Things to do in Vaud

Visit the site of the first Winter Olympics. In Chamonix, experience majestic scenery on a drive through the Arve Valley and from the 12,605-foot viewing platform on Europe’s highest mountain. This day tour begins in Geneva with a drive across the French border through the glacier-fed Arve Valley. At Chamonix, marvel at the splendid backdrop of the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges. You’ll take the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi, which was the world’s highest cable car ride when it was launched in 1955. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of this Alpine wonderland, with views into France, Switzerland, and Italy. Lunch will be at your leisure. You will also have the chance to ride the astonishing Montenvers rack railway to the Mer de Glace glacier. The journey on this electric train covers 3 miles of beautiful mountainous scenery before arriving at the longest glacier in France. Spend the day as you please. Wander by foot to discover the town’s many delights, such as Parc Loisir, Musée Alpin, Lac Gaillands or Atelier Les Racines. Chamonix is the world capital for outdoor activities: mountaineering, alpinism, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, trail running, and skiing.

Explore Geneva and its stunning lake on a unique a sightseeing cruise. Admire the beauty of the Mont-Blanc mountain, the surrounding Swiss Alps, and other landmarks while learning about the area from your audio guide. Download the cruise app CGN Tours with all relevant information on the spot. Hear about every landmark you pass by and learn key facts about them from the audioguide. Begin your tour from the Pierres du Niton, cruising towards the Pointe à la Bise. Peer at the famous Jet d’Eau fountain in the city, famous for Mont-Blanc mountain, the surrounding Swiss Alps, and famous buildings, such as the UN. Pass by elegantly manicured gardens that line the shores of the lake, as well as the stunning surrounding flora and fauna, before heading back to the dock from which you departed.

Discover the picturesque area of Les Diablerets (little devils) in the heart of the Alps Vaudoises at Col du Pillon. Made up of chalets, this village has an amazingly preserved heritage. Don't miss the majestic 3000–meter high glacier. Dominate the snowy peaks and take on the Peak Walk, the world's first suspension bridge connecting two peaks. At 108 meters long, discover more than 24 peaks over 4000 meters on the walkway. Take advantage of the fun park where sleds are waiting for you. In summer, try a descent in the Alpine Coaster, Europe's highest tracked toboggan run.  If you prefer to stay in the village of Diablerets, take a stroll along the river and explore the beautiful landscape. Around 3:00 PM, head back to the bus to return to Montreux, and enjoy some free time to explore this artistic city before returning to Geneva.

Directly between Gstaad and Les Diablerets lies this well-known and accessible glacier in Switzerland. It's only a 15-minute cable car ride up to almost 3000 meters. Nowhere else can you get up to any Swiss glacier so fast. The panoramic cable car ride alone is itself an adventure. At the top, the view opens up and guests can enjoy no less than 24 peaks over 4000 meters, inclunding the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Matterhorn, and Mont Blanc. This fantastic view can also be enjoyed from the restaurants Botta and Refuge de l'Espace. The best part is this place is open all year-round and it is a unique paradise for excursions. Crossing the Peak Walk by Tissot - a 107-meter long suspension bridge, which is by the way, the only one in the world to connect two peaks - is an adventure within itself. Guaranteed to raise your adrenaline level even higher is a wild glacier ride on the hightest situated toboggan run in the world - the Alpine Coaster. Other top attractions include the dogsled ride, a stroll over the Glacier Walk, or the Snowbus tour. Those who are hungry can enjoy regional specialities and international dishes at Restaurant Botta.

Depart from the pier in Montreux on a historic paddle steamer. Sail along Lake Geneva towards Chillon Castle, the most visited historic monument in Switzerland. Continue sailing past the charming towns of Villeneuve, Le Bouveret, and St Gingolph. Sail by the town of Vevey, and admire the views of the famous Lavaux vineyards. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the French and Swiss Alps, before returning to Montreux. Download your tour app which contains all relevant information. Hear about every landmark you pass by and learn key facts about them through the audioguide.

