Looking for somewhere to celebrate Eid Al Fitr with family or friends? Whether you’re looking for a cultural adventure, outdoor holiday, foodie getaway, or a mix of all three, the region of Vaud is the perfect place to go. Escape the heat and beat the crowds in a region that’s filled with stunning lakes, soaring mountains, vibrant cities, cultural activities, amazing restaurants and more.
1. Outdoor adventure awaits
The region of Vaud is a nature-lover’s paradise. Between lakes, mountains, salt mines and reserve, the area is abounded with hikes, adventure and discovery. At the foot of the Vaudois Alps, the Bex salt mines is a unique Swiss experience, ideal for families. A labyrinth of underground galleries, shafts, stairs and halls stretching over more than 50 km, the tour allows visitors to discover salt extraction techniques used in the Alps since 1684.
Above the surface, explorers can soak in the beauty of the Grande Cariçaie – the biggest lakeside nature reserve in Switzerland. With wetlands, shallows and woodland areas, nature-lovers will love this paradise with 800 plant species and 10,000 animal species. Visitors can follow the boardwalk into the very heart of the reserve, where North-South migrating birds can be found nesting.
2. Expand your knowledge with Vaud’s rich history
Love old world charm? In the canton of Vaud, you can sleep in historic hotels that have been standing for centuries. Far from dusty and rusty, Vaud’s hotels are elegant, cosy, peaceful and sumptuous. Used in many films over time, you’ll feel like a royal as you walk through the ballrooms and chandelier-lit corridors.
From there, step into Chillon Castle, perfectly set on its rocky island with Lake Geneva and the Alps as its backdrop. Made famous by Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s novel “Julie, or the New Heloise” and Lord Byron’s poem “The Prisoner of Chillon”, it’s easy to see why this fortress has been a source of inspiration for artists. Built in the 11th century, the castle is a must see as the country’s most visited historical landmark.
No holiday to Switzerland is complete without a visit to the Vallée de Joux. As world-renowned watchmakers, Vallée de Joux explores everything from precious materials to the Swiss craftsmanship and technology that have been used to create these miniature works of art for centuries. Immerse yourself in the Espace Horloger, a modern and interactive museum which delves into how this industry flourished in the Vallée.
Explore this gastronomy heaven one bite at a time
If there’s one thing Vaudois people appreciate, it’s good cuisine. For them, there’s no occasion too small to indulge in a delicious spread. As fans of great food and even better wine, the Vaud region is a gourmand’s paradise with the Lake Geneva Region rating among the most reputed table arts regions in the world.
From local specialties, traditional dishes, or gastronomy banquets, the quality of the produce and meals is second-to-none in terms of quality and creativity, like at the Hôtel de Ville in Crissier, now run by Franck Giovannini. Further afield the region boasts many other restaurants including Denis Martin’s restaurant in Vevey, Pont de Brent in Brent-sur-Montreux and Bernard Ravet’s L'Ermitage in Vufflens-le-Château.
For further information and travel inspiration, please visit: www.myvaud.ch/en/
