Fun, Festivals & Events 2016 by Région du Léman, Lake Geneva Region, Genferseegebiet

Online Agenda To discover many more events, connect to our regularly updated online agenda which is also accessible with mobile devices. Exhibitions, shows, concerts, conferences, markets, sports events… plan your outings in the region throughout the year! There is something to suit everyone’s taste! events.lake-geneva-region.ch

appmobile.lake-geneva-region.ch

Culture

Nature

DEUTSCHLAND

•

Zürich

Basel

FRANCE

ÖSTERREICH

• Bern

•

Geneva ITALIA

Neuchâtel

Lake Neuchâtel

Vullyles-Lacs

Icons

Lake rat

Avenches

Estavayer-le-Lac

Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses Grandson

Payerne

Yvonand Yverdon-les-Bains

Lake Joux

Le Sentier Vallée de Joux ra Ju

Orbe Vallorbe Romainmôtier La Sarraz

Moudon Echallens

VAUD

Morges

Lausanne

Oron

Gruyères

Lavaux UNESCO

Château-d’Œx

Rolle St-Cergue

L a ke G e n e v a

Montreux

Family

Rougemont

Rossinière

Gstaad

Thonon Yvoire

Evian Aigle

Gastronomy

Alps Leysin Les Diablerets Villars Gryon

QR code – Instructions for use

Bex Genève

Market and Fairs

www.otvaud.ch/ffe

Col des Mosses

Nyon

Sport

Lavey-les-Bains

Office du Toursime du Canton de Vaud Avenue d’Ouchy 60 P.O. box 1125 1001 Lausanne Switzerland

Download an application called “QR reader”.

2. Launch the “QR Reader” and scan the QR code. 3. You will have direct access to the content you are looking for.

T. +41 (0)21 613 26 26 info@lake-geneva-region.ch www.lake-geneva-region.ch

www.lake-geneva-region.ch

Heritage

appmobile.lake-geneva-region.ch

Culture

Nature

DEUTSCHLAND

•

Zürich

Basel

FRANCE

ÖSTERREICH

• Bern

•

Geneva ITALIA

Neuchâtel

Lake Neuchâtel

Vullyles-Lacs

Icons

Lake rat

Avenches

Estavayer-le-Lac

Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses Grandson

Payerne

Yvonand Yverdon-les-Bains

Lake Joux

Le Sentier Vallée de Joux ra Ju

Orbe Vallorbe Romainmôtier La Sarraz

Moudon Echallens

VAUD

Morges

Lausanne

Oron

Gruyères

Lavaux UNESCO

Château-d’Œx

Rolle St-Cergue

L a ke G e n e v a

Montreux

Family

Rougemont

Rossinière

Gstaad

Thonon Yvoire

Evian Aigle

Gastronomy

Alps Leysin Les Diablerets Villars Gryon

QR code – Instructions for use

Bex Genève

Market and Fairs

www.otvaud.ch/ffe

Col des Mosses

Nyon

Sport

Lavey-les-Bains

Office du Toursime du Canton de Vaud Avenue d’Ouchy 60 P.O. box 1125 1001 Lausanne Switzerland

Download an application called “QR reader”.

2. Launch the “QR Reader” and scan the QR code. 3. You will have direct access to the content you are looking for.

T. +41 (0)21 613 26 26 info@lake-geneva-region.ch www.lake-geneva-region.ch

www.lake-geneva-region.ch

Heritage

VAUD 2016... YOU WILL HAVE NO TIME TO GET BORED! Set in the heart of the Lake Geneva Region, the Canton of Vaud will become the Swiss capital of celebrations in 2016! The region, which is already known as a fertile festival ground, will break all records during the exceptionally eventful coming year. Vaudois people take pride in their cheerful and friendly culture and are looking forward to sharing it during the major events planned in 2016. Montreux Jazz, Switzerland’s best-known festival, will be celebrating its 50th edition. Before that, Montreux will welcome the virtuosos of our country during the 34th Federal Music Festival. The Swiss National Wrestling Festival, another dearly beloved traditional event, will be held in Estavayer-le-Lac and Payerne. Not to mention that 2016 will be the opening year of Chaplin’s World – in the Tramp’s former abode above Vevey – and, also in Vevey, of the “Nest” Centre, which chronicles Nestlé’s rich past in a fun and innovative way. The dates shown are those confirmed at the time of going to press. However, the dates indicated are subject to change. We recommend checking them on the website of the event.

appmobile.lake-geneva-region.ch

Culture

Nature

DEUTSCHLAND

•

Zürich

Basel

FRANCE

ÖSTERREICH

• Bern

•

Geneva ITALIA

Neuchâtel

Lake Neuchâtel

Vullyles-Lacs

Icons

Lake rat

Avenches

Estavayer-le-Lac

Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses Grandson

Payerne

Yvonand Yverdon-les-Bains

Lake Joux

Le Sentier Vallée de Joux ra Ju

Orbe Vallorbe Romainmôtier La Sarraz

Moudon Echallens

VAUD

Morges

Lausanne

Oron

Gruyères

Lavaux UNESCO

Château-d’Œx

Rolle St-Cergue

L a ke G e n e v a

Montreux

Family

Rougemont

Rossinière

Gstaad

Thonon Yvoire

Evian Aigle

Gastronomy

Alps Leysin Les Diablerets Villars Gryon

QR code – Instructions for use

Bex Genève

Market and Fairs

www.otvaud.ch/ffe

Col des Mosses

Nyon

Sport

Lavey-les-Bains

Office du Toursime du Canton de Vaud Avenue d’Ouchy 60 P.O. box 1125 1001 Lausanne Switzerland

Download an application called “QR reader”.

2. Launch the “QR Reader” and scan the QR code. 3. You will have direct access to the content you are looking for.

T. +41 (0)21 613 26 26 info@lake-geneva-region.ch www.lake-geneva-region.ch

www.lake-geneva-region.ch

Heritage

Table of contents January

2-3

February

4-5

March

6-7

April

8-9

May

10-11

June

12-15

July

16-19

August

22-25

September

26-29

October

30-31

November

32-33

December

Maps of the canton of Vaud

34-35

Useful addresses

June

July p. 12 – 15

“ THE SWISS RIVIERA IS BRINGING TOGETHER 25,000 PERFECTLY TUNED INSTRUMENTS!” Federal Music Festival, Montreux 10.06 – 12.06 / 17.06 – 19.06 www.ffm2016.ch

August

September

p. 16 – 19 “ ELECTRIFYING AS EVER, MJF IS BACK FOR ITS 50TH ENCORE” 50 Montreux Jazz Festival 01.07 – 16.07 th

www.montreuxjazzfestival.com

p. 22 – 25 “ WHO WILL BE WEARING THE BREECHES IN ESTAVAYER-LE-LAC / PAYERNE?”

“ 25 CRAZY ROCKERS INVASION AT THE AVENCHES ARENAS”

Swiss National Wrestling and Alpine Games Festival, Estavayer-le-Lac / Payerne 26.08 – 28.08

25th Rock Oz’Arènes, Avenches 03.08 – 07.08

www.estavayer2016.ch

www.rockozarenes.com

p. 26 – 29 « VIRTUOSOS AND CONDUCTORS ARE CALLING THE TUNE IN MONTREUX RIVIERA DURING THE 70TH EDITION OF MUSICAL SEPTEMBER» 70e Septembre Musical, Montreux-Vevey 26.08 – 11.09 www.septmus.ch

Office du Tourisme d’Aigle T. +41 (0)24 466 30 00 www.aigle-tourisme.ch

Leysin Tourisme T. +41 (0)24 493 33 00 www.leysin.ch

Avenches Tourisme T. +41 (0)26 676 99 22 www.avenches.ch

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme Point i Lutry T. +41 (0)21 791 47 65 www.montreuxriviera.com

Bex Tourisme T. +41 (0)24 463 30 80 www.bex-tourisme.ch Pays-d’Enhaut Tourisme Point i Château-d’Oex T. +41 (0)26 924 25 25 www.chateau-doex.ch Montreux-Vevey Tourisme Point i Chexbres T. +41 (0)848 86 84 84 www.montreuxriviera.com Montreux-Vevey Tourisme Point i Cully T. +41 (0)848 86 84 84 www.montreuxriviera.com

Morges Région Tourisme T. +41 (0)21 801 32 33 www.morges-tourisme.ch Office du Tourisme Les Mosses – La Lécherette T. +41 (0)24 491 14 66 www.lesmosses.ch Moudon Région Tourisme T. +41 (0)21 905 88 66 www.moudon.ch

Diablerets Tourisme T. +41 (0)24 492 00 10 www.diablerets.ch

Nyon Région Tourisme T. +41 (0)22 365 66 00 www.nyon-tourisme.ch

Echallens Région Tourisme T. +41 (0)21 881 50 62 www.echallens-tourisme.ch

Office du Tourisme d’Orbe et environs T. +41 (0)24 442 92 37 www.orbe-tourisme.ch

