Gros-de-Vaud is a gently rolling plateau shaped by fertile soil and agriculture. In the broader landscape, the Venoge has carved a valley about one kilometre wide and up to 100 metres deep into the plateau. It drains the western part southwards towards Lake Geneva. This landscape can be explored along several trails, each with its own focus: from fields and forests to villages and cultural history.
Since 1 September 2006, the Gros-de-Vaud district has been an administrative unit in the Swiss canton of Vaud; its main town is Echallens. The Tour du Gros de Vaud focuses on rural villages and the district’s cultural heritage. The route is about 70 kilometres long, comprises five stages and loops around Echallens through landscapes, forests and villages.
Hiking trails, fields and forests
The Chemin des Blés covers a different scale: this signposted educational trail is about 100 kilometres long and starts in Echallens. It passes through fields and forests, with the Alps and Jura as a backdrop. In each village along the route, an information point provides details about local history and architecture, as well as circular walks in the surrounding area. These information points therefore complement the educational trail with insights into village history and architecture, as well as guidance on nearby circular walks.
Along the Gros-de-Vaud Country Walk, wheat, barley, spelt, maize, rapeseed and sunflowers shape the landscape throughout the year. The Bois d’Orjulaz offers a natural retreat, where young and old trees provide a habitat for numerous bird species. Those interested in waterways and their history can explore another route: the Sentier du Talent is a signposted trail just under ten kilometres long, linking Echallens and Montheron through forests and along the Talent River’s natural banks. Historic canals in Cugy, Brétigny and Assens recall the former importance of the region’s mills and sawmills.
Culture, from crafts to contemporary art
The Espace Culturel Assens houses a gallery in a restored farmhouse. Since 1998, the institution has showcased both established, acclaimed artists and promising young artists. Its programme includes concerts, performances, literary evenings, workshops, conferences and debates; the types of events may vary over time.
The Musée Suisse du Blé et du Pain explores agriculture, milling and baking, as well as the history of grain and bread, across three levels. The collection includes traditional costumes from the Pays de Vaud. The Chemin de Ti’Grain is designed for children: this circular route features 20 educational stations. The museum thus highlights grain processing, regional clothing and a route specially designed for children.
Nature experiences and getting there
In the Bois des Brigands, three circular trails shaped like a cuckoo’s nest wind around Le Repaire. The “Tronches d’Arbres” mini-arboretum presents local and international forest species with eleven information panels. The Bois des Brigands is open year-round and admission is free; check local access information before visiting. The Sentier Handicap et Nature also passes through varied woodland and offers views of the Jura range and the Pre-Alps.
The Ascension de l’Antenne de Sottens is a seasonal experience that lets visitors climb a 125-metre transmission mast at their own pace. When the weather is favourable, the panorama stretches from the Alps to the Jura. Depending on the option chosen and seasonal operations, visitors can also sample local specialities. Check the available dates before planning your visit.
The Lausanne-Echallens-Bercher railway (LEB) connects Lausanne-Flon to Bercher via Echallens. From its stations, it offers numerous opportunities for walks and cycling trips in nature without needing a car. Bercher is the terminus of the LEB line on the Tour du Gros de Vaud. Check station access and transport services before travelling. In the Gros-de-Vaud area, the LEB also offers trips on the Train-resto and the steam train. Both formats can be reserved for private or business events and run regularly on public excursions; timetables and booking options may change.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Goumoens-La-Ville, Mex, Oppens, Goumoens-Le-Jux, Fey, Montilliez, Cossonay, Orbe.
Back to the main travel overview: Vaud.
