Christine’s guidebook
City/town information
Bière is first mentioned in 1177 as Beria. 700 meters above sea level, in the middle of fields, hills and forests. Population 1590 people. The centre of Bière has several typical farmhouses dating from the 17th to the 19th century. A army place can also be found, Bière is the site of an artillery and infantry military training zone. The necessary shops are there, some restaurants, even a bank:)
Bière
Bière is first mentioned in 1177 as Beria. 700 meters above sea level, in the middle of fields, hills and forests. Population 1590 people. The centre of Bière has several typical farmhouses dating from the 17th to the 19th century. A army place can also be found, Bière is the site of an artillery and infantry military training zone. The necessary shops are there, some restaurants, even a bank:)
Located by the Lac de Joux, a very small village with a nice restaurant (large terrace, local and fish dishes), in the summer you can enjoy pristine water, rent a pedalo. This is also a very good spot if you do windsurfing as they can have strong winds. For this activity, you need to stop in Les Esserts, they rent boards and give windsurfing lessons. You can also ride your bike all around the lake (not advisable with young children, there is no dedicated path on some roads).
L'Abbaye
Located by the Lac de Joux, a very small village with a nice restaurant (large terrace, local and fish dishes), in the summer you can enjoy pristine water, rent a pedalo. This is also a very good spot if you do windsurfing as they can have strong winds. For this activity, you need to stop in Les Esserts, they rent boards and give windsurfing lessons. You can also ride your bike all around the lake (not advisable with young children, there is no dedicated path on some roads).
Neighborhoods
You'll have the choice between some nice restaurants, street food, Museums, parcs, open pool (summer only), harbor, beaches, boat trip (CGN), a central pedestrian street with boutiques and coffee shops.
23 locals recommend
Morges
You'll have the choice between some nice restaurants, street food, Museums, parcs, open pool (summer only), harbor, beaches, boat trip (CGN), a central pedestrian street with boutiques and coffee shops.
In the small village of Denens, 7 minutes drive from Morges, you may want to stop (parking available in the center of the village, next to the bakery) and walk around to discover the very known scare crows all done by local with very different material. There is an annual festival that even extends the number of scare crows in the village.
Route de Denens
Route de DenensIn the small village of Denens, 7 minutes drive from Morges, you may want to stop (parking available in the center of the village, next to the bakery) and walk around to discover the very known scare crows all done by local with very different material. There is an annual festival that even extends the number of scare crows in the village.
Signal-de-Bougy is located on top of the hill. It was created by a foundation and is open to everyone. Parking is available just outside the entrances of the parc. Perfect place to relax, playground for children, small zoo and ponds, a mini-golf, a miniature karting, large lawns where you can just rest, picnic and enjoy an amazing view. There is a restaurant (self-service), a small shop and bathroom facilities.
Bougy-Villars
Signal-de-Bougy is located on top of the hill. It was created by a foundation and is open to everyone. Parking is available just outside the entrances of the parc. Perfect place to relax, playground for children, small zoo and ponds, a mini-golf, a miniature karting, large lawns where you can just rest, picnic and enjoy an amazing view. There is a restaurant (self-service), a small shop and bathroom facilities.
The Col du Marchairuz is a Jura pass in Canton Vaud, linking Aubonne close to Lac Léman via Bière or St. George with Le Brassus in the Vallée de Joux. The pass summit, altitude 1447m, is in the middle of the Parc jurassien vaudois (regional park).
Marchairuz, col du
The Col du Marchairuz is a Jura pass in Canton Vaud, linking Aubonne close to Lac Léman via Bière or St. George with Le Brassus in the Vallée de Joux. The pass summit, altitude 1447m, is in the middle of the Parc jurassien vaudois (regional park).
Sightseeing
Lovely little town by the Lake, with a castle, a parc, lovely coffee shops and tasty chocolates, some famous fish restaurants and nice terraces.
7 locals recommend
Rolle
Lovely little town by the Lake, with a castle, a parc, lovely coffee shops and tasty chocolates, some famous fish restaurants and nice terraces.