Office du Tourisme de Grandson T. +41 (0)24 445 60 60 www.grandson-tourisme.ch Gryon Tourisme T. +41 (0)24 498 00 00 www.villarsgryon.ch Lausanne Tourisme T. +41 (0)21 613 73 73 www.lausanne-tourisme.ch

20-21

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme Point i Montreux T. +41 (0)848 86 84 84 www.montreuxriviera.com

Maison du Tourisme de La Sarraz T. +41 (0)21 801 32 33 www.morges-tourisme.ch

Payerne / Estavayer-le-Lac Tourisme T. +41 (0)26 660 61 61 www.estavayer-payerne.ch Office du Tourisme de Rolle T. +41 (0)21 825 15 35 www.tourisme-rolle.ch Office du Tourisme de Romainmôtier T. +41 (0)24 453 38 28 www.romainmotier-tourisme.ch

Pays-d’Enhaut Tourisme Point i Rougemont T. +41 (0)26 925 11 66 www.chateau-doex.ch Office du Tourisme de St-Cergue T. +41 (0)22 360 13 14 www.st-cergue-tourisme.ch Office du Tourisme de Sainte-Croix / Les Rasses T. +41 (0)24 455 41 42 www.sainte-croix-tourisme.ch Vallée de Joux Tourisme T. +41 (0)21 845 17 77 www.myvalleedejoux.ch Office du Tourisme de Vallorbe T. +41 (0)21 843 25 83 www.vallorbe-tourisme.ch Montreux-Vevey Tourisme Point i Vevey T. +41 (0)848 86 84 84 www.montreuxriviera.com Villars Tourisme T. +41 (0)24 495 32 32 www.villars.ch Montreux-Vevey Tourisme Point i Villeneuve T. +41 (0)848 86 84 84 www.montreuxriviera.com Vully-les-Lacs Tourisme T. +41 (0)26 677 95 15 www.vullyleslacs-tourisme.ch Office du Tourisme et du Thermalisme d’Yverdon-les-Bains T. +41 (0)24 423 61 01 www.yverdonlesbainsregion.ch Office du Tourisme d’Yvonand-Menthue T. +41 (0)24 430 22 02 www.yvonand-tourisme.ch

Pictures: 2013 FFJM – Marc Ducrest, Vincent Bailly / www.bailly-photo.ch, José Crespo, OTV / Laurent Ryser, Glenn Michel, Villars Tourisme, Festival Images, BBL–Gregory Batardon, Fête Fédérale de Musique / L’elixir, Raw King Photo, Montreux Jazz Festival / Lionel Flusin, Fon, Montreux Noël, La Mara, Bois qui chante – Camille Scherrer, Prix de Lausanne, Championnat Suisse de VTT Cross-Country, Fisherman’s Friend Strongman Run, Clair de Lune, Ligue Nationale de Basket, Jean Lugrin, Anthony Demierre, Le Cotterg, Visions du Réel, Michel Bertholet, Morges Région Tourisme, Caves Ouvertes, Pays-d’Enhaut Tourisme, Championnat d’Europe de Taekwondo, Lucas Vuitel, Laura Gilli – Festival Morges-sous-Rire, Caribana Festival, Festival autour de Mme Staël, Nyon Région Tourisme, Cully Classique, Swiss Cycling, Festival au Pays des Enfants, Pierre Descombes, Emilien Itim, Christine Klein, Festival de Musiques Populaires, Festival International de Ballons, Slow Up, Yverdon-les-Bains Région, Fête Fédérale de Lutte et de Jeux Alpestres, Festival des Artistes de Rue, JP Reymondin, Triathlon de Nyon, dRo, LT-Samuel Rouge, Christophe Racat, Marc Simonetti, Yunus Durukan, equissima, Jeanne Quattropani, Michel Barraud, Marc-André Guex, Marché aux truffes suisse de Bonvillars, Bois qui chante, Zeppelin, Amélie Blanc, Mano, MAG, Sacha Fehlman, Simon Baixader, Francette Levieu, Tous en Chœur. Graphic Design: www.didwedo.ch. Edition 2016. Printed in Switzerland by Artgraphic Cavin SA. 100% recycled paper.

Table of contents January

2-3

February

4-5

March

6-7

April

8-9

May

10-11

June

12-15

July

16-19

August

22-25

September

26-29

October

30-31

November

32-33

December

Maps of the canton of Vaud

34-35

Useful addresses

June

July p. 12 – 15

“ THE SWISS RIVIERA IS BRINGING TOGETHER 25,000 PERFECTLY TUNED INSTRUMENTS!” Federal Music Festival, Montreux 10.06 – 12.06 / 17.06 – 19.06 www.ffm2016.ch

August

September

p. 16 – 19 “ ELECTRIFYING AS EVER, MJF IS BACK FOR ITS 50TH ENCORE” 50 Montreux Jazz Festival 01.07 – 16.07 th

www.montreuxjazzfestival.com

p. 22 – 25 “ WHO WILL BE WEARING THE BREECHES IN ESTAVAYER-LE-LAC / PAYERNE?”

“ 25 CRAZY ROCKERS INVASION AT THE AVENCHES ARENAS”

Swiss National Wrestling and Alpine Games Festival, Estavayer-le-Lac / Payerne 26.08 – 28.08

25th Rock Oz’Arènes, Avenches 03.08 – 07.08

www.estavayer2016.ch

www.rockozarenes.com

p. 26 – 29 « VIRTUOSOS AND CONDUCTORS ARE CALLING THE TUNE IN MONTREUX RIVIERA DURING THE 70TH EDITION OF MUSICAL SEPTEMBER» 70e Septembre Musical, Montreux-Vevey 26.08 – 11.09 www.septmus.ch

Office du Tourisme d’Aigle T. +41 (0)24 466 30 00 www.aigle-tourisme.ch

Leysin Tourisme T. +41 (0)24 493 33 00 www.leysin.ch

Avenches Tourisme T. +41 (0)26 676 99 22 www.avenches.ch

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme Point i Lutry T. +41 (0)21 791 47 65 www.montreuxriviera.com

Diablerets Tourisme T. +41 (0)24 492 00 10 www.diablerets.ch

Nyon Région Tourisme T. +41 (0)22 365 66 00 www.nyon-tourisme.ch

Echallens Région Tourisme T. +41 (0)21 881 50 62 www.echallens-tourisme.ch

Office du Tourisme d’Orbe et environs T. +41 (0)24 442 92 37 www.orbe-tourisme.ch

20-21

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme Point i Montreux T. +41 (0)848 86 84 84 www.montreuxriviera.com

Maison du Tourisme de La Sarraz T. +41 (0)21 801 32 33 www.morges-tourisme.ch

Table of contents January

2-3

February

4-5

March

6-7

April

8-9

May

10-11

June

12-15

July

16-19

August

22-25

September

26-29

October

30-31

November

32-33

December

Maps of the canton of Vaud

34-35

Useful addresses

June

July p. 12 – 15

“ THE SWISS RIVIERA IS BRINGING TOGETHER 25,000 PERFECTLY TUNED INSTRUMENTS!” Federal Music Festival, Montreux 10.06 – 12.06 / 17.06 – 19.06 www.ffm2016.ch

August

September

p. 16 – 19 “ ELECTRIFYING AS EVER, MJF IS BACK FOR ITS 50TH ENCORE” 50 Montreux Jazz Festival 01.07 – 16.07 th

www.montreuxjazzfestival.com

p. 22 – 25 “ WHO WILL BE WEARING THE BREECHES IN ESTAVAYER-LE-LAC / PAYERNE?”

“ 25 CRAZY ROCKERS INVASION AT THE AVENCHES ARENAS”

Swiss National Wrestling and Alpine Games Festival, Estavayer-le-Lac / Payerne 26.08 – 28.08

25th Rock Oz’Arènes, Avenches 03.08 – 07.08

www.estavayer2016.ch

www.rockozarenes.com

p. 26 – 29 « VIRTUOSOS AND CONDUCTORS ARE CALLING THE TUNE IN MONTREUX RIVIERA DURING THE 70TH EDITION OF MUSICAL SEPTEMBER» 70e Septembre Musical, Montreux-Vevey 26.08 – 11.09 www.septmus.ch

Office du Tourisme d’Aigle T. +41 (0)24 466 30 00 www.aigle-tourisme.ch

Leysin Tourisme T. +41 (0)24 493 33 00 www.leysin.ch

Avenches Tourisme T. +41 (0)26 676 99 22 www.avenches.ch

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme Point i Lutry T. +41 (0)21 791 47 65 www.montreuxriviera.com

Diablerets Tourisme T. +41 (0)24 492 00 10 www.diablerets.ch

Nyon Région Tourisme T. +41 (0)22 365 66 00 www.nyon-tourisme.ch

Echallens Région Tourisme T. +41 (0)21 881 50 62 www.echallens-tourisme.ch

Office du Tourisme d’Orbe et environs T. +41 (0)24 442 92 37 www.orbe-tourisme.ch

20-21

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme Point i Montreux T. +41 (0)848 86 84 84 www.montreuxriviera.com

Maison du Tourisme de La Sarraz T. +41 (0)21 801 32 33 www.morges-tourisme.ch

SPOTLIGHT FISHERMAN’S FRIEND StrongmanRun Villars

FISHERMAN’S FRIEND StrongmanRun

16.01

It’s new and it’ll give you a real thrill! The FISHERMAN’S FRIEND StrongmanRun Winter Edition is held in Villars in winter for even more thrills. On the programme: an exclusive route on the snow full of obstacles with the Alps of the Lake Geneva Region as a backdrop. AN EXTRA HUGE challenge is awaiting runners! www.fishermansfriend.ch

SELECTION Helvetia Nordic Trophy Les Mosses

10.01

Swisscom Nordic Day Les Mosses

16.01

This competition is aimed at passing on interest in Nordic sports and a passion for competition to Swiss youngsters aged 6 to 16.

