At the end of the Via Jacobi trail from Avenches, the majestic Cluniac Abbey Church stands in Payerne. It is a five-minute walk from Payerne railway station; for the exact route, it is worth checking current guidance. The Abbey Church discovery tour takes you through the building with 20 immersive, interactive audio-guide stations. Check access before your trip.
Abbey Church and the city’s history
Payerne’s town centre sits on a hill formed by an ancient moraine ridge. At the same time, the town lies at the entrance to the broad alluvial plain of the Broye. The townscape thus brings together a historic centre and the transition to a wide-open landscape.
The historical walking tour includes 16 stops near the main historical sights. It is free and available in French, German and English. QR codes share insights along the way into the town’s history, monuments and hidden corners. Exploring Payerne on foot lets you take in both its buildings and its less conspicuous corners on a single tour.
Aviation and space at Clin d’Ailes
The Clin d’Ailes museum displays nine aircraft and two helicopters. The museum also includes the Espace Claude Nicollier, with space equipment and videos. The subject matter spans aviation and space without requiring you to visit different places for each topic.
At the flight simulator, visitors take a seat in the cockpit of a McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, accompanied by an experienced instructor. Access and booking conditions may change; check them before your visit.
Festivals, performances and regional delicacies
The Tirage tradition dates back to the founding of the Société des tireurs à la cible in 1736. Each year, it brings the local community together around the Abbey Church. The Tirage includes processions, a flag and shooting events at the Vernex shooting range. The fair features around 20 fairground operators each year, along with numerous shooting and skill games. Dates and programmes may vary, so check the event details before your trip.
The Brandons de Payerne are also among Switzerland’s oldest carnival celebrations. Every year, Payerne residents create costumes and floats. Highlights include painted windows, parades and Chineuses. For a very different kind of stage, the Théâtre Hameau-Z’Arts is housed in a former petrol station and offers a programme devoted entirely to humour.
At the market square, discover regional dishes and products, including spices, pastries and other delicacies from small producers. Cave l’Abbatiale offers wine tastings at its shop at Place de la Concorde 2, 1530 Payerne. As opening hours may change, check the latest information in advance.
Trails through the countryside
A circular hike goes via Payerne, Corcelles, Montagny and Vers-chez-Savary before returning to Payerne; the landscape changes along the way. Another stage of the Via Jacobi runs from Fribourg to Payerne through rolling countryside, wide meadows, open woodland and beautiful alluvial areas. The Three Lakes Trail reaches Payerne, where it joins the Route de la Romandie, which continues via Geneva into France. These routes offer different ways to explore: a loop that returns to Payerne, a stage from Fribourg, and a connection that continues beyond the town.
More activities
Karting de Payerne has an indoor and an outdoor track, as well as electric and petrol-powered karts. Payerneland Tower combines a panoramic adventure park with an observation platform, a rappelling jump and courses for children and adults. Laurapark is a large indoor park for children, with modern games and party areas for birthdays. What these venues offer may change; check what is currently available before your visit.
Golf de Payerne offers nine- or 18-hole rounds. The course is a par-70 layout with fairly wide fairways, well-protected greens, water hazards and dense tree cover. If you are planning a round, check availability and course conditions.
Discover more destinations: Nyon, Yverdon, Avenches, Northern Vaud Jura, Lavaux, Aigle, Orbe, Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut.
For the main travel overview: Vaud.
