What to do in Villars during the autumn holidays?

Head to the mountains for the autumn holidays. Could autumn be one of the most beautiful seasons to spend a family holiday in Villars? Golden leaves, peaceful walks and comforting treats: autumn in Villars is all about gentle pleasures. We’ve put together activity ideas to help you make the most of autumn in Switzerland.

1. Autumn hikes with the family: fun in the great outdoors

Autumn is the most colourful season to explore the easy trails around Villars. Children marvel at the many kinds of mushrooms, you may spot squirrels gathering their winter supplies, and the shifting light creates a dazzling show of colours. On the ground, the fallen leaves turn into an endless natural playground.

• A must-try: The Villou treasure hunt in the village, or the treasure hunts created in partnership with the nature magazine La Salamandre (with several themes and routes to choose from). These are playful walks punctuated by riddles about animals and nature. At the end, a small reward awaits young explorers at the Tourist Office.

Family tip: Pick up the brochure at the Tourist Office before setting off. The treasure hunts are suitable for children aged about 4 to 12.

2. Autumn flavours: a feast of local delights

Autumn is the most indulgent season to savour a steaming hot chocolate, a dessert topped with a mountain of chestnut vermicelli, a hearty dish, or a platter of alpine cheese.

A must-try:

• For a sweet treat, the Mont Blanc, the ultimate autumn dessert
• For a comforting dish, the Papet Vaudois (made with potatoes, white wine cream sauce and the famous cabbage sausage), perfect when the weather turns cooler
• For a snack everyone loves, try a Carac or a Bouchon Vaudois
• For pure indulgence, a square of chocolate with Bex Alpine Salt

Family tip: The perfect afternoon break for us is a spiced hot chocolate with a pastry, best enjoyed in Villars’ cosy cafés and tea rooms.

3. Stroll through the vineyards: discovering Ollon’s winegrowing heritage

Autumn is the most authentic season to explore the vineyards of the village of Ollon. After the harvest, the vines turn into a sea of colours and the leaves begin to carpet the ground. Whether for a walk, a tasting, a friendly moment with the winemakers, or simply to enjoy the peaceful scenery, autumn in Ollon is a true invitation to discovery.

• A must-try: The discovery basket and tasting at Pierre & Michel Anex’s estate. Stroll through the vineyard, take a break to enjoy your picnic basket (with the option of a fondue), and finish with a wine tasting in the presence of the winemaker.

Family tip: Children won’t be tasting wine of course, but they’ll be offered grape juice instead — a lovely way to discover the local terroir together.

4. Halloween: celebrating autumn with a special day

Autumn is the spookiest season – at least on Halloween! While the origins of this celebration go back thousands of years to the Celts, new traditions have taken shape over time. In Villars, little monsters, witches, wizards and all sorts of scary creatures parade through the village in search of sweets and treats… or else risk a trick!

• A must-try: Halloween festivities take place on Saturday 25 October 2025 with a candy hunt throughout the village, a competition, a face-painting workshop, a selfie box, and a children’s disco to round off the day at the Bowling Sports Bar.

Family tip: Children up to 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

5. Stop at the Villars Fun Park: enjoying a fantastic playground

Autumn is the most playful season to climb up tall slides, swing from rope to rope, or test your balance on a slackline. Just a short walk from the village, the Villars Fun Park delights children of all ages.

• A must-try: The giant slides for speedy descents and bursts of laughter.

Family tip: This easily accessible spot is perfect for little ones with baby swings, as well as for older kids ready for bigger adventures.

6. Migratory birds: discover bird banding with the “guardians of the sky”

Autumn is the most inspiring season for great journeys… those of migratory birds! As a family, set out on a guided walk through the Alpine nature and discover the fascinating work of bird banding carried out at high altitude. Between magnificent landscapes and shared knowledge, it’s an experience that is both fun and educational.

• A must-try: Meet Mr Pradervand and his team, the true “guardians of the sky”, at their discreet observation post. They explain their mission and show you up close these winged travellers who only pass through… but leave behind wonderful stories to tell.

Family tip: Meet at the Col de la Croix summit car park to join your guide (suitable for children aged 10 and up). The walk to Ensex is calm and accessible, perfect for curious young nature and animal lovers.

7. Mushroom picking: exploring the woods

Autumn is the most generous season for searching the forest’s hidden treasures. As a family, take a walk along the wooded trails around Villars and keep your eyes open: porcini, chanterelles, hawk’s wing mushrooms and others appear around mossy trunks or beneath spruces and larches. This outing combines the joy of walking with the thrill of actively searching for the prettiest mushrooms. When you find one, observe its colour, shape, and the environment it grew in… it’s an entire ecosystem at work. Of course, not all mushrooms are safe to pick (or even touch), so we recommend only collecting those you know or having your finds checked by a mycologist or at a pharmacy.

Family tip: Make sure children wear boots or sturdy shoes: mushroom hunting is also about jumping in the leaves and having fun in sometimes damp fields and forests!