The Swisscom Nordic Days offer an introduction to cross-country skiing. The programme proposes activities for all levels.

www.lesmosses.ch

SWISS EXPO

Leysin Up

Lausanne 14.01 – 17.01

Leysin

This show brings together 140 exhibitors and more than 1,000 cattle in competition during 4 days at a traditional and friendly event at Expo Beaulieu in Lausanne.

On the programme: marked snowshoeing tracks with a view of Lake Geneva, winter fun activities, games and food.

24.01 – 25.01

www.leysin.ch

www.swiss-expo.com

2016 League Cup Finals

2 JANUARY

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

International Hot-Air Balloon Festival

January TOP EVENTS

47th Music & Snow Festival Les Diablerets 01.01 – 01.03

38th International Hot-Air Balloon Festival Château-d’Oex

23.01 – 31.01

Eight concerts held between January and March: duets, trios, quartets, and recitals. A varied chamber music programme for all music lovers! Concert on 1 January, and every Saturday from 16 January, at 18:15. The admission ticket entitles visitors to a visit of the Musée des Ormonts, either on the same or the following day!

For nine days during the last week of January, hot-air balloons take off in a breathtaking panorama with a 360° view of the neighbouring mountains. The festival is a meeting place for pilots from more than twenty different countries. Close to eighty hot-air balloons participate each year.

www.musique-et-neige.ch

www.festivaldeballons.ch

2016 League Cup Finals Montreux 30.01 – 31.01 This basketball competition takes place in the attractive and meanwhile established form of a Final Four. The League Cup is the first title of the season and is only for the teams participating in the NLA championships for men and women. An encounter between teams from all over Switzerland and mini basket matches are also organised. www.coupedelaligue.ch

47th Music & Snow Festival

2016

JANUARY 3

SPOTLIGHT Les Hivernales Nyon

18.02 – 21.02

Les Hivernales are four days of concerts, ten stages, seven of which are free, and more than 34 Swiss and international artists. An unforgettable experience! www.leshivernales.ch

Les Hivernales

SELECTION Transalp Vaudoise

Les Brandons de Payerne

Les Diablerets, Villars-Gryon 04.02 – 07.02

Payerne

12.02 – 15.02

TransAlp Vaudoise is an international dog sled race. It is Switzerland’s longest and most difficult.

Les Brandons are one of the oldest carnivals in Switzerland. Processions, guggenmusik, bars and entertainment for an entire weekend.

www.villars.ch

www.brandonspayerne.ch

Monts-Chevreuils Trophy

Yukigassen

Les Moulins

Villars February (depending on weather conditions)

05.02

A night sealskin ski race, which is reputed for its selective circuit and its great atmosphere on the summit! www.chateau-doex.ch

DHS Swiss Table Tennis Open Lausanne

This originally Japanese game is essentially a huge snowball fight with two teams of seven players on each side confronting each other in a snow-covered field. The aim of the game is to eliminate the players of the opposite team. www.villars.ch

Lausanne 12.02 – 14.02 Official tournament in the worldwide agenda, where several European, world and Olympic medal winners can be admired. www.sttopen.ch

31st Carnival of Sainte-Croix Sainte-Croix / Les Rasses 19.02 – 21.02 The most colourful and snowy carnival in the Yverdon-les-Bains region. Three days of celebrations, huge parade of funny floats and Guggenmusik. www.carnaval.ch

Taste rally Château-d’Oex

REMINDER 47th Music & Snow Festival Les Diablerets 01.01 – 01.03

4 FEBRUARY

20.02

Taste terroir products with your family or friends equipped with snowshoes! A gourmet circuit that is accessible to all! www.rallyedugout.ch

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

February

44th Prix de Lausanne

TOP EVENTS 20 years of Villars Classics

44th Prix de Lausanne

Villars 20.02 – 28.02

Lausanne

Music festival with orchestra and countless soloists. In celebration of its 20 years of existence, an exceptional concert will be organised on the theme: Abbamania!

This 1-week international competition for young dancers aged between 15 and 18 attracts the world’s best hopefuls of classical and contemporary dance to the Beaulieu Theatre in Lausanne. Courses, coaching sessions and conferences open to the public from Monday, 1 February. Public finals on 6 February 2016.

www.classique.ch

Foxtrail-Fond’action Les Mosses

01.02 – 06.02

www.prixdelausanne.org

28.02

Long-distance, free-style cross-country skiing competition, over a distance of 15 or 30 km across the beautiful scenery of Espace Nordique. www.espacenordique.ch

Swiss Snowcross Championship Les Mosses

27.02

For the fourth time, Col des Mosses is welcoming the Swiss Snowcross Championship which is open to anyone owning a snow bike. The competition comprises several races. Participants and the public to cheer them on are expected at 9 a.m. Canteen with snacks on site. A must-attend, original racing event! www.lesmosses.ch

Swiss Snowcross Championship

2016

FEBRUARY 5

SPOTLIGHT Les Brandons / Carnivals Moudon 03.03 – 06.03 www.brandons.ch Yverdon-les-Bains 11.03 – 13.03 www.brandonsyverdon.ch Avenches 11.03 – 13.03 www.carnaval-avenchois.ch Dating back to ancient times, the Brandons in Moudon and Yverdon-les-Bains, as well as the Carnival of Avenches, are some of the major carnivals in Western Switzerland. Masked balls, processions, lit torches, funny floats, Guggenmusik, and other activities fill the streets of these medieval towns during a weekend.

Les Brandons / Carnivals

SELECTION Diablerets 3D

Gourmet outing

Les Diablerets 04.03 – 06.03

Les Diablerets 12.03

3D is a three-day Alpine ski event in the magnificent setting of Les Diablerets with vertical, relay and long distance races.

A hike on foot, with snowshoes and on a sled, which allows you to discover the Diablerets region and its culinary delights.

www.diablerets3d.ch

www.diablerets.ch

Montagnette Trophy

Famigros Ski Day

Château-d’Oex

Les Mosses 20.03

06.03

A sled race open to all on the Braye ski track. Three categories: from 7 to 12 years, from 13 to 15 years and USOs (unidentified gliding objects)!

This competition is a fun ski event for families. The stopwatch stops once every family member has crossed the finishing line.

www.chateau-doex.ch

www.lesmosses.ch

2016 Skicross Kids Tour

Ski 24

Villars

06.03

Les Mosses 26.03 – 27.03

Skiers aged 16 and below can compete in professional conditions during the national Skicross Kids Tour competition series.

24 hour free-style cross-country ski competition on one’s own or in a team. Final event closing the crosscountry skiing season on Col des Mosses.

www.villars.ch

www.ski24.ch

GiantXtour Leysin 09.03 – 10.03 – 12.03 Ski and snowboard competition bringing together more than 200 Swiss high-school students and apprentices. The GiantXtour is the must-see winter event! www.giantxtour.ch

6 MARCH

Cutlery Festival Vallorbe

26.03 – 28.03

The Cutlery Festival, which is organised by the Iron and Railway Museum over the Easter weekend, brings together craftspeople from all around the world. www.museedufer.ch

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

March

Swiss Biathlon Cup

TOP EVENTS 46th MARA Sainte-Croix / Les Rasses 05.03 – 06.03

International Dog Sled Race

The Mara, one of Switzerland’s most popular crosscountry ski races, attracts hundreds of participants from all around the world. On the programme of this Swiss Loppet event: a competition over 12 km and 25 km free-style (skating) on Saturday and over 12 km, 22 km and 42 km classical style on Sunday. This year, Mara will host the finals of the Kids Nordic Tour.