Explore the beauty of Switzerland as you travel with a Swiss Rail pass, valid all over the country. Have the benefit of unlimited usage of public transport and free entrance to over 500 museums across the country.  This ticket offers hassle-free and unlimited travel throughout Switzerland on the Swiss Train Network, buses, and public boats. This pass includes the Glacier Express, Golden Pass Line, Bernina Express, and others. This pass includes museum admission, boat rides, and discounts on many mountain excursions. Choose between a 3-, 4-, 6-, 8-, or 15-day pass and discover the beauty of Switzerland in your own way. 

Join this delicious guided chocolate tour of Geneva to experience one-of-a-kind, award-winning chocolate creations. Visit some of the city’s best artisanal chocolateries – from traditional to modern. You’ll experience chocolate in all shapes and forms: from chocolate pralines to truffles, ganaches, drinking chocolate, and pastry. During the tour, learn the secrets of the origins and manufacturing of chocolate, as well as the history of Swiss chocolate. The tour includes a visit to the old town, and you will hear anecdotes and stories about Geneva, and experience Geneva’s most important tradition – breaking the chocolate “marmite” (cauldron). There is also a fun boat ride on the tour. The best way to discover a city is through its flavors, its local artisans and its stories, so have fun with this exciting, sweet, and exhilarating sensorial experience.

Board a bus from Geneva to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and in 90 minutes, arrive at this Alpine village to discover the beauty of the mountains. In the morning, ride up the cable car to the summit. At more than 3842 meters, be impressed by the Majestic Mont-Blanc and all the peaks around you. If you are feeling adventurous, take a breathtaking step into the void. Three glass walls, the glass floor, and glass ceiling panels give you a unique experience enhanced by 1000 meters of free air directly under your feet, in total safety! Look around and admire the highest peaks in Western Europe, and view the Bossons Glacier, with the greatest descent in Europe, from a dramatic perspective.  Snap some incredible landscapes from one of the numerous panoramic terraces, or warm your hands around a coffee from the shop. Head back to the village, and take a freetime to put your sensations back together before you take the Mountain train Montenvers to discover the Ice Sea. This is the largest glacier of France, featured in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. If it's open ( not garanteed) Take the steps down to visit the Ice Caves. Enjoy the museum and the view from the panoramic terrace, before you head back.

The Manoir: Charlie Chaplin behind closed doors The 500 m² staging of the Manoir is dedicated entirely to Charlie Chaplin the man, and to his daily life – some rooms have been recreated with furniture and personal items. Learn about Charlie's family life and gain insight into the reasons that led him to Switzerland, how he was welcomed, and how he spent the final 25 years of his life. In the dining room, learn about the family’s culinary traditions and the parties and many celebrity guests invited into the home. The Studio: Welcome to Hollywood! The Studio is a 1350 m² structure built on the estate to present the cinematographic world of the artist, actor and filmmaker. The tour starts with a montage of images tracing Chaplin’s life and work. It continues on against a backdrop of 20th century history, moving on to a street right out of an Easy Street decor, one of the most emblematic settings of his movies. The Park: A 10-acre park surrounds the Manoir and the Studio, offering visitors a breathtaking view overlooking Lake Leman and the Alps. It is evocative of the special relationship that Chaplin cultivated with nature, in particular the mountainous landscapes, the lake and the vineyards that surrounded his estate. The Shop: Come into Chaplin’s old Bentley garage and browse through a range of exclusive souvenirs. Here you will find quality products reflecting the life and work of Charlie Chaplin, including every one of his DVDs and box sets, and his celebrated movie posters. A wide selection of books, stationery and cards, tableware, and children’s toys are also offered. You can even buy your very own version of Chaplin’s iconic hat and cane!

Get to know the city of Geneva on an open-top bus tour. See the stunning Lake Geneva and the famous flower clock in Jardin Anglais park. Stop at the United Nations to snap some photos.  Board your bus and take a seat to enjoy a bus tour through Geneva. During your ride understand the city's international importance as you go to the buildings dedicated to organizations that work for the betterment of safety and equality in the world.  See the United Nations offices and make a photo stop to capture what makes Geneva the capital of peace. Afterward, head to the left bank and see Lake Geneva with its striking water fountain. Make your way to Jardin Anglais park and see the colorful flower clock.   Drive by Parc de La Grange with its gorgeous gardens and visit Parc des Eaux-Vives with its historic mansion before concluding your tour.