If Switzerland has been calling your name for 2026, let us point you toward a place that effortlessly blends lakeside elegance with alpine adventure, world-class gastronomy and quietly cool cultural experiences. Welcome to Vaud, the postcard-perfect canton tucked between Lake Léman and the Alps and anchored by the Olympic city of Lausanne.
Often overlooked for its flashier neighbours, Vaud is where Switzerland’s soulful side comes alive. From terraced vineyards and beautiful lakes, to glaciers, it’s one of the most stunning spots you can visit. With a wave of new openings, guided experiences and culinary hotspots launching across late 2025 and into 2026, there’s never been a better moment to put Vaud firmly on your must-visit list.
Whether you want to head on a lakeside hike, sip local wine at a tasting, take part in a private chocolate tour inside artisan ateliers, or embark on snowshoe adventures under starlit skies, there’s so much to see and do. If you’re planning your 2026 travels and want somewhere that offers romance, culture, food, adventure, and that sought-after quiet luxurious Swiss lifestyle, here’s everything you need to know. Our Vaud travel guide will offer you an insight into what to see, do and how to make the most of your trip.
What to Do in Vaud
Master Chocolatiers Private Guided Tour, Lausanne
Chocolate might be synonymous with Switzerland, but Lausanne is where the craft truly shines. This new Master Chocolatiers tour (for groups of up to 15) is a deep dive into the city’s artisanal chocolate heritage, guided by experts who’ll lead you into three of Lausanne’s renowned chocolatiers for tastings, demonstrations and behind-the-scenes stories of traditional and modern Swiss chocolate-making.
For smaller groups, the more accessible Choco Tour takes you through five chocolatiers and is ideal for families or couples looking to graze their way around the city.
Private tours from CHF 300.
Local Produce Hike of La Côte Vineyard, Morges
If you love the idea of walking through sun-kissed vineyards with local produce in your bag, this one’s for you. The Balade des Capites itinerary winds through the celebrated La Côte Vineyard, one of Vaud’s prettiest wine regions.
Rando-Terroir kit will provide a bag, corkscrew, glasses and local products for all who partake which is based around seven ‘capites’, or vineyard huts; positioned along the trail to provide information on the local area and route. For families, the route also includes a treasure hunt to keep the kids entertained.
From CHF 24 per adult.
AstroVal Astronomical Observatory, Vallée de Joux
The AstroVal Astronomical Observatory is situated in the middle of Le Solliat pastures and provides the ultimate experience in the daytime as well as at night. Groups of 12 are led by passionate guides, for an afternoon sun observation or exploration of the starry night sky. The observatory also offers an astronomy themed escape game and AstroFondue evenings.
Adult tickets from CHF 10. Discounts are available for those with a ValPass, which is provided by select accommodation in Vallée de Joux and also offers free public transport in the region.
The Mysteries of the Lioson – Winter Edition, Alpes Vaudoises
If you crave something magical and atmospheric, this twilight snowshoe trek across Lake Lioson should be top of your list. With lantern in hand, you’ll follow a local guide through snowy landscapes while listening to alpine folklore, before settling into a cosy restaurant for a fondue feast. It’s intimate, ethereal and one of the region’s most enchanting new winter experiences.
From CHF 37 including snowshoes and fondue.
Where to Eat in Vaud
Vaud’s culinary scene has been quietly growing, and its latest openings prove why this canton is fast becoming a must-visit for food-focused travellers.
Jacques Restaurant, Lausanne
Owned by chef Jacques Allisson (Discovery of the Year 2022), Jacques Restaurant blends bistro charm with gastronomic creativity offering modern French cuisine in a warm, relaxed setting. It’s elevated but unfussy, polished but personal. Perfect for a date night or a celebratory meal.
Ma Cocotte, Montreux Riviera
Overlooking glittering Lake Léman, Ma Cocotte brings brasserie classics to life with a seasonal, sustainably-focused twist. By day, it’s cosy and casual; by night, it transforms into a jazz-infused hideaway with cocktails, curated menus and an effortlessly cool atmosphere. The terrace views alone are worth the trip.
L’Auberge de l’Etoile, Nyon
By entrepreneur Adrien Maestro and chef Michael Pihet, L’Auberge de l’Etoile opened in 2024 within an 18th century building in the village of La Rippe in the Nyon region. Offering vintage décor, handwritten menus and the feel of a Lyonnais bistro, the restaurant has already become an iconic establishment within the area. With a focus on local producers, fresh produce is served, as well as local wines or sparkling apple juice made at the nearby Fruit Défendu estate.
What to See in Vaud
Collection de l’Art Brut, Lausanne – 50th Anniversary
One of Vaud’s most iconic museums celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, making it an ideal cultural stop on your trip. The current exhibition showcases over 400 hauntingly beautiful drawings by Laure Pigeon, created more than three decades ago and rediscovered after her death. On 1 February the exhibition closes, giving way to a major anniversary show, Swiss Art Brut, 1945–2026, launching later that month.
If art, outsider creativity and unconventional expression are your thing, this museum is unmissable.
Why Vaud Should Top Your 2026 List
Vaud is the kind of place that captivates without trying too hard. It’s elegant but unpretentious, culturally rich but easy to explore, luxurious but grounded in tradition. Whether you’re sipping wine among the vines, unwrapping the secrets of Swiss chocolate, dining lakeside with jazz in the background or watching constellations dance above the Alps, the canton invites you to slow down and savour.
For travellers seeking something beautiful, authentic and quietly extraordinary in 2026, Vaud should be firmly on your radar.
For more information on Vaud’s upcoming openings, experiences and exhibitions, visit vaud.ch/en/tourism.