Les Mosses

www.ski-mara.ch

www.lesmosses.ch

Swiss Biathlon Cup

Worldwide Festival

Les Mosses 05.03 – 06.03

Leysin

To the great pleasure of Nordic sports fans, the Les Mosses plateau hosts this competition combining cross-country skiing with shooting.

The Worldwide Festival is based on a simple idea: create a different festival that offers a unique choice of artists in the superb setting of various cities around the world. Gilles Peterson, a radio DJ and an opinion leader over the past twenty years, is the artistic director.

www.biathlon-upa10.ch

12.03 – 13.03

A Far North event and a great atmosphere that’s not to be missed! Some 700 dogs and their mushers compete in two heats of 8 km and 16 km, respectively, depending on the category chosen and the number of dogs making up a team. Activities and snacks throughout the weekend on Place de l’Arsat.

14.03 – 20.03

www.worldwidefestival.com

Polymanga 2016 Montreux 25.03 – 28.03

REMINDER Ski and Snow Fiesta Villars-Gryon, Les Diablerets

8 25.03 – 10.04

Montreux Choral Festival Montreux – Vevey

2016

Polymanga is Switzerland’s largest event focusing on pop culture, video games and mangas! Each year at Easter, the whole family gets together to see the best of this entrainment: more than 100 guests, youtubers, actors, singers, non-stop shows, four cosplay shows and plenty more is in store for you! www.polymanga.com

31.03 – 02.04

MARCH

SPOTLIGHT Visions du Réel Nyon

15.04 – 23.04

9 days of cinema, discoveries and, above all, emotions: this is the programme proposed by the International Film Festival Visions du Réel in Nyon. Bringing together the greatest names in documentary cinema and presenting a majority of films as world premieres, the festival is one of the must-attend documentary cinema events. www.visionsdureel.ch

Visions du Réel

SELECTION Ski and Snow Fiesta

Freeride Days

Villars-Gryon, Les Diablerets 25.03 – 10.04

Les Diablerets (Glacier 3000) 02.04 – 03.04

For a fitting celebration of the end of winter and the beginning of spring, Villars, Gryon and Les Diablerets propose a rich and varied programme.

Two days of freeride in the Glacier 3000 ski area, accompanied by guides and professional riders. In addition, ski and snowboard equipment check.

www.skisnowfiesta.ch

www.glacier3000.ch

Montreux Choral Festival

The 20 KM of Lausanne

Montreux – Vevey

Lausanne

31.03 – 02.04

Liberty Day Choruses and air show on the market square in Montreux with the participation of the World Choir with 400 singers. World top-level choir competitions and Festival OFF.

23.04 – 24.04

This event in its 35th year is organised over two days, proposing 2 and 4 km runs (children and fun) on Saturday and 10 and 20 km races on Sunday. www.20km.ch

www.choralfestival.ch

Gourmet snowshoe outing Villars 02.04 This event proposes a snowshoe outing around Lake Chavonnes, combined with tasting of dishes prepared by the chefs of the region.

Tour de Romandie Moudon

27.04

Moudon is really enamoured with this bike competition since it will play host to the event for the fifth time in 2016. www.tourderomandie.ch

www.villars.ch

Morges Flower of Lake Geneva

8 APRIL

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

April TOP EVENTS

34th Cully Jazz Festival

Arvinis – World Wine Fair

Design and creation weekend

Morges – CFF Halls 13.04 – 18.04

Morges UNIcréa 28.04 – 01.05 Puces du Design 29.04 – 01.05

This great event for wine lovers is again taking place in the enchanting setting of the CFF halls! An international wine fair focusing on all aspects of wine: growing, maturing, distributing, tasting, and promoting. www.arvinis.com

Morges Flower of Lake Geneva Tulip Festival Morges April to mid-May Iris flower show Vullierens May to mid-June Lys-Hemerocallis flower show Vullierens mid-June to end July Dahlias on the lakeside promenades Morges mid-July to October Every year, Morges greets the return of spring with more than 150,000 tulips decorating the flower banks in “Parc de l’Indépendance”. In the subsequent months, the gardens of Château de Vullierens present a fabulous collection of irises and lilies. In addition, there is a unique exhibition and sale of dahlias on the town’s lakeside promenades. www.morges-tourisme.ch

These two events showcase design and creation. Puces du Design brings together a list of the top European antique dealers specializing in design; UNIcréa invites talented designers who will present and sell their latest collections. www.unicrea.ch www.pucesdudesign.ch

SlowUp Lake Morat Avenches

24.04

The Lake Morat region invites you to the 17th SlowUp edition. An original way to discover this region by bike, on roller blades, by scooter or simply on foot along roads which are closed to motor traffic all day. Along the way, you can enjoy a tasty selection of regional food and drink, as well as music. www.slowup-lacdemorat.ch

34th Cully Jazz Festival Cully 08.04 – 16.04 With 9 days of music, 30 concerts with admission charge and 80 free concerts, the Cully Jazz Festival remains a must-attend event for fans of jazz and a warm atmosphere. In 2015, nearly 65,000 people filled the alleys, cellars and lakeside streets of Cully. www.cullyjazz.ch

2016

APRIL 9

SPOTLIGHT Vaud Open Cellar Days Canton de Vaud 14.05 – 15.05 All vintners gather once again to welcome guests in a friendly atmosphere. Vintners, restaurant and hotel owners as well as terroir products promise a quality welcome to all visitors wishing to spend an authentic moment and discover some of the Lake Geneva Region’s treasures. www.cavesouvertes.ch

Vaud Open Cellar Days

La Folia Festival

Taekwondo European Championships

Rougemont 12.05 – 16.05 A festival launched by a team of enthusiasts in 2001. La Folia of Rougemont has become a must-attend date in the agenda of lovers of ancient music… and conviviality! All these concerts are held in the beautiful church of Rougemont. www.festival-la-folia.ch

Montreux

19.05 – 22.05

The European taekwondo championships are organised every other year. The edition of 2016 will bring together the best Europeans from the 48 taekwondo member states of the European Union. The competition will determine the European champion in 16 weight categories (8 men and 8 women). www.taekwondoeuro2016.com

Agricultural fair of Grange-Verney Moudon 07.05 – 08.05 A very important national fair that wishes to encourage knowledge sharing and sustainable development in line with humans and the environment.

La Folia Festival

www.biovaud.ch

REMINDER Tulip Festival

Morges April to mid-May

UNIcréa

Morges 28.04 – 01.05

Puces du Design

Morges 29.04 – 01.05

Iris flower show

Vullierens May to mid-June

10 MAY

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

May TOP EVENTS

Popular Music Festival

Montreux Volley Masters 2016

Moudon 21.05 – 22.05

Salle du Pierrier, Clarens – Montreux

The focus of the festival: more than 90 free concerts in the town of Moudon, some 50 amateur groups mostly from Western Switzerland. The name “popular” brings together the styles in terms of a regional culture or tradition: jazz, Alphorn, singing, Celtic music, accordion, etc. www.festival-moudon.ch

31.05 – 05.06

The 31st edition of Montreux Volley Masters again invites the elite of the world’s women volleyball players to its traditional tournament. The nations present will have the opportunity to confront each other in a tournament that could well be a foretaste of the Olympics. www.volleymasters.ch

Taekwondo European Championships

2016

Montreux Volley Masters 2016

MAY 11

SPOTLIGHT 34th Federal Music Festival 2016 Montreux – Riviera 10.06 – 12.06 / 17.06 – 19.06 The Federal Music Festival is a festival featuring brass bands and ensembles. More than 500 societies, which represent 25,000 musicians, participate in a competition of either concert or entertainment music in one of the 15 halls located on the Riviera, and also in a traditional music parade competition. www.ffm2016.ch 34 Federal Music Festival 2016 th

Caribana Festival

Villars Rando Festival

Crans-près-Céligny 01.06 – 05.06

Villars

Caribana has conveyed an unstoppable festive spirit for a quarter of a century. Fans of today’s music get together with their friends in a casual and cordial atmosphere. Festivalgoers can appreciate the performances of international stars and discover the future stars of Swiss and international music.

This festival is THE event for hikers. It proposes theme hikes accompanied by professional mountain guides, exhibition stalls with specialised equipment, a photo exhibition, a mountain library with more than 2,500 books and a number of activities throughout the event.

www.caribana.ch

03.06 – 05.06

www.villars.ch

Caribana Festival

12 JUNE

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

June TOP EVENTS

Morges-sous-Rire – International Humour Festival

Béjart Ballet Lausanne (BBL)

13th Cully Classique

Lausanne 08.06 – 12.06

Cully 24.06 – 03.07

Darkness. Silence. While the stage lights up, the dancers dash about. You cannot take your eyes off them. The curtain drops. Applause! Spellbound, you have just seen a performance of the Béjart Ballet Lausanne.

