Morges Region
The Morges Region lies in western Switzerland, in the canton of Vaud, between Geneva and Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and at the foot of the Jura mountains. It is a largely rural, lakeside and vineyard landscape centred on the historic town of Morges, which sits at the heart of the region on the lakefront. The area is dominated by Lake Geneva and its beaches, the terraced vineyards of La Côte, and the green hills and forests of the Jura vaudois regional nature park. It is a culturally vibrant region with a rich heritage of castles, museums and historic villages, while also offering abundant nature, parks and gardens. The region is known for its winegrowing, floral festivals and slow-tourism character, with the town of Morges as its central hub.
Summer activities
In summer the Morges Region offers a wide range of outdoor activities on La Côte. Visitors can swim and relax on the beaches of Lake Geneva at Préverenges, Saint-Sulpice and Saint-Prex, or in the region's outdoor and covered pools. Hiking trails run along the lake, through forests and up to the Jura ridges, while marked cycling and e-bike routes cross the vineyards between lake and Jura. The Arboretum in the Vallon de l'Aubonne, the gardens of Vullierens Castle and the Parc Pré Vert at Signal de Bougy, with its adventure park, are popular family destinations.
Winter activities
In winter the Jura vaudois offers marked trails for winter walking, snowshoeing, sledging and cross-country skiing from the Col du Mollendruz, which enjoys reliable snow cover and views over the Léman basin and the Alps. The Mont Tendre is a popular excursion destination in the Jura vaudois, and the Chalet du Mollendruz is a convenient stop on winter outings. In Morges itself, the Patinoire des Eaux-Minérales offers ice skating, curling and ice hockey courses.
Culture and entertainment
The Morges Region has a rich and distinctive cultural life. The town of Morges is home to a remarkable castle housing five museums, and the region offers a wide range of museums covering everything from Roman customs and the fauna of Lake Geneva to historic toys, glass and porcelain collections, and the legacy of famous residents such as actress Audrey Hepburn and pianist Ignacy Paderewski. The Fondation Jan Michalski in Montricher is a striking architectural space devoted to literature. The region hosts numerous festivals and events, including the famous Tulip Festival, the Dahlia Festival, the Morges Open Air cinema, the Paillote rock festival, the literary event Le livre sur les quais, and the DécouvRire comedy festival, alongside theatres, cinemas and concert halls.
