Discover Ollon: our 4 tips for springtime

Located in the heart of the Vaud Chablais, between Villars and Lake Geneva, Ollon is an ideal destination to enjoy the sunny days. In spring, its terraced vineyards, accessible hiking trails and historic village provide a unique setting for a charming getaway. Whether you like strolling through historic alleys, walking in nature in bloom, or discovering local specialities, Ollon is the perfect place for a refreshing break. Discover our 4 tips for visiting Ollon in spring and let yourself be charmed by this authentic corner of French-speaking Switzerland.

1. Discovering the village of Ollon

Strolling through the historic village of Ollon is like stepping back in time. Its cobbled streets, winegrowers' houses with colourful facades and 13th-century church give the village a peaceful atmosphere. Take the time to lose yourself in its maze of streets, discover its ancient fountains and admire the architectural details that bear witness to its rich past. Don't forget to take a break in the village square, where you can soak up the local atmosphere and enjoy the first rays of spring sunshine.

• To find out more, the Bon Pied, Bon Œil website offers an itinerary to discover the village's main monuments. An ideal educational walk for a spring day out.

In the heart of the village of Ollon, Château de la Roche bears witness to the history of the region. This medieval stronghold, dating from the 13th century, invites you to take a trip back in time. Listed as a historic monument since 1976, Château de la Roche was saved from ruin thanks to the joint efforts of an Association and a Foundation. The Foundation, which owns the site, is now responsible for its conservation and restoration. 

Guided tours are available on request for groups of 5 to 15 people, and numerous cultural events are organised throughout the year to immerse you in the atmosphere of this unique site.

2. Tasting Ollon's terroir

The vineyards of Ollon, characterised by their rocky, gypsum soil, are divided into five sectors: Antagnes, La Roche, Sus-Village, Verschiez and St-Triphon. Verschiez, to the west, has a Mediterranean climate. Antagnes, to the east, is distinguished by its saline limestone and gypsum veins. Gypsum is a particular feature of the vineyards of La Roche, Sus-Village and Ollon. To the south, St-Triphon lies on a block of hard limestone.

All these characteristics can be found in the different grape varieties grown by the winegrowers of Ollon. Most of the winegrowers welcome you to their estates for a visit and wine tasting. An experience not to be missed.

The Hôtel de Ville d'Ollon restaurant, now under the management of Audrey and Grégory Halgand, invites you to savour two culinary atmospheres: brasserie cuisine and a gastronomic experience in its Michelin-starred restaurant.

The Hôtel de Ville d'Ollon's Michelin-starred restaurant, rated 15/20 by Gault & Millau, offers an exceptional culinary experience.

3. Get away from it all on foot or by bike around Ollon

The mild spring temperatures are ideal for hiking on the Chablais plain. Here are three routes to discover in and around Ollon.

• Le Sentier de Provence - See itinerary
  This 4km walk, typical of the Chablais micro-climate, takes you through the vineyards and the forest with its umbrella pines in just one hour.
• The Salt Trail - See itinerary
  Leaving Salins, head for Panex and cover the kilometres to the Bévieux saltworks near Bex. Cover 11.5 km as you travel through the history of salt!
• Le Sentier des Vignes: from Ollon to Bex - See itinerary
  From Yvorne to St-Maurice, via Aigle, Ollon, Bex and Lavey, the Sentier des Vignes invites you on an immersive 30 km walk through the heart of the Chablais vineyards. Follow the 11.5 km stretch from Ollon station to Bex.

Spring is the perfect time to put on your best trainers and hit the trails of Ollon. The ‘les côteaux d'Ollon’ trail takes you through vineyards and forests for a perfect warm-up.

On the programme:

• 6 km
• 400 m. ascent +/-

• Les Bucoliques at the Abbaye de Salaz runs at the end of April. These are days to reconnect with nature and the environment through contact with enthusiasts.

Over the weekend, more than 30 exhibitors, nurserymen, craftsmen and seedling producers will be showcasing their products.

• Les Apéros Jardin, every Friday (except in very bad weather) for a relaxing moment to enjoy the last rays of the day and taste the estate's best vintages accompanied by delicious local appetisers. From April to the end of July, from 5pm to 8pm.

In spring, Château de la Roche hosts two events open to the public. Find the programme here.