Villars: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Villars-sur-Ollon is located in a splendid setting in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. The place overlooks the Rhone Valley from a plateau at an altitude of 1,300 meters. In winter, skiers get their money's worth. The Le Meilleret ski area, together with the Les Diablerets ski area, offers 125 kilometers of slopes.
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Villars - Must-see attractions
Roc d'Orsay
From Roc d’Orsay, after a comfortable ascent with the gondola, you can enjoy an impressive view of the breathtaking scenery of the Swiss Alps. Idyllic hiking trails, exciting climbing routes, and ski slopes offer the right activity for everyone. A beautiful hike leads through forests and pastures with views down to the plains from the cable car. This opens up a panorama of the Rhone Valley with Villars and Leysin. Other well-marked paths lead through the alpine flora and fauna.
Villars-Gryon Ski Area
Villars, Gryon, and Les Diablerets are connected by ski lifts. The most significant slopes are located on the Col de Bretaye and the alpine peak Le Chamossaire. Slightly to the east lies the Petit Chamossaire, which is reached by a separate ski lift. In winter, the 2.4 km long Les Bouquetins run turns into a black slope. In summer, you can enjoy wonderful hikes across the meadows here. Les Bouquetins is located between Villars and Bretaye, and the hike mainly leads through the forest.
Glacier 3000
Around 75 kilometers of hiking trails, from family-friendly tours to via ferrata, lead through the natural paradise at Glacier 3000. Walk across the 107-meter-long suspension bridge Peak Walk by Tissot, which connects two mountain peaks and offers impressive views. From November to May, the magnificent ski slopes at Glacier 3000 are open. The ski area extends at altitudes from 1,300 to 3,000 meters. Freeriders and snowboarders will enjoy the snow park. Dog sledding is also possible at Glacier 3000.
Aigle Castle
The Château d'Aigle, built by the Savoyards southeast of Lake Geneva, is one of the most significant castles in Switzerland. Its strong ring wall with three corner towers makes it an impressive sight. In the Governor's Hall, you will discover a hand-painted coat of arms frieze of the Bernese bailiffs. The medieval castle houses the modern Vine and Wine Museum of Aigle, which takes you on a fascinating interactive journey through the 2,000-year history of viticulture and vividly illustrates the work of winemakers with tools, cellar containers, and wine presses.
Bretaye
In winter, the area around Bretaye serves as a ski resort for the communities of Villars and Gryon. A ski lift goes to the summit of Le Chamossaire, the highest mountain of the mountain range between the Les Diablerets massif and the Avançon valley. In summer, you can hike to Lac de Bretaye and the legendary Lac de Chavonnes, where a monster is said to dwell in its waters. Here, nature is still largely untouched. The journey continues over the Encrène Pass down to the Perche farm.
Chavonnes Lake
The Chavonnes Lake, situated at an altitude of 1,690 meters, is a picture-perfect mountain lake. Pine forests surround its emerald green shimmering water, inviting visitors to swim or explore by rowboat in the summer. Access is via the mountain railway from Villars. Even in winter, Chavonnes Lake is a popular excursion destination. The alpine lake is then covered by a thick layer of ice and can be reached as part of a snowshoe hike. Afterwards, you can warm up in the lake restaurant with traditional Alpine cuisine and a cozy fireplace.
Villars - Secret spots
Chauderon Gorge
Just a few minutes from Montreux on the shores of the picturesque Lake Geneva, a very special place awaits you: The Chauderon Gorge is traversed by the Baye de Montreux and offers panoramas reminiscent of an enchanted rainforest. Here also begins the famous Narcissus Trail, which transforms into a blooming paradise in May.
Saint-Maurice Castle
Between Lake Geneva and the Great St. Bernard, the Château de Saint-Maurice towers over the entrance to the Rhone Valley in Saint-Maurice. The castle was built in the 15th century and houses various exhibitions, including the collection of the Military Museum of the Canton of Valais. Worth seeing are the old customs house and the Dufour fortifications from the 19th century.
Gypsum pyramids near Villars-sur-Ollon
A wonder of nature is the gypsum pyramids on the mountain pass Col de la Croix near Villars-sur-Ollon in the Vaud Alps. The pointed rock formations have formed over several centuries. You can only reach them in the summer from Lac de Chavonne or the pastures of Ensex or Taveyanne.
Lake Lioson
The Lac Lioson, the "pearl of the mountain lakes," is located at the mountain pass Col des Mosses in Ormont-Dessous in the Vaud Pre-Alps. From Col des Mosses, you can reach the picturesque lake after a one-hour hike. Additionally, the lake is on the ascent route to Pic Chaussy. There is an inn on the shore.
Villars - In 3 days
Day 1
Your holiday destination Villars-sur-Ollon is situated at an altitude of 1,300 meters and offers you plenty to explore on the first day as a winter and summer resort in every season. In the shadow of mighty Alpine peaks like the 2,113-meter-high Grand Chamossaire, typical Swiss chalets made of dark wood alternate with more modern buildings in the center of the village. Numerous boutiques invite you to shop. Even in winter, you can swim in an outdoor pool at the Bains de Villars – a special experience that is also open to families with children on family days held several times a year. The indoor paddling pool delights the little ones all year round, and there is a wellness area for adults. Another family-friendly destination is the Villars Fun Park. There is a nice playground, while older children can enjoy bouldering. Highlights include tubing runs in the summer and the toboggan run in the winter.
Day 2
Today we are heading to Ollon, located about 10 kilometers to the west. In the former wine-growing village, some of the typical winegrowers' houses from the 17th to 19th centuries still stand. On the edge of the old town rises the Chateau de la Roche, where you can visit interesting exhibitions in its late medieval rooms. There are varied children's programs such as puppet theater or storytelling. In good weather, you can enjoy the full splendor of nature and the peaceful atmosphere in the Jardin botanique de St-Triphon. In the lovingly designed garden, exotic and native plants thrive. South of Ollon, you can explore the Mines de Sel de Bex & Boutique by prior reservation (online). A mountain railway takes you underground in groups, while a guide tells you interesting facts about the caves and the now partially flooded salt mines. There is one guided tour in German per day. Additionally, there are audio guides in various languages. Children love the opportunity to swing the mountain hammer themselves.
Day 3
In winter, don't miss the Villars - Gryon ski area. Even in the late season, you'll find good skiing conditions on the glacier. Challenging black slopes test experienced skiers. For those who prefer less adrenaline, enjoy the tranquility on the cross-country trails. In summer, the area invites you to hike. Perfect for families: you can take the gondola up, enjoy the view, and comfortably stroll down. Alternatively, embark on the 8.5-kilometer trail to Lac de Frience. Before heading back, take a dip in the wonderfully refreshing lake water in summer. A train runs to La Clairière, allowing you to shorten the route a bit. From Barboleuse, a gondola takes you to Les Chaux, and another to Alpe des Chaux. From there, it's only 800 meters to the wonderfully clear mountain lake.