Best attractions and places to see around Bournens, a small municipality in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, offers a tranquil rural setting. The area is characterized by agricultural land and forested areas, providing a quiet environment. While Bournens itself features local points of interest, its location provides convenient access to a range of regional attractions in the Vaud canton. The municipality has historical roots dating back to 1184, with remains of a priory.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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The tower is very specially constructed. Is definitely worth seeing!
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The Château Saint-Maire in Lausanne is a medieval castle that originally served as a bishop's residence. After the Bernese conquest in 1536, it was converted into an administrative center – a role it continues to hold today as the seat of the cantonal government.
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Château St-Maire / Schloss Saint-Maire, Lausanne The building, with its solid construction typical of the city palaces of the time, still shows today that it served both residential and military purposes. Since the Bernese did not want to leave the castle to the people of Lausanne in 1536, they housed their bailiff there. It has been the seat of the cantonal government since 1803. The castle's defensive storey is particularly noteworthy. It is made of brick and has battlements and machicolations. It was probably built by Italian masters at the invitation of Bishop Guillaume de Challant (1406-1431), who himself came from the Aosta Valley. This type of architecture has well-known predecessors such as the fortress of Verona and no less famous successors such as the Moscow Kremlin. Text / Source: Lausanne Tourisme – administration, Avenue de Rhodanie 2, Lausanne https://www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/de/entdecken/schloss-saint-maire/
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One of the 12 fountains on the fountain circuit. It was used to supply the soldiers with water on their journey between the Pontaise barracks and the shooting range on the Mauvernay plain.
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The horse museum in the outbuildings shows horse-drawn vehicles and highlights the role of the horse and harness in warfare, in the circus, in hunting with greyhounds, etc.
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This castle is located in a park above the village and dates back to the 11th century. It was renovated in the 15th and 16th centuries. In front of the living area with two round corner turrets there are two heavy square towers with aisles.
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More information can be found on the following website: https://www.vd.ch/themes/etat-droit-finances/districts-prefectures/competences-des-prefets-et-prefectures/lausanne
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While Bournens is a tranquil village, it offers a couple of unique local points of interest. You can discover three magnificent totems, large wooden sculptures representing Amerindian mythology animals, located in the woods to the west of the village. Additionally, Bournens holds the historical remains of a priory, dating back to 1184, which was once used by the religious of Grand-Saint-Bernard.
Yes, the region around Bournens is rich in history. You can visit La Sarraz Castle, an 11th-century castle with a horse museum. In Lausanne, approximately 5 km away, stands Château Saint-Maire, a medieval castle that now serves as the seat of the cantonal government, and the impressive Lausanne Cathedral. Further afield, but a significant landmark, is Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva.
Bournens itself is characterized by agricultural land and forested areas, offering a quiet, rural setting. A prominent natural feature easily accessible from Bournens is Lake Geneva, providing opportunities for scenic views and boat tours. You can also enjoy the Olympic Park in Lausanne, ideal for pleasant outdoor experiences.
The area around Bournens is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy loops like 'Countryside Road Near Vuarrens' and 'Cheseaux Woods', or more challenging routes such as 'View of Mont Blanc – Château de La Sarraz'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails like 'Churches of La Sarraz – Croy Washhouse loop'. For runners, there are several running loops, including 'Étang du Bois Neuf loop'. You can find more details on these activities at the Hiking around Bournens, MTB Trails around Bournens, and Running Trails around Bournens guide pages.
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The Soldiers' Fountain offers an interesting historical anecdote. The La Sarraz Castle with its horse museum is also suitable for families. For an engaging experience with aquatic life, the AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium in Lausanne is an impressive choice, located approximately 10 km from Bournens.
Lausanne, a short distance from Bournens, hosts several significant cultural institutions. The Olympic Museum offers an immersive experience into the history of the Olympic Games. You can also visit the Olympic House (International Olympic Committee Headquarters). Additionally, the Fondation de l’Hermitage and Park is a notable art museum in Lausanne, featuring various exhibitions.
The region around Bournens is pleasant to visit throughout the warmer months, generally from spring to autumn. Spring offers beautiful outings in places like the Olympic Park, while summer is ideal for enjoying Lake Geneva and outdoor activities. The specific totems in the woods can be enjoyed year-round, weather permitting.
Bournens is a small municipality, but its proximity to larger cities like Lausanne means regional public transport options are available to access many of the nearby attractions. For specific routes and schedules, it is advisable to check local bus and train services connecting Bournens to Lausanne and other towns.
The rural setting of Bournens with its agricultural land and forested areas provides opportunities for dog-friendly walks. Many of the hiking trails in the surrounding region are suitable for dogs, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially near agricultural fields or protected natural areas.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. For instance, the Soldiers' Fountain is noted for its interesting history. The Château Saint-Maire is valued for its medieval architecture and ongoing role as a government seat. The overall appeal lies in discovering ancient structures alongside significant modern institutions, all within a scenic Swiss landscape.
Yes, some attractions in the vicinity are wheelchair accessible. The Olympic House (International Olympic Committee Headquarters) in Lausanne is designed to be accessible. When planning your visit, it's always recommended to check the specific accessibility details for each attraction.


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