Aubonne between the castle, old town and nature

A medieval castle with a round white tower, narrow lanes and terraced houses define Aubonne. From the castle, the view stretches across the local vineyards and the lake. The historic old town, as well as agricultural and wooded areas above the vineyards, are also partly included in the Parc Jura Vaudois.

Discover the castle, lanes and history on foot

The historic lanes, terraced houses and castle courtyard can be explored on foot. A guided city tour takes about an hour and a half and can be held in French, German or English. If you would like to climb the donjon and enjoy the 360-degree view, allow an additional 30 minutes.

Details at the castle also tell the story of its construction: the barbican belongs to the defensive structure built in the 16th century and remains the main entrance to the castle. It features keyhole-shaped loopholes for arquebus fire. In the castle courtyard, Jura pebbles form a Persian carpet pattern; the courtyard dates from 1677. The nave of Aubonne church contains a 14th-century fresco depicting a Eucharistic Christ and the Annunciation.

Among the Swiss cultural properties of national importance to discover in Aubonne, in addition to the castle, are the town hall and the Grenette, the La Vaux powder factory, the Maison d'Aspre with its orangery, and the manor house and riding school of Bougy-St-Martin. The list offers insight into different facets of the architectural heritage.

Walks and landscapes

The Sentier au Fil de l'Aubonne is an easily accessible walking trail with information panels about local nature and history. A diverse range of wildlife lives in the river corridor, including trout, beavers and yellow-bellied toads.

Nearby Aubonne, the Arboretum du Vallon de l'Aubonne, established in 1968, covers 200 hectares. It pursues scientific, educational and recreational goals and brings together more than 3,000 varieties of trees and shrubs suited to the region. Walks are offered for individuals, families and groups. Four orchards there help preserve old fruit tree varieties that are at risk of disappearing.

Hiking trails around Aubonne also lead through the Aubonne Valley, the National Arboretum, forests, open fields and the vineyards of La Côte. For a different perspective on the landscape, visit the open-air exhibition along the Allée du Chêne: it is freely accessible and offers views of the lake and Mont Blanc. Its theme changes each year.

Cultural offerings and activities

Nearby, the Musée du Bois des Arboretums displays traditional forestry and woodworking tools as well as numerous wooden objects. A themed exhibition is renewed each year. In Aubonne, the Rex cinema has been in operation since 1956 and is run by a dedicated team of volunteers. Music features at the Vespérales au Temple d'Aubonne: once a month, 40 minutes of varied music are offered on a Sunday afternoon, with brief commentary from the performers. Check the specific dates before your visit.

Two puzzle activities take different approaches. The “Barbet & le Mystère du Diamant Bleu” route winds through the lanes of the old town. In “Barbet le Farfadet,” participants follow clues, solve riddles and a Cryptex, interpret maps and unravel the mystery. Those who prefer two wheels can choose from guided tours, downloadable custom routes and signposted trails in the mountain biking offering.

More activities nearby

Aubonne’s public swimming pool has a 25-metre pool, a small pool, a diving area and a paddling pool. The complex also includes a playground, a beach volleyball court, a basketball court and table tennis tables. At the Chêne sports area, BoxUp offers free access to sports and leisure equipment via smartphone. As app features and equipment availability may vary, it is best to check in advance.

Near Aubonne is Signal de Bougy, a leisure and recreation park with views of Lake Geneva and the vineyards of La Côte. Right next door, an adventure park offers treetop climbing courses. Aubonne also has the Chalet Point I at Place de l'Ancienne Gare, where you can find tourist information and local products.

Discover more destinations: Avenches, Aigle, Lausanne, Cossonay, Lavaux, La Vallée, Orbe, Broye-Vully.

See the regional travel overview: Vaud.