Located in Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cully Classique is the must-attend music rendezvous in Western Switzerland, which is recognized for its high-quality programmes and its proximity. It offers nearly a hundred events, concerts with and without admission fee, master classes, children’s activities and public rehearsals.

www.bejart.ch

Aventia Crooners

www.cullyclassique.ch

Avenches 10.06–11.06 A unique production held as a premiere in Avenches before embarking on a world tour! 150 musicians, singers, dancers and actors celebrate the magic of cinema music and its greatest classics of all time, from “Modern Times” to “Casablanca”. Arranged and produced by Atilla Sereftug.

Villars Rando Festival

www.aventiacrooners.ch

Morges-sous-Rire International Humour Festival Morges 13.06 – 18.06 A must-attend event. This humour festival delights its audiences with confirmed humorists, young talents and a gourmet market. www.morges-sous-rire.ch

2016

JUNE 13

SPOTLIGHT Festival around Madame de Staël Coppet Castle 13.06 – 17.06 Immerse yourself in the world of Germaine de Staël! In the authentic setting where the famous writer wrote her greatest texts, experience theatre evenings like never before. In enchanting surroundings where History took place, come and enjoy the most beautiful pages of French literature in a magical setting. www.autourdemmedestael.com Festival around Madame de Staël

Hautes Fréquences Festival

Nicola Spirig Kids Cup

Leysin 03.06 – 04.06

Leysin

A reasonably sized festival presenting discoveries and various musical styles, pop, psych-rock, arid blues and electro among them.

Leysin is one venue of the Kids Cup championship that was created by Olympic medal winner Nicola Spirig. Race especially created for the kids.

www.hautesfrequences.ch

www.nicolaspirig-kidscup.ch

Rose and Fragrant Plants Festival

Aigl’In Music Festival

Romainmôtier

A delicious festival where you can purchase highquality rose bushes and other scented plants.

Aigl’In Music is a showcase for local and SwissFrench artists. Come and celebrate and enjoy exceptional concerts, all for free!

www.romainmotier.ch

www.aiglinmusic.ch

Aigle

04.06

05.06

10.06 – 11.06

27th MB Chasseron Cup Sainte-Croix / Les Rasses

18.06

This cup invites competitors to discover the Jura, its exceptional panorama and preserved nature over two routes of 25 km and 43 km, respectively. www.vtt-nordvaudois.ch

REMINDER Iris flower show

Music Festival Lausanne 22nd edition

Vullierens May to mid-June

Lausanne

Lily and Hemerocallis Flower Show

Each year, nearly 2,000 musicians perform in about forty venues. All music styles are represented. Admission free.

Vullierens mid-June to end July

Montreux Volley Masters 2016 31st edition Clarens – Montreux

14 JUNE

21.06

www.fetemusiquelausanne.ch

31.05 – 05.06

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

June SELECTION

13th Cully Classique

Red Pigs Festival Payerne

23.06 – 25.06

Many free concerts take place on two stages set up in the heart of the historical centre of Payerne, all with a view of the Abbey Church. www.redpigsfestival.ch

Lausanne Estivale 2016 40th edition Lausanne

Mid-June to mid-September

For this anniversary, Lausanne will be enlivened by free cultural activities and shows throughout the city and all summer long. www.lausanne.ch/lausanneestivale

XTerra Switzerland Les Charbonnières

25.06

The XTERRA competitions offer three successive disciplines to participants: swimming, mountain biking and trail. Entertainment guaranteed! www.xterraswitzerland.ch Béjart Ballet Lausanne (BBL)

International triathlon Joux Valley Les Charbonnières

26.06

This short distance triathlon attracts close to 500 participants ready to compete in the water and on the shores of Lac Brenet, in a dream setting. www.valleedejouxtriteam.ch

2016

JUNE 15

SPOTLIGHT 50th Montreux Jazz Festival Montreux

01.07 – 16.07

The Montreux Jazz Festival offers an outstanding venue for the public and artists alike. In an exceptional natural setting, concerts are performed live with the best possible sound quality. Montreux is a piece of music history played each summer by artists of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. www.montreuxjazzfestival.com

50th Montreux Jazz Festival

Avenches Opéra Avenches 30.06 + 02.07 – 15.07 The 22nd edition of the Avenches Opera Festival presents Giacomo Puccini’s famous work “Madame Butterfly” in the Roman arena. A unique platform for renowned international artists performing in highquality productions with superb sets that attract thousands of opera lovers each year. www.avenchesopera.ch

SlowUp Joux Valley

45th Festival de la Cité Lausanne Lausanne

05.07 – 10.07

Festival de la Cité takes place in the historic district and in countless other places of Lausanne. The programme combines theatre with music, performance with dance, and circus with humour shows. For a unique cultural week, it acts as a bridge between the living arts, creations and urban culture, all for free! www.festivalcite.ch

Vallée de Joux 03.07 Every first Sunday of July, the 23 km around Lake Joux are closed to traffic, to the great delight of soft mobility fans! Bikes, scooters, roller blades, strollers or simply gym shoes can freely explore this route, along which many activities are offered.

Avenches Opéra

www.slowuplavallee.ch

Swiss MB Cross-Country Championships

16 JULY

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

July TOP EVENTS Swiss MB Cross-Country Championships

Land of Children Festival

Echallens 16.07 – 17.07

Château-d’Oex – Rougemont – Rossinière 30.07 – 07.08

This is the opportunity to see the world’s superstars of the discipline on a route set up in the woods of Echallens for the first time. 5 weeks before the Games in Rio, this is the last time Schurter, Neff, Flückiger and Vogel compete before preparing for the Olympic event in view of winning an Olympic medal.

A festival dedicated to children! More than 100 performances and many activities, strolling around, free activities and workshops for toddlers and for older children in a dream atmosphere for the whole family. The festival attracts more than 15,000 people each year. Fun and laughter guaranteed!

www.echallens-tourisme.ch

www.aupaysdesenfants.ch

Paléo Festival Nyon 19.07 – 24.07 The Paléo Festival has become a must-attend musical event in Europe. Each year, more than 250 concerts and shows are performed for the 230,000 spectators gathered on the 80 hectares of festival grounds. Each edition features unforgettable shows and architectural or artistic installations. www.paleo.ch

Land of Children Festival

2016

JULY 17

SPOTLIGHT Aventicum’s Long History

150 years of tourism in Villars

Avenches 01.07 – 31.07 (outside Avenches Opera evenings)

Villars

To trace back the 2,000 years of splendour and prestige of Helvetia’s former capital, a 3D son and lumière show combining film, scenography, history and culture is presented in the magnificent Roman site of Aventicum. Annia, a young Helvetian girl born under the reign of Marcus Aurelius, imagines contemporary Avenches and dialogues with it. www.aventicum3D.ch

28.07 – 01.08

Villars is celebrating 150 years of tourism in 2016. Activities will be organised throughout the year. From 28 July to 1 August, the celebration will be in full swing with folk evenings, galas and White Night, as well as a kids’ day. The closing celebration will be held on 1 August, with a folklore procession, fireworks and much more. www.villars.ch

Rive Jazzy

Festyvétés

Nyon 01.07 – 27.08

Yverdon-les-Bains

This festival attracts fans of music and local gastronomy from Lausanne, Geneva and the entire area around Lake Geneva and Nyon.

Free concerts in the beautiful setting of Pestalozzi Square in the heart of the old town, each Thursday evening and Saturday morning.

www.rivejazzy.ch

www.yverdonlesbainsregion.ch/festyvetes

Tour of Lake Joux

Echallens Folklore Markets

Vallée de Joux

Echallens

02.07

07.07 – 11.08

07.07 – 14.07 – 21.07 – 28.07

This foot race and Nordic walking competition takes place around Lake Joux and is a highly popular event.

Held every Thursday in July in the village of Echallens. All kinds of market stalls, activities throughout the market and various snacks.

www.footingvalleedejoux.ch/tourlac

www.mf-echallens.ch

Chasselas World Fair

Aventicum’s Long History

Aigle 04.07 For one day, the Castle of Aigle turns into the embassy of Chasselas. Discover and enjoy the best Chasselas from all around the world. www.mondialduchasselas.com

REMINDER Lily and Hemerocallis Flower Show

Vullierens mid-June to end July

Dahlias on the Lakeside Streets

Morges mid-July to October

Lausanne Estivale 2016 Lausanne

18 JULY

mid-June to mid-September

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

July SELECTION

Paléo Festival

Vevey Folklore Markets

Diables Festival

Vevey

Les Diablerets 29.07 – 31.07

09.07 – 27.08

On Saturday morning, Place du Marché and Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville swing to the rhythm of Vaud folk music. Tasting of a different wine each week.

