Echallens Region
The Echallens Region lies in the heart of the canton of Vaud in western Switzerland, occupying the Gros-de-Vaud district between the cities of Lausanne and Yverdon and between La Sarraz and Moudon. It is a rural, gently rolling plateau landscape of preserved villages, churches and temples, with no high mountains and no dominant lake. Known as the "Grenier du Canton" (the canton's granary), the region is a land of nature and local produce, offering hundreds of kilometres of walking and cycling routes, thematic trails, ponds and rivers, and a rich terroir gastronomy. The town of Echallens, the district capital, sits at the centre of the region and is easily reached from Lausanne, Yverdon and Morges. The area combines a lively local life, cultural heritage and outdoor leisure in a calm, authentic countryside setting.
Summer activities
The Gros-de-Vaud is a recognised destination for hiking and cycling, with more than a hundred walking and cycling itineraries across its rolling countryside, including the multi-stage Tour du Gros-de-Vaud, thematic trails such as the Chemin des Blés and the Sentier du Talent, and VTT loops. E-bikes can be hired in Echallens, and the region's ponds and rivers offer spots for walks, picnics, fishing and relaxation in summer.
Culture and entertainment
The region has a lively cultural life rooted in its rural traditions, with museums, monuments and cultural sites, concerts and shows, and a calendar of festivals and events such as the Fête du Blé et du Pain, the Country Festival Gros-de-Vaud and heritage days. Local terroir products, farm markets and bakeries are central to the area's identity, and the Gros d'Vaud brand promotes the region's gastronomy and traditions.
