17 Unique Things to Do in Vaud: The Swiss Canton that Attracted Ancient Romans and Audrey Hepburn
If you’re looking for things to do in Vaud, Switzerland (the canton alongside Lake Geneva) you won’t be disappointed! You’ll discover a dash of classic Hollywood, many homages to history, and culinary delights to suit all diets.
Indeed, the canton of Vaud’s waterside attracted the Romans and – 20 centuries later – stars like Audrey Hepburn and Charlie Chaplin.
I had the wonderful opportunity to explore the towns of Morges, Nyon and St-Cergue and came home with my camera roll bursting. You’ll soon see why! This article shares 17 things to do in Vaud to help you plan an unforgettable Lake Geneva getaway.
Where is Vaud?
Before getting into the top things to do in Vaud, here’s a bit of background info. Vaud, set in Romandy (French-speaking Switzerland), is the 3rd most populated of the country’s 26 cantons. It begins just a stone’s throw from Geneva, with many of its towns bordering the eponymous lake.
Vaud is further known among the Swiss to offer a wide range of gastronomic and cultural highlights but remains somewhat of a hidden gem on an international level. The things to do in Vaud are practically endless, but here are 17 must-visits!
What Are the Top Things to Do in Vaud in 2-3 Days?
I spent 3 nights in Vaud and was charmed to discover everything from privately owned castles with public gardens to waterfront dining with distinctive Mediterranean flair.
In this blog post, I’ll share my trip chronologically, so that you can gather practical, structured tips for your own Lake Geneva weekend getaway.
While I personally had 72 hours in the region, the itinerary I followed is perfectly adaptable to a 2-night stay, so don’t worry: you’ll still have time for all of these amazing things to do in Vaud.
Day 1: Morges & Surrounds
On day 1, I took the train from Geneva to Morges quite early in the morning. I always enjoy my train rides in Switzerland, since more often than not, these are a great way to admire the scenery. On this journey, I was not disappointed, as much of the 40-minute ride provided prime lake views.
I was met at Morges’ train station by my guide, a representative from the local tourism office. The adventure could begin.
Moulin de Sévery
Our first stop of the day was at the Moulin de Sévery, a family-run mill producing artisanal nut oil – and indeed, the last remaining mill to do so in Switzerland.
The Moulin de Sévery has been in business since 1598, creating a variety of oils and mustards that even made official town records.