A major summer event in Les Diablerets. A “flower corso”, concerts, children’s games, various activities and stalls enliven the village streets.

www.marchesfolkloriques.ch

www.diablerets.ch

Music and Mountain Festival Les Diablerets 09.07 – 23.07 Choral music workshop completed by a huge performance accompanied by concerts. All of that in the idyllic setting of Les Diablerets. www.musique-montagne.ch

Gourmet Walk in Vully-les-Lacs Bellerive

45th Festival de la Cité Lausanne

17.07

The Gourmet Walk in Vully-les-Lacs is a walk of about 5 km interspersed with several gourmet stops. www.balade-gourmande-vully.ch

Festival Chenevières-sur-Scène Vallamand-dessus

28.07 – 28.08

In the heart of the vineyard, this festival pays tribute to “chanson française”, featuring an artist whose songs, ahead of his time, have remained topical. www.chenevieres.ch

2016

JULY 19

46th Mara

Experience the Canton of Vaud in the heart of the Lake Geneva Region

Swiss MB Cross-Country Championships

Sainte-Croix / Les Rasses

Echallens

Numerik Games 17

Yverdon-les-Bains

Pontarlier

Cutlery Festival 6

Vallorbe

Le Chasseron

Bonvillars

Sainte-Croix / Les Rasses

Grandson Yvonand

Le Suchet

Yverdon-les-Bains

Autumn Fair and Second-hand Cowbell Sale Romainmôtier

Orbe

Vallorbe Romainmôtier

SlowUp Joux Valley Vallée de Joux

La Sarraz

Col du Molendruz

Echallens Mont Tendre

Cossonay

Christmas Fair

Le Sentier 16

Orbe

Epalinges

Col du Marchairuz

Morges Lausanne

Lutry

Rolle

C A1

St-Cergue

L AK E

G E N E VA

La Dôle

Nyon Evian

Yvoire Thonon

Chavannes-de-Bogis Coppet

Midsummer St-Cergue

Genève

20 REPORTAGE

Paléo Festival 24

Nyon

Athletissima 2016

Tulip Festival 17

Morges

Lausanne

Annemasse

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

E N N IE B

Estavayer-le-Lac / Payerne

Avenches Opéra C

Swiss National Wrestling and Alpine Games Festival

www.utopy.ch

Bonvillars

Avenches

8th Bonvillars Truffle Market

Neuchâtel WOHLENSEE

Popular Music Festival Moudon

L Vully-les-Lacs

Berne

T RA

Morat

Avenches H

Estavayer-le-Lac L

L TE

Payerne Fribourg

Land of Children Festival 17

Pays-d’Enhaut

A12

Cully Jazz Festival

Images Festival

Romont

Cully

Vevey

Moudon 38th International Hot-Air Balloon Festival Château-d’Oex

Bulle

Oron

Gruyères Vanil Noir

Moléson

Dent de Lys

Rougemont

Mont-Pèlerin

Cully Chexbres

Rossinière

Chateau-d’Oex

Rubli La Gummfluh

Gstaad

Vevey Les Tours d’Aï

Montreux

Col des Mosses

Les Mosses

50 Montreux Jazz Festival

Leysin

Montreux

47th Diablerets Film Festival

Les Diablerets

Col du Pillon

Le Bouveret

Aigle

Les Diablerets

Villeneuve Villars Gryon Bex Villars Rando Festival

Chasselas World Fair 18

Aigle

Villars

Lavey-les-Bains

Grand Muveran

Worldwide Festival

International Dog Sled Race Sion

Leysin

Les Mosses

Dents du Midi

2016

A9 Martigny

REPORTAGE 21

SPOTLIGHT Swiss National Wrestling and Alpine Games Festival Estavayer-le-Lac 26.08 – 28.08 From 26 to 28 August 2016, Estavayer-le-Lac will host the Swiss National Wrestling and Alpine Games Festival. This is the largest and most popular sports event in Switzerland. 250,000 people are expected. There will also be concerts, as well as hornussen and stone-throwing competitions. Apart from access to the wrestling arena, admission is free. www.estavayer2016.ch Swiss National Wrestling and Alpine Games Festival

Swiss National Day

47th Diablerets Film Festival

Throughout the canton 01.08

Les Diablerets 06.08 – 14.08

This date was established by one of the first treaties signed by the Cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. They constituted the core counties around which Switzerland was formed. Today, the first of August is celebrated in all Swiss towns and villages with a traditional “first of August bonfire”, lantern processions and fireworks.

Must-attend event in the mountain world! Screening of unique films about mountains, feats and the environment are proposed every evening. Freeride will also be on the programme during the opening weekend. Tent bar, giant screen and two climbing walls, exhibitions and a bookshop are available on site. www.fifad.ch

Rock Oz’Arènes Avenches 03.08 – 07.08 At the end of summer, the magnificent Roman amphitheatre and its historic stone walls host the 25th Oz’Arènes Rock Festival, the smallest of the big festivals which is getting more and more successful. The magic of the setting and a varied programme enchant the public that is won over in advance. www.rockozarenes.com

Triathlon of Nyon and University World Championship Nyon 05.08 – 07.08 The triathlon of Nyon is the largest sports event in the region, with more than 2,000 athletes and 500 volunteers each year. From 5 to 7 August, the 13th Triathlon Championship of the academic world will be organised during the 28th triathlon. This is the First World Championship, all sports combined, to be organised in Nyon. www.trinyon.ch www.wuctrinyon2016.com

22 AUGUST

Triathlon of Nyon and University World Championship

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

August TOP EVENTS

Sidewalk Artists Festival

21st Hockeyades

Far° Festival of the Living Arts

Ice rink at Centre Sportif, Le Sentier 10.08 – 13.08

Nyon 10.08 – 20.08

A few days before the start of the national championships, the best Swiss and European teams fine-tune their preparation in Joux Valley during this summer tournament. The Hockeyades provide a breath of cool air in the middle of the summer for amateurs and connoisseurs of hockey!

For 30 years, the town has had its month of August pleasantly “disrupted” by the far° Festival of the Living Arts (theatre, dance and performance). For two weeks, it turns into a meeting place for fans of the performing arts. Presenting unique works in its Swiss and international programme, this event combines theatre, dance and performance.

www.hockeyades.ch

www.festival-far.ch

Sidewalk Artists Festival Vevey 19.08 – 21.08 During the three days of the Festival, sidewalk artists from all over the world or neighbouring areas perform in several places of the old town and, in its centre, Place Scanavin. All forms of street arts come together in Vevey. More than 180 shows, all for free! www.artistesderue.ch

Athletissima 2016 Lausanne

25.08

Athletissima, which is a member of the Diamond League and listed among the world’s best athletics meetings, has acquired international prestige over the years. Some 250 elite athletes from more than 70 countries are expected to participate. The event is held at the Pontaise Olympic Stadium. www.athletissima.ch 21st Hockeyades

2016

AUGUST 23

SPOTLIGHT Midsummer

Midsummer at Lioson Lake Les Mosses 07.08 wwww.lesmosses.ch Midsummer

St-Cergue

Midsummer in Isenau

13.08

www.mi-ete-st-cergue.ch

Les Diablerets

Midsummer at La Berneuse

Leysin

14.08 15.08

www.isenau.ch www.leysin.ch

The Midsummer celebration, which is held on the first or second Sunday of the month of August, is one of the most reputed Alpine festivals. Performed by local poets, this rural celebration combines a religious service, a country-style meal, country music and folk dancing. Midsummer

Alpine semi-marathon Aigle-Leysin

Vully-Run

Leysin 01.08

Come and participate in the half-marathon in the heart of Vully and also taste terroir products.

Salavaux

After running up a hillside to reach la Berneuse, participants gather on Place Large. Kids’ race and a 11 km “pleasure run”. www.aigleleysin.ch

20.08

www.vullyrun.ch

Medieval Festival at the Castle of Grandson Grandson

13.08 – 14.08

In the setting of Grandson Castle, visitors immerse themselves in the Middle Ages thanks to a varied programme of medieval pageants.

REMINDER

www.chateau-grandson.ch

Dahlias on the Lakeside Streets

Morges mid-July to October

Lausanne Estivale 2016 Lausanne

Rive Jazzy Nyon

mid-June to mid-September

01.07 – 27.08

Festyvétés Yverdon-les-Bains

18 07.07 – 11.08

Vevey Folklore Markets

Vevey 09.07 – 27.08

Land of Children Festival

Château-d’Oex-Rougemont-Rossinière 30.07 – 07.08

Festival Chenevières-sur-Scène Vallamand-dessus

Musical September Montreux – Vevey

24 AUGUST

28.07 – 28.08

26.08 – 11.09

47th Diablerets Film Festival

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

August SELECTION

Athletissima 2016

Venoge Festival

16th Cross-Border Terroir Festival

Penthalaz

L’Auberson

18.08 – 20.08

20.08 – 21.08

Rock n’ Roll, reggae, electro, disco, house, post-punk, hip hop, pop, funk… 10 minutes from the main train station (Penthalaz – Cossonay), campsite nearby.

