is best known for its art of living, local and internationally renowned events, outdoor sports activities, world-class gastronomy, traditions, and culture.
