The striking white round tower of the medieval castle defines Aubonne’s skyline. From the castle, you can look out over the local vineyards and the lake; the townscape is also notable for its narrow lanes, historic buildings and terraced houses. You can explore the historic lanes, houses and castle courtyard on foot, making the townscape and architectural history the focus of your visit.
Castle, lanes and architectural history
The barbican vividly illustrates the castle’s former defensive role: it is part of a structure built in the 16th century and remains the main entrance to the castle. The barbican features keyhole-shaped loopholes for firing arquebuses. The story continues in a different way in the castle courtyard: Jura pebbles form a Persian carpet pattern, and the courtyard dates to 1677. Together, these details reveal both the defensive structure and the careful design of the interior.
Alongside the castle, Swiss cultural properties of national importance to discover in Aubonne include the town hall and the Grenette, the La Vaux powder mill, the Maison d’Aspre with its orangery, and the manor house and riding school at Bougy-St-Martin. Those interested in historic buildings will find more than individual details of the castle: different types of buildings and structures also form part of the town’s cultural heritage.
Town tours and puzzles
The guided town tour lasts about an hour and a half and can be conducted in French, German or English. If you would like to climb the keep and enjoy the 360-degree view, allow an additional 30 minutes. This makes it easy to distinguish the tour’s duration from the optional extension.
Puzzle activities offer another way to explore Aubonne. In “Barbet le Farfadet”, participants follow clues, solve puzzles and a cryptex, interpret maps and unravel the mystery. The “Barbet & le Mystère du Diamant Bleu” route takes you through the lanes of the old town. Both activities involve puzzle-solving; the route through the lanes also offers a direct connection to the historic townscape.
Walking trails and nature nearby
The Sentier au Fil de l'Aubonne is an easily accessible walking trail with information panels about local nature and history. The river corridor along the route is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including trout, beavers and yellow-bellied toads. If you are interested in the natural environment as well as the townscape, this offers a different focus from a castle visit: the panels cover both the landscape and its history.
The Arboretum du Vallon de l'Aubonne is also nearby. Established in 1968, it covers 200 hectares and pursues scientific, educational and recreational goals. Its collection includes more than 3,000 varieties of trees and shrubs adapted to the region; walks are offered for individuals, families and groups. Four orchards help preserve old fruit-tree varieties that are at risk of disappearing. The diversity of the woody plants and the preservation of old fruit varieties thus offer different ways to explore the arboretum on a walk.
The Musée du Bois des Arboretums is also nearby. It displays traditional forestry and woodworking tools as well as numerous wooden objects; a themed exhibition is renewed every year. A visit adds the history of working with forests and wood to your view of the landscape.
Culture and leisure
The free open-air exhibition along the Allée du Chêne offers views of the lake and Mont Blanc. Its theme changes every year. Music takes centre stage at the Vespérales au Temple d'Aubonne: on one Sunday afternoon each month, 40 minutes of varied music are performed, with brief commentary from the musicians. Check the dates before visiting. The Rex cinema is also part of Aubonne’s cultural history: it has been operating since 1956 and is run by a committed team of volunteers.
There are more ways to stay active and enjoy your free time. The public swimming pool has a 25-metre pool, a small pool, a diving area and a paddling pool. The swimming pool complex also includes a playground, a beach volleyball court, a basketball court and table tennis tables. BoxUp in the ChĂŞne sports area lets you borrow sports and leisure equipment for free using a smartphone. As equipment availability may change, it is best to check in advance.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Nyon, Yverdon, Aigle, Lausanne, Morges, Oron, Cossonay, Broye-Vully.
Back to the main travel overview: Vaud.