The Cross-Border Terroir Festival takes place every year on the French-Swiss border at a place called Grand-Borne. Admission free.

www.coolhisse.ch

www.sainte-croix-les-rasses-tourisme.ch

23rd Lausanne Triathlon

Ecovillages

Lausanne

Les Diablerets

20.08 – 21.08

25.08

Swim, cycle and run on safe tracks and in a casual atmosphere during the 23rd Lausanne Triathlon.

A day of conferences and debates about the sustainable development of the Alpine valleys.

www.trilausanne.ch

www.eco-villages.ch

Gourmet Walk in and around Grandson Grandson and area

27.08

A leisurely walk organised in the region of Grandson, enhanced by AOC Bonvillars wine tastings and a menu with terroir products. www.aocbonvillars.ch

Swiss National Day

2016

AUGUST 25

SPOTLIGHT Numerik Games Yverdon-les-Bains 02.09 – 04.09 Numerik Games offers an original and unique platform in Switzerland to businesses, engineers, designers, and enthusiasts of the digital domain. Speed painting, video mapping, arcade games, exhibition, e-sport competition, demonstrations of robots and electronic music. A key event of the digital culture! www.numerik-games.ch

Numerik Games

70th Musical September

Avenches Tattoo

Montreux – Vevey 26.08 – 11.09

Avenches

2016 will be a landmark year for this festival in its 70th year! A plethora of international soloists and orchestras will perform in the Stravinski Auditorium, Chillon Castle, Salle del Castillo etc. Noteworthy: the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Charles Dutoit, as well as legendary pianist Martha Argerich.

Avenches Tattoo is the only military tattoo of Western Switzerland! This international music festival has become one of the most important events of its kind in Switzerland. All bands invited present top-level music and choreographies in spectacular shows in the Roman arenas.

www.septmus.ch

www.avenchestattoo.ch

01.09 – 03.09

Images Festival

26 SEPTEMBER

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

September TOP EVENTS

70th Musical September

Books on the Lakeside Streets Morges 02.09 – 04.09 This event, which is unique in French-speaking Switzerland, welcomes more than 300 writers to encounters, conferences, literary cruises, performances and countless dedication sessions. Stars and new writers, essayists, poets and translators, writers of youth literature and crime fiction interact with book lovers. www.lelivresurlesquais.ch

equissima ® Lausanne, international horse-riding meeting Lausanne 02.09 – 04.09

BDFIL – 12th International Comic Strip Festival Lausanne

15.09 – 19.09

Set in the heart of the city, BDFIL – International Comic Strip Festival of Lausanne is the must-attend annual event for all lovers of the ninth art. There is something to suit every taste: exhibitions, meetings, activities, bookshops, and signing sessions. The comic strip in all its forms and the way we like it. www.bdfil.ch

equissima ® Lausanne

equissima ® Lausanne aims to bring together the best athletes of the main equestrian disciplines (dressage, show jumping, eventing, horse teams and aerobatics) during a weekend on one single site. A unique show in Switzerland that allows exchanges as well as conviviality around a star, the horse. www.equissima.ch

Images Festival Vevey 10.09 – 02.10 Images, a festival of the visual arts, is the first open-air photography festival in Switzerland and completely free. It is held every other year, showing hitherto unknown monumental photography exhibitions in the streets of Vevey and presenting the winners of Vevey’s international Grand Prize in photography. Opens on 10 September. www.images.ch

2016

SEPTEMBER 27

SPOTLIGHT Gourmet Festivals La Route Gourmande Chailly s/ Montreux 11.09 Walnut Festival Sévery 17.09

Swiss Cheese Awards and 20th Vacherin Mont-d’Or Festival www.routegourmande.ch

www.huilerie-de-severy.ch

Gourmet Walk in Arnex-sur-Orbe Arnex-sur-Orbe 18.09 www.baladegourmande.ch Grape Harvest Festival Lutry 23.09 – 25.09 www.fetedesvendanges.ch Grape Festival Féchy 24.09

Le Sentier and Les Charbonnières 23.09 – 25.09 This competition rewards Switzerland’s best cheese specialties. A jury of 120 people decides between two products made by 600 producers all across the country. During the same weekend, the Vacherin Mont-d’Or, a cheese typical of Joux Valley, will also be celebrated during the 20 th festival edition dedicated to it. www.cheese-awards.ch www.vacherin-montdor.ch

www.féchy.ch

Grape Festival in Vully Praz 24.09 – 25.09 www.fetedesvendangesduvully.ch The Lake Geneva Region features an immense diversity of landscapes and atmospheres, but also a gourmet world with inexhaustible resources. A terroir that is celebrated on countless occasions.

Festi’Brad

Lavaux Passion

Aigle 02.09 – 04.09

Lutry (Place des Fêtes and landing stage) 10.09 – 11.09

2 days and 2 nights of celebrations in the city streets! Various concerts, stalls and must-see fairground attractions will attract party animals. www.festibrad.ch

www.lavauxpassion.ch

Half-marathon in Côtes de l’Orbe Arnex-sur-Orbe

Make an unforgettable experience consisting of a combination of culinary delights and cultural discoveries. Explore an exceptional vineyard and heritage!

10.09

Inspired by the marathon of Médoc, the semimarathon offers a route in the heart of the Côtes de l’Orbe vineyards, where there will also be winegrowers’ stalls. www.semi-marathon-des-cotes-de-l-orbe.ch

REMINDER Dahlias on the Lakeside Streets

Morges mid-July to October

Lausanne Estivale 2016 Lausanne

mid-June to mid-September

28 SEPTEMBER

Books on the Lakeside Streets

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

September SELECTION

BDFIL – 12th International Comic Strip Festival

Half-Marathon of La Côte Nyon 11.09 Semi-marathon between Allaman and Nyon, along Lake Geneva. A must-attend event to discover the region among friends. www.semidelacote.ch

Paillote Festival Morges 15.09 – 17.09 A must-attend event at the end of the summer. This Rock and Pop festival focuses on groups from the region of Morges and Switzerland. www.paillote-festival.ch

The Night of the Museums of Lausanne and Pully Lausanne

24.09

The NdM invites you to discover its 24 museums from 14:00 to 02:00 in the morning. Exhibitions, entertainment, children’s workshops… all in a friendly atmosphere. www.lanuitdesmusees.ch

Désalpe

(coming down from the mountain pastures) L’Etivaz

24.09

Equus Helveticus

Each autumn, the herds of decorated cows, goats and pigs come down from the mountain pastures. A very colourful and traditional celebration!

Avenches

www.chateau-doex.ch/desalpe

16.09 – 18.09

For horse lovers, the Avenches National Equestrian Institute cooperates with the Swiss national stud farm to organise this horse festival. www.iena.ch

Label Suisse Lausanne

16.09 – 18.09

A music festival that is 100% free, 100% Swiss and 100% original! It is held every other year and features Swiss talents. www.labelsuisse.ch

Avenches Tattoo

2016

SEPTEMBER 29

SPOTLIGHT

8th Bonvillars Swiss Truffle Market

8th Bonvillars Swiss Truffle Market Bonvillars

29.10

This must-attend, one of a kind Swiss truffle festival brings together truffle growers, truffle hunters, cooks, tree growers, dog handlers and many connoisseurs of the Swiss Truffle Uncinatum. Truffle meals on site and truffle fondue served on horse-drawn carriages. www.marche-truffes-bonvillars.ch

SELECTION Must Route and Autumn Market

Autumn Fair and Second-hand Cowbell Sale

Payerne 01.10

Romainmôtier 14.10 – 16.10

The must of the new harvest is transported on horse-drawn carts from Lavaux to Payerne. Popular festival and craft market are organised at the arrival site.

A unique event in Switzerland thanks to its authentic and festive character. The autumn fair and secondhand cowbell sale is held above the village of Romainmôtier.

www.estavayer-payerne.ch

www.swissisland.ch

Country Music Festival

“Salamandre” Nature Festival

Les Diablerets 08.10

Morges 28.10 – 30.10

Some of Switzerland’s best country music orchestras perform in Les Diablerets. This pleasant evening will be closed with a big ball!

This festival is the nature event of autumn! Discover films, slideshows, workshops, exhibitions and many other entertainment activities.

www.diablerets.ch

www.salamandre.net

Croc’the rock festival Etagnières 21.10 – 22.10 At the end of October, the 5th edition of this festival proposes rock, good rock, just as you like it! The festival is held in the grand hall of Etagnières, near the LEB station. www.croctherock.ch

REMINDER Dahlias on the Lakeside Streets

Morges mid-July to October

Images Festival

Vevey 10.09 – 02.10

30 OCTOBER

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Le Bois qui Chante

October TOP EVENTS

Swiss Classic British Car Meeting

Swiss Orienteering Race Championships 2016

Morges 01.10

Le Lieu 22.10 – 23.10

This event brings together more than 1,500 beautifully preserved classic British-made automobiles from all over Europe. All models and ages are represented, not forgetting a number of excellent two-wheel models of the golden age of the British motorbike.

