Payerne: Abbey history, aviation museum and routes through the Broye

At the end of the Via Jacobi route from Avenches, Payerne is home to a majestic Cluniac abbey church. Other highlights include an aviation museum, routes through the Broye countryside and lively traditions. The town’s location also shapes its character: the centre sits on a hill formed by an ancient moraine ridge, and Payerne lies at the entrance to the Broye’s broad alluvial plain.

Abbey church and historical discoveries

The Abbatiale de Payerne is a five-minute walk from the railway station. As routes may change, check your route before setting off if needed. The Abbatiale discovery tour features 20 immersive, interactive audio-guide stations; check accessibility before your visit. This is a way to combine a visit to the abbey church with a tour focused on the history of the town.

Payerne’s historical tour is free and available in French, German and English. Its 16 stops are close to the town’s main historical sights. QR codes share information about the town’s history and monuments, and also lead to hidden corners. A town treasure hunt offers a different challenge: use a leaflet to find twelve fountains in Payerne.

Circular routes and countryside

When planning a route, the main difference is whether you are looking at a circular hike or a section that continues onwards. A circular hike runs via Payerne, Corcelles, Montagny and Vers-chez-Savary before returning to Payerne, taking you through varied countryside. The Via Jacobi section from Fribourg to Payerne passes through hilly countryside, wide meadows, open woodland and floodplain areas. The Three Lakes Trail reaches Payerne and joins the Route of Romandy there, continuing via Geneva into France.

Aviation history and leisure activities

The Clin d’Ailes Museum displays nine aircraft and two helicopters. The museum also has a working Mirage III S flight simulator. The Espace Claude Nicollier features space equipment and films. During a flight simulator experience, visitors take their place in the cockpit of a McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, accompanied by an experienced attendant. Access and booking conditions may change; check them in advance if you are planning to take part.

Payerneland also offers a range of activities: Karting de Payerne has indoor and outdoor tracks, with electric and petrol-powered karts. Payerneland Tower is a panoramic adventure park with a viewing platform, a rappel jump and courses for children and adults. Laurapark is a large indoor park for children, with modern games and areas for birthday parties. The facilities’ offerings may change; check the latest information for each before making plans.

Golf de Payerne offers nine- or 18-hole rounds. The par-70 course has relatively wide fairways, well-protected greens, water hazards and dense tree cover. As course conditions can change and availability needs to be checked, it is a good idea to ask for the latest information before travelling.

Festivals, local produce and culture

The Brandons de Payerne is one of Switzerland’s oldest carnival events. Each year, residents create costumes and floats; highlights include painted windows, parades and Chineuses. The Tirage dates back to the founding of the Société des tireurs à la cible in 1736 and brings the local community together around the abbey church each year. It includes parades, a flag and shooting events at the Vernex shooting range. The annual fair features around 20 amusement stands, as well as numerous shooting and skill games. Wines from the region and elsewhere are sampled at the Tirage. Dates and programmes for recurring events vary; check event details before your trip.

At the market square, you can discover regional dishes and products, including spices, confectionery and other delicacies from small producers. Cave l’Abbatiale offers wine tastings at its shop at Place de la Concorde 2, 1530 Payerne; its schedule may change. Théâtre Hameau-Z’Arts offers another cultural highlight: its programme is devoted entirely to humour, and the theatre is housed in a former petrol station.

Discover more destinations: Lausanne, Cossonay, Broye-Vully, Nyon, Avenches, Aigle, Oron, Orbe.

For the broader travel overview: Vaud.