Rendez-vous in Payerne

Payerne: Get your day underway with a coffee at Chez Cathy's tea room, and while you’re at it treat yourself to a pastry or bruschetta (anytime)!

The next stop is the Payerne Priory, fresh from several years of renovation and which now boasts its own brand new tour route. The building, whose construction began in 950, is a masterpiece of Romanesque art and the fate of its historical characters is fascinating.

Not far from there the story continues: take the road towards Avenches, the former Roman capital of Helvetia. On the way, those who wish to deepen their archaeological knowledge should stop by the Vallon Roman Museum. Built on a Gallo-Roman site, the museum showcases the numerous statuettes of deities found on the site.

In Avenches, wrap up warm for a stroll through the old side streets and pay a visit to the famous arenas. Concerts and performances will echo there once the warmer months return, and if you close your eyes you might just hear the babbling voices of the Roman public of days gone by.

Did you know that the region is home to a bison farm? The "Ô 33" - Restaurant de l'Hôtel de Ville, rated 15/20 by Gault&Millau, offers bison on its menu as well as other mouth-watering dishes. Spend the night in the heart of the small town, for example in a guesthouse at Christian & Isabelle Tschanz, in their bed & breakfast "Local 49", or continue the historical theme by spending the night at the Münchenwiler Castle.

Discovering Murten

Start the day with something sweet by visiting one of the bakeries in Murten and tasting the Nidelkuche. This cream pie, a local speciality, is actually a light and soft leavened dough covered with five layers of soft cream. But if that sounds a bit too rich for breakfast, you can always save the idea for later. Though it would be a shame not to try it!

Afterwards, discover the outdoor skating rink located at the foot of the town wall from November to February. Spin a few laps on the ice or enjoy a game of "Eisstock". This old Swiss classic, similar to curling, is a friendly game that is easy to play. Reservations are recommended. Skates can be hired on site for CHF 5.-

At noon, eat at the Chesery, a restaurant in the heart of the old town whose passion for fresh produce rivals their love of old objects. Here you can buy almost anything! The cosy sofa you occupy, the decoration, the crockery,...

The pretty little town of Murten has made its mark on history, notably with the battle of the same name which took place in 1476. Visit the old town in an unusual way by following the Circuit Secret. This tour will lead you to discover confidential places and centuries-old buildings.