More than 1,500 runners are expected with map and compass to search for posts dotted around the countryside.

www.british-cars.ch

www.solv.ch

Lausanne Marathon 2016 Lausanne

29.10 – 30.10

A festival bringing together the big family of wood instruments. On the programme: concerts, walks through the forest, music and gastronomy evenings or a brunch morning with music, conferences, films…

A distance for everyone! 14,600 competitors meet on the 7 distance runs between Lausanne and La Tourde-Peilz (marathon half-marathon, 10 km, walking, Nordic walking, and children’s races). Created in 1993, this marathon crosses the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on a track along the shore of Lake Geneva.

www.bois-qui-chante.ch

www.lausanne-marathon.com

Le Bois qui Chante Château-d’Oex 14.10 – 23.10

Swiss Orienteering Race Championships 2016

2016

OCTOBER 31

SPOTLIGHT Lausanne Festival of Lights Lausanne

18.11 – 31.12

The festival is lighting its fifth candle. For this edition, many artists have done their utmost to create a dream world. Be surprised by the various light creations that will allow you to discover Lausanne in a different way. Don’t miss the guided tours organised every Thursday night! Ideal for families or friends. Lausanne Festival of Lights

www.festivallausannelumieres.ch

SELECTION Jerusalem Crafts Market

Christmas Fair

Aigle 26.11 – 27.11

Orbe

80 exhibitors will be present in Aigle, selling terroir products but mostly handcrafted creations that will make ideal Christmas gifts.

The 1st Christmas fair of the canton brings together some hundred exhibitors in the old city. Local crafts, flea market and terroir products to be discovered.

www.aigle-tourisme.ch

www.orbe-tourisme.ch

27.11

Montreux Art Gallery (MAG)

32 NOVEMBER

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

November TOP EVENTS

Lausanne Bô Noël

Montreux Art Gallery (MAG) Montreux 09.11 – 13.11 The must-attend event Montreux Art Gallery – MAG (12 years of experience, 18,000 visitors, 150 exhibitors) presents galleries and national and international artists. From Wednesday to Sunday, MAG offers every day an event that allows visitors, collectors and enthusiasts to discover art in all its aspects. www.mag-swiss.com

Lausanne Bô Noël, new Christmas market Lausanne

18.11 – 24.12

In an atmosphere of magic and conviviality, Lausanne Bô Noël brings together the markets of Saint-François, Pépinet and Place de l’Europe. Local designers, craftspeople and producers are looking forward to welcoming you to this market where you will be immersed in an enchanting Christmas atmosphere. Take advantage of three evening sales until 22:00. www.bo-noel.ch

Montreux Christmas Montreux and surrounding areas 24.11 – 24.12 Year after year, Montreux Christmas offers countless activities around its traditional Christmas Market (151 exhibitors) that will delight visitors of all ages. Visit the Magical World of Father Christmas and his house on the Rochers-de-Naye, and the Christmas Village in Caux, as well as the medieval splendour in the Castle of Chillon. www.montreuxnoel.com

Montreux Christmas

2016

NOVEMBER 33

SPOTLIGHT

Covered Christmas Market

Covered Christmas Market Morges (CFF Halls) 09.12 – 18.12 The Christmas market is the opportunity to discover the work and the creativity of 190 exhibitors and to have a bite to eat in a friendly atmosphere. www.phfprod.com

SELECTION Yverdon-les-Bains Christmas Market

Christmas Market

Yverdon-les-Bains

Bringing together artisans and producers, the Christmas market in Villars will have a lot of surprises, activities and concerts in store.

Villars

02.12 – 22.12

Pestalozzi Square brims with lights and offers a Christmas market blending with activities for all, artisans’ stalls and regional products.

23.12 – 08.01

www.villars.ch

www.yverdon.ch/noel2016

REMINDER Lausanne Bô Noël, New Christmas Market Lausanne

Lausanne Festival of Lights Lausanne

18.11 – 24.12

18.11 – 31.12

Montreux Christmas Market Montreux and region

34 DECEMBER

24.11 – 24.12

Tous en Chœur

FUN, FESTIVALS & EVENTS

December TOP EVENTS

Montreux Comedy Festival

Tous en Chœur

Montreux and Vevey

Montreux 16.12 – 17.12

01.12 – 05.12

Over the years, the Montreux Comedy Festival has become the largest comedy festival in Europe. Leading comedians, be they stars or new talents, meet every year in December to offer the best in the field of humour, in French and English and in all its forms. www.montreuxcomedyfestival.com

Tous en Chœur is a concert presented exclusively at Montreux, an unprecedented musical experience that brings together prestigious artists and more than 200 amateur singers from Western Switzerland. Bastian Baker, Michel Fugain and Luc Plamondon already participated in the event. Tous en Chœur, the end-of-the-year music event on the Riviera! www.tousenchoeur.ch

Béjart Ballet Lausanne (BBL) Lausanne

Béjart Ballet Lausanne (BBL)

16.12 – 22.12

2016

DECEMBER 35

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Table of contents January

2-3

February

4-5

March

6-7

April

8-9

May

10-11

June

12-15

July

16-19

August

22-25

September

26-29

October

30-31

November

32-33

December

Maps of the canton of Vaud

34-35

Useful addresses

June

July p. 12 – 15

“ THE SWISS RIVIERA IS BRINGING TOGETHER 25,000 PERFECTLY TUNED INSTRUMENTS!” Federal Music Festival, Montreux 10.06 – 12.06 / 17.06 – 19.06 www.ffm2016.ch

August

September

p. 16 – 19 “ ELECTRIFYING AS EVER, MJF IS BACK FOR ITS 50TH ENCORE” 50 Montreux Jazz Festival 01.07 – 16.07 th

www.montreuxjazzfestival.com

p. 22 – 25 “ WHO WILL BE WEARING THE BREECHES IN ESTAVAYER-LE-LAC / PAYERNE?”

“ 25 CRAZY ROCKERS INVASION AT THE AVENCHES ARENAS”

Swiss National Wrestling and Alpine Games Festival, Estavayer-le-Lac / Payerne 26.08 – 28.08

25th Rock Oz’Arènes, Avenches 03.08 – 07.08

www.estavayer2016.ch

www.rockozarenes.com

p. 26 – 29 « VIRTUOSOS AND CONDUCTORS ARE CALLING THE TUNE IN MONTREUX RIVIERA DURING THE 70TH EDITION OF MUSICAL SEPTEMBER» 70e Septembre Musical, Montreux-Vevey 26.08 – 11.09 www.septmus.ch

Office du Tourisme d’Aigle T. +41 (0)24 466 30 00 www.aigle-tourisme.ch

Leysin Tourisme T. +41 (0)24 493 33 00 www.leysin.ch

Avenches Tourisme T. +41 (0)26 676 99 22 www.avenches.ch

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme Point i Lutry T. +41 (0)21 791 47 65 www.montreuxriviera.com

Diablerets Tourisme T. +41 (0)24 492 00 10 www.diablerets.ch

Nyon Région Tourisme T. +41 (0)22 365 66 00 www.nyon-tourisme.ch

Echallens Région Tourisme T. +41 (0)21 881 50 62 www.echallens-tourisme.ch

Office du Tourisme d’Orbe et environs T. +41 (0)24 442 92 37 www.orbe-tourisme.ch

20-21

Montreux-Vevey Tourisme Point i Montreux T. +41 (0)848 86 84 84 www.montreuxriviera.com

Maison du Tourisme de La Sarraz T. +41 (0)21 801 32 33 www.morges-tourisme.ch

appmobile.lake-geneva-region.ch

Culture

Nature

DEUTSCHLAND

•

Zürich

Basel

FRANCE

ÖSTERREICH

• Bern

•

Geneva ITALIA

Neuchâtel

Lake Neuchâtel

Vullyles-Lacs

Icons

Lake rat

Avenches

Estavayer-le-Lac

Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses Grandson

Payerne

Yvonand Yverdon-les-Bains

Lake Joux

Le Sentier Vallée de Joux ra Ju

Orbe Vallorbe Romainmôtier La Sarraz

Moudon Echallens

VAUD

Morges

Lausanne

Oron

Gruyères

Lavaux UNESCO

Château-d’Œx

Rolle St-Cergue

L a ke G e n e v a

Montreux

Family

Rougemont

Rossinière

Gstaad

Thonon Yvoire

Evian Aigle

Gastronomy

Alps Leysin Les Diablerets Villars Gryon

QR code – Instructions for use

Bex Genève

Market and Fairs

www.otvaud.ch/ffe

Col des Mosses

Nyon

Sport

Lavey-les-Bains

Office du Tourisme du Canton de Vaud Avenue d’Ouchy 60 P.O. box 1125 1001 Lausanne Switzerland

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T. +41 (0)21 613 26 26 info@lake-geneva-region.ch www.lake-geneva-region.ch

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Heritage