Discover Grandson: history and lakeside trails

Grandson combines historic buildings with a self-guided walking tour through the town centre and tours by the lake. If you are looking for a hotel in Grandson, sightseeing, trails and transport connections can help you choose a destination that suits your plans. Options range from a medieval fortress and Romanesque architecture to a long cycling route and regional products.

Fortress, church and culture

The Château de Grandson is a medieval fortress that has stood for more than a thousand years. In 1476, it was at the centre of the Battle of Grandson. The permanent exhibition “Grandson: 1000 ans d’histoire” spans more than 1,000 m², 15 rooms and four floors. It also includes a sensory trail for children aged 2 to 8. The château’s historical significance and the exhibition’s tangible scale are central to a visit.

In the centre of Grandson stands the medieval Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, a Romanesque building of national importance. You can visit it freely during the day, outside of services. The Temple Saint-Jean-Baptiste preserves features dating from the 14th century, including a wall tabernacle and a liturgical piscina. The Temple is thought to date from 1508, and the sacristan Guillaume Bourgeois is named as its builder. The Fontaine octogonale adds to this historic picture: dating from 1637, it is one of the oldest basins in the canton of Vaud still in operation.

Contemporary art is also part of the cultural offering. La Galerie Philosophique presents poetic and emotional exhibitions of contemporary art. It was created by the studio of designer Jorge Canete, Interior Design Philosophy. The Corcelettes-Les Violes site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore Grandson on foot

The “A petits pas… Grandson!” walking tour lets you explore the historic town centre on foot at your own pace. Its 18 historical information panels explain the town’s history and architectural heritage. The tour begins and ends at Place du Château. For a hike starting from the same point, there is also “Sur les traces de Charles le Téméraire”, described as an easy hike that begins at the Château de Grandson.

Another outdoor destination is the Menhir de Grandson. The menhir is 4 m high and can be found along a country path a few hundred metres from the edge of town. As trail conditions may vary, it is advisable to check them before your visit. The sites offer different options for choosing between local history and a hike, without requiring a set order.

Cycling route and lakeside trails

The “Tour du lac” cycling route is a 108 km circular route listed for the Grandson region. It follows SuisseMobile routes No. 5 and No. 50. If you are planning a shorter option, you can shorten the tour by taking the train or boat from one of the lakeside towns; check timetables before setting off. The “Route du Vignoble de Bonvillars” runs along the lakeshore from Place du Château in Grandson. This gives you a choice between a long circular route and another tour that starts in Grandson.

Getting here and finding your way around the region

Since December 2015, Grandson has been the terminus of an RER Vaud line. Several trains an hour connect Grandson with, among other places, Yverdon-les-Bains and Lausanne; there are also numerous bus services. Check the current timetable for specific departure times.

The Maison des Terroirs is a tourist information centre offering brochures, maps and booklets to help you explore Grandson and its surroundings. You will also find a wide selection of local and regional products there, including wines from the AOC Bonvillars. It combines practical information with an introduction to the region’s products, adding another dimension to the destination alongside its historic sights and tours.

Discover more destinations: Concise, L'abbaye, Montagny-Près-Yverdon, L'abbaye, Yvonand, Donneloye, Vaulion, La Praz.

Return to the regional travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.