Yverdon-les-Bains Region
The Yverdon-les-Bains Region, also known as Northern Vaud (Nord vaudois), lies in the heart of French-speaking Switzerland in the canton of Vaud. It is a varied landscape stretching from the shores of Lake Neuchâtel across vineyards and plains up to the summits of the Jura chain, with the Chasseron as its highest point. The region is dominated by the lake and its sandy beaches, which give it a Mediterranean feel, alongside rivers such as the Orbe and the Nozon. The spa town of Yverdon-les-Bains is the regional capital and central hub, surrounded by medieval towns and villages such as Grandson, Orbe and Romainmôtier. The area combines a rich historical and cultural heritage with abundant nature, offering hiking, cycling and water sports. It is a largely rural region with no big cities, where vineyards, alpine chalets and nature reserves shape the character.
Summer activities
Summer in the Yverdon-les-Bains Region revolves around Lake Neuchâtel, whose sandy beaches from Yverdon to Yvonand offer a Mediterranean feel, with swimming, kayak and pedal-boat rentals, and the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve for birdwatching. The Jura crests provide marked hiking trails to summits such as the Chasseron, Suchet and Dent de Vaulion, as well as mountain-bike routes like the Tour des Alpages. Cycling itineraries cross the vineyards of the Bonvillars and Côtes de l'Orbe wine regions, and the Orbe gorges offer a refreshing walk to the Saut du Day waterfall.
Winter activities
Winter activities concentrate on the Balcon du Jura around Sainte-Croix and Les Rasses, where a dedicated winter map lists cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ski touring and winter hiking itineraries. The region's highest summit, the Chasseron, is a hub for winter sports, and the Jura pastures and forests welcome campers all year round.
Culture and entertainment
The Yverdon-les-Bains Region is rich in cultural heritage spanning all eras, from menhirs and Roman mosaics to castles and churches, complemented by a network of museums covering diverse crafts and themes. Cinemas, theatres and exhibition galleries round out the cultural offering, and the 'Secrets of Northern Vaud' project uses connected medals and QR codes to reveal local stories and heritage through themed walking routes. A lively calendar of events runs throughout the year, including the emblematic Bonvillars truffle market in autumn and numerous Christmas markets across the region's towns and villages.