Saint-Prex is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Vaud, located in the district of Morges. In 1973, St-Prex was awarded the Wakker Prize for the development and preservation of its architectural heritage. Great fish restaurants, preserved pedestrian streets. It was created in 1234 to resist French troupes and to communicate with fires directly with the Lausanne cathedral in case of attack. The motto is "let them talk and let's do good".
Saint-Prex
Saint-Prex is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Vaud, located in the district of Morges. In 1973, St-Prex was awarded the Wakker Prize for the development and preservation of its architectural heritage. Great fish restaurants, preserved pedestrian streets. It was created in 1234 to resist French troupes and to communicate with fires directly with the Lausanne cathedral in case of attack. The motto is "let them talk and let's do good".
A must see and must go place, the Olympic Committe, by the Lake.
14 locals recommend
International Olympic Committee
9 Rte de VidyA must see and must go place, the Olympic Committe, by the Lake.
Going through history with the Olympic Games, exhibitions and discovering the importance of Olympic Values. Nice walk by the Lake, south of Lausanne, close to the Lausanne Metro and some nice food places and upscale hotels.
173 locals recommend
Olympic Museum
1 Quai d'OuchyGoing through history with the Olympic Games, exhibitions and discovering the importance of Olympic Values. Nice walk by the Lake, south of Lausanne, close to the Lausanne Metro and some nice food places and upscale hotels.
Fan of Alien? Or just want to see something really different? Don't miss this chance. It is really impressive and worth the trip to Gruyères.
38 locals recommend
HR Giger Museum
Fan of Alien? Or just want to see something really different? Don't miss this chance. It is really impressive and worth the trip to Gruyères.
An imposing castle, next to the harbor, with temporary exhibitions.
6 locals recommend
Musée du château de Morges
1 Rue du ChâteauAn imposing castle, next to the harbor, with temporary exhibitions.
A movie setting feel like Castle with breath taking view on the like. Going from the Castle down to the lake, walking down small pedestrian street, with antique shops, boutiques and restaurants. The Roman columns will be on you right walking down. You can catch a boat (CGN) to make another stop along the lake.
43 locals recommend
Nyon
A movie setting feel like Castle with breath taking view on the like. Going from the Castle down to the lake, walking down small pedestrian street, with antique shops, boutiques and restaurants. The Roman columns will be on you right walking down. You can catch a boat (CGN) to make another stop along the lake.
A little outside of Morges, the charming Castle of Vufflens. You can then walk down to Morges or take the BAM.
Vufflens-le-Château
A little outside of Morges, the charming Castle of Vufflens. You can then walk down to Morges or take the BAM.
If you want to play some golf while in the area, this place has a gorgeous view!
Golfparc Signal de Bougy
Route du SignalIf you want to play some golf while in the area, this place has a gorgeous view!
If you want to have a drink and have an amazing view over the Lake Geneve (or Leman), a 180° view over the Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO heritage site, The Baron Tavernier restaurants & SPA offer an exceptional experience to epicureans. It's also a 5* Hotel. Baron Tavernier was one of the greatest explorers of the 17th century. After having travelled the world, the adventurer retired to this house. Some of the treasures from his past are kept there.
24 locals recommend
Le Baron Tavernier
4 Rte de la CornicheIf you want to have a drink and have an amazing view over the Lake Geneve (or Leman), a 180° view over the Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO heritage site, The Baron Tavernier restaurants & SPA offer an exceptional experience to epicureans. It's also a 5* Hotel. Baron Tavernier was one of the greatest explorers of the 17th century. After having travelled the world, the adventurer retired to this house. Some of the treasures from his past are kept there.
On the heights of the vineyard of La Côte, between Morges and Nyon, 200 hectares of enchantment await you at the Arboretum. This landscaped park features nearly 4000 trees from temperate climates around the world. An informative and magical walk !
6 locals recommend
Arboretum of Aubonne
92 Chem. de PlanOn the heights of the vineyard of La Côte, between Morges and Nyon, 200 hectares of enchantment await you at the Arboretum. This landscaped park features nearly 4000 trees from temperate climates around the world. An informative and magical walk !
