Lucens Castle is a beautiful and grand historic structure, located on a hill top and over looking the countryside town of Lucens. Built around the 16th Century, the castle served a residential place for kings and nobility, a fortress, a girls institution before being sold to a private party. Today, it functions as a luxury event venue with weddings, dinners, parties, meetings and conferences regularly hosted here. 10 rooms for accommodation are available as well.
Holding a place of pride in the heart of Lausanne's Old Town, this imposing Gothic cathedral soars over a sea of red-roofed buildings. Although the original master mason is undocumented, construction efforts can be traced back to the 12th Century. The structure was completed roughly a century later in 1275 under an engineer named Jean Cotereel. It was ordained by three important figures - Pope Gregory X, Rudolph of Habsburg, and Guillaume of Champvent, the then bishop of Lausanne. Its belfry a home to seven sonorant bells, the Lausanne Cathedral's other noteworthy features include an exceptional pipe organ and a stained glass window considered to be one of Europe's finest. Those in the city will also hear a town crier announcing the hours every night between 10p and 2a from the bell tower, as has been tradition since the Middle Ages. An architectural wonder par excellence, this historic cathedral comes alive with a repertoire of concerts and a bevy of cultural events.
An almost 900-year-old castle, symbolic of the rich heritage of Oron and a major part of the development of the village, Oron Castle was built in the 13th Century. A magnificent facade dominates the structure while the interior are equally enchanting. Part of the Castle was converted into a library and today holds more than 20,000 books published in French between 1775 and 1825; this being the world’s most important private collection of that period. The ground floor is open to be rented by the public to host events or weddings. It comprises of four rooms with fine furnishings, large fireplaces as well as two courtyards.
A site of regional and national pride, this formidable defensive fortification sits along the picturesque Lake Geneva. Built in the year 1286 on the orders of Baron Louis I of Vaud, this castle was constructed as a traditional Savoyard Carré, essentially a thick fortress with four conical towers enveloping a plaza. Through the years, several of the castle's features were altered, especially during the Bernese conquest of Vaud, when the castle's gates were destroyed. After years of instability, the castle was converted into a site housing four regional museums, the most prominent of which is the Vaud Military Museum.
Ouchy is a great place to relax with the whole family. Paddle by the water fountains, watch the boats leave the harbor or read a book along the shaded quays. There are daily trips across the lake by boat to Evian in France and a worthwhile visit can be made to the Olympic Museum, where you can wander around the gardens free of charge. The beautiful views of Lake Geneva and the Chablais mountains make it a perfect place for a Sunday stroll, but better still if you're on skates.
Throughout its history, Nyon Castle has been used for many purposes. Originally an administrative building in the House of Savoy, it has since been a courthouse, prison, and now a beautiful museum that offers visitors a little bit of everything from history to portraiture to a permanent exhibition of fine Swiss porcelain that was created in the municipality of Nyon between 1781 and 1813. Completely restored as of 2006, visitors can view the entire building floor-by-floor, beginning in the basement then working their way up, passing old prison cells, as well as wonderful art and architecture along the way.
Romainmotier Priory is a monastery founded by Romanus of Condat in the Canton of Vaud, explaining its namesake. Now an entry on the Swiss inventory of cultural property of national and regional significance, it once stood as a priory for monks of the Cluniac order. The rich history of the Romainmotier Priory begins around 450, from there traveling through medieval times, a 14th-century financial crisis, the Protestant Reformation, and two restorations from 1899 to 1915 and 1992 to 2000. In the summer, spring, and autumn, hymn concerts are conducted at the Romainmotier Priory, making it not only a historically significant attraction but also a cultural one.
The Les Clées Castle is a historic castle located in the Swiss countryside village of Les Clées. It is a designated national heritage site. It is a prominent local landmark due to its distinctive cuboidal shape and towering height.
Earlier known as Ferrieris, Ferreyres is a municipality in Switzerland. The entire village has been listed as an area of historical importance. Its proximity to the Venoge valley adds to the beauty of this place by offering various natural spots to visit for nature enthusiasts. With a population of 304 people in December 2013, Ferreyres is a good place to visit for a short trip.
The La Sarraz Castle dates back to the 11th Century and is a fantastic place to visit for history buffs. The castle has a lot of activities that can be enjoyed by the visitors. There is a horse museum in the premises which is quite interesting. Also, the castle is available as a venue for private events and parties. It has good facilities for the same. Guided tours to this place are available for tourists. The architecture of the castle is quite noteworthy and is a nice place to visit with your family or group of friends.
Earlier known as Sarrata, La Sarraz is a beautiful municipality in Vaud, Switzerland. It is home to the much popular La Sarraz Castle. The Chapelle Saint-Antoine is another attraction in the region. Situated close to the River Venoge, this place has good geographical locations as well. For history buffs touring the city, a short trip to La Sarraz is a good idea.
Although the precise year Chateau d'Orbe was constructed is unknown, it is believed to have existed since the 11th century. A former fort of the Roman Empire, it has been part of several key moments in the history of the region and has served a number of kings. Characterized by its circular, 10 meter (32.8 feet) tall keep, the remnants of the former stronghold serve as a reminder of the fascinating history of Orbe.