Food scene
Nice sightseeing, tasty food (cheese or sweets), historical castles and houses. Pedestrian zone. You need to walk up from the parking area.
105 locals recommend
Gruyeres Castle
8 Rue du ChâteauNice sightseeing, tasty food (cheese or sweets), historical castles and houses. Pedestrian zone. You need to walk up from the parking area.
A renovated area of Lausanne, with boutiques, restaurants and terraces.
9 locals recommend
Le Flon - Lausanne - Quartier commerçant
7 Rue de GenèveA renovated area of Lausanne, with boutiques, restaurants and terraces.
Café du Port
9 Rue du PortOne of the best local fish (Filet de Perches) restaurant - booking mandatory.
From pizza to complete menu, you will enjoy your food, quality, service and price. Parking available. Close to the lake. Outside terrace with view on tennis court.
Restaurant du Tennis
13 Prom. du Petit-BoisFrom pizza to complete menu, you will enjoy your food, quality, service and price. Parking available. Close to the lake. Outside terrace with view on tennis court.
Great selection of chinese dishes and a sushi chef. No terrace. They provide a lunch menu with 3 dishes to choose from, good size dish, for a very affordable price. The sushi are made fresh for you on request. Good service.
Fukuoka
90 Rue Louis de SavoieGreat selection of chinese dishes and a sushi chef. No terrace. They provide a lunch menu with 3 dishes to choose from, good size dish, for a very affordable price. The sushi are made fresh for you on request. Good service.
Restaurant Le Gallion
32 Rue Louis de SavoieVery tasty Portuguese dishes, fish is delicious. Service is great.
In the small village of L'Isle, with parking facilities near by, this tearoom offers a very tasty series of finger food, at lunch they have some hot and cold dishes, and they have very good Sunday brunches. Booking a table is advisable, it can be crowded. Their chocolate specialties are delicious, they produce their own chocolate and their deserts are definitely worth the trip. L'Isle has a nice historical house and lovely park with a pond. Very relaxing:)
Confiserie Yves Hohl
1 Rte des MoussesIn the small village of L'Isle, with parking facilities near by, this tearoom offers a very tasty series of finger food, at lunch they have some hot and cold dishes, and they have very good Sunday brunches. Booking a table is advisable, it can be crowded. Their chocolate specialties are delicious, they produce their own chocolate and their deserts are definitely worth the trip. L'Isle has a nice historical house and lovely park with a pond. Very relaxing:)
City advice
Getting around
Get around the smart way
If you are taking the train, the Swiss railways have some "discounted tickets", make sure you check them out first before you buy one. Remember it is only valid on a specific train and time. All tickets need to be purchased before getting on the train, bus or boat.
Train: www.cff.ch
Bus (Morges and region): www.mbc.ch
Boats on Geneva lake: www.cgn.ch
Bus in Geneva : www.tpg.ch
Bus in Lausanne: www.t-l.ch
Parking on the street: check if you need to put the P timer before you leave the car and the local rules. Sometimes, it is "free" between 12.00 and 13.30 but you still need to put the sign:)
What to pack
Take a bathing suit ! winter or summer, you can swim!
There can be temperature shifts, wind can start during the day, quick showers, just be prepared. If you're arriving after 7pm, make sure you have some drink and food with you, all shops will be closed. On Sunday everything is closed, with some rare exceptions. If you take medication, make sure to take them with you, all medics are more expensive here and you may not find the same dosage. Make sure to bring some small Swiss Franc change or a credit card (American Express is not taken in small shops) and there may be a minimum charged amount to be able to pay with a Credit Card.
Book before you go
Discounted transport tickets
You need to book your tickets before hand and you cannot change the time and date of your trip. Failing this you will have to pay in full for a new tickets. You cannot buy your tickets on the bus or train!
Customs and culture
Greet fellow passengers on a bus
It is very common to have passengers of buses greet you. If you are hiking in the woods or in the fields, when you come across other hikers, it is custom to greet them with a "bonjour", or hello will do.