Attractions and Places To See around Payerne - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Payerne, a historic town in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, offers a blend of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural beauty. Situated in the fertile Broye Valley, the area is also near Lake Neuchâtel and the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve. The town itself features a well-preserved Old Town and the significant Payerne Abbey Church.
Best attractions and places to see around Payerne
- The most popular attractions is Estavayer-le-Lac, a settlement known for its inviting cafés on the lakeshore and a well-preserved old town. Visitors can explore its winding streets, visit the castle, and enjoy views of the water.
- Another must-see spot is Avenches Roman Amphitheatre, a historical site showcasing the legacy of Roman culture. This impressive structure hosts concerts and houses the Roman museum in its medieval bishop's tower.
- Visitors also love Roman Theater of Aventicum, a historical site built in the 2nd century AD. It offers a historic setting for tours and breaks.
- Payerne is known for its historical sites, Roman ruins, and military aviation museum. The region also provides opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring natural areas like the Broye Valley.
- The attractions around Payerne are appreciated by the komoot community, with 4 highlights receiving 439 upvotes and featuring 109 photos.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Estavayer-le-Lac
Highlight • Settlement
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Avenches Roman Amphitheatre
Highlight • Historical Site
For example, the amphitheater, where concerts take place every year. The Roman theater, which is located northeast of the city of Avenches. If you want to find out more about the past of this town, visit the Roman Museum: avenches.ch/de/siteetmuseeromain/museeromain.
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East Gate of Aventicum
Highlight • Historical Site
Further information about the gate at: aventicum.org/de/monumente/osttor.
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Roman Theater of Aventicum
Highlight • Historical Site
Further information at aventicum.org/de/monumente/theater
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Payerne Old Town and Abbey Church
Highlight • Historical Site
clindailes.ch
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Tips from the Community
Lots of things to visit and the place to take a break and drink a good glass of wine from the cellars of the town
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A very pretty, medieval town where we warmed ourselves up with coffee and nut pastries at the Hauser bakery on a foggy October day.
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Estavayer-le-Lac is a true jewel on Lake Neuchâtel. The charming medieval town offers a unique mix of history and nature. Narrow streets, beautiful half-timbered houses and the imposing Chenaux Castle give Estavayer-le-Lac its special character.
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Simply a great bike tour, but only if the visibility is very good. Aarberg is a wonderful place to linger.
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The city wall must have been huge if such a gate is so far away from the city...
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THE EAST GATE - A MONUMENTAL BUILDING IN A DOMINANT LOCATION High above the town center on the plain is the East Gate - one of the two monumental entrances to the city wall of Aventicum. The construction of the city wall around 72 AD created new entrances to the city. The one on the east side is controlled by a gate building. This square building measuring 28 x 20 m is flanked on the outside by two octagonal towers. Two wide passages, which cross a round open-air courtyard, were intended for vehicles and two narrower side passages were reserved for pedestrians. Two openings on the city side allowed access to the two side towers and to the upper floor of the gate building. The preserved architectural elements testify to the magnificent and richly decorated character of the facades. In this way they announced the political power and economic prosperity of the Aventicum colony both internally and externally. LA PORTE DE L'EST - UN OUVRAGE MONUMENTAL - EN SITUATION DOMINANTE Au-dessus du center-ville situé dans la plaine se trouve la porte de l'Est - l'une des deux entrées monumentales du mur d'enceinte d'Aventicum. Avec la construction du mur d'enceinte vers 72 apr. J.-C., de new accesses to the ville sont créés. The oriental access is controlled by a porte, édifice quadrangulaire de 28 x 20 m wide on the exterior of two octogonal tours. Deux larges couloirs cen-traux traversant une cour circulaire à ciel ouvert sont réservés aux véhicules et deux passages lateéraux, plus étroits, aux piétons. On you can enter the two lateral tours and access the upper level of the porte property for two outer tours on the other side of the city. The architectonic elements preserve the appearance of the ostentatious character and rich decoration of the façades. Ils annonçaient ainsi, tant à l'intérieur qu'à l'extérieur, la puissance politique et la prosperité économique de la colonie d'Aventicum. THE EAST GATE - A MONUMENTAL STRUCTURE - ON A DOMINANT LOCATION Above the city center located in the plain is the East Gate - one of the two monumental gates of the city wall of Aventicum. With the construction of the city wall around 72 AD, new entrances to the city were created. The eastern one was monitored by a 28 x 20 m quadrangular gate flanked by two external octogonal towers. Two wide central passages crossing a circular open-air courtyard were reserved for vehicles, and two more narrow lateral passages served for pedestrians. One could enter the two lateral towers and reach the upper floor of the gate proper through two openings on the city side. The preserved architectural elements suggest that the facades were richly adorned, thus boasting the political power and the economic prosperity of the colony of Aventicum to both the local population and the outer world.
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Small medieval town to visit on foot but also by bike
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I explore in Payerne and its surroundings?
Payerne is rich in history. You can visit the impressive 11th-century Payerne Abbey Church, considered the largest Romanesque building in Switzerland. Nearby, the Roman town of Avenches offers the well-preserved Avenches Roman Amphitheatre and the Roman Theater of Aventicum. Don't miss the East Gate of Aventicum, which offers panoramic views.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Payerne area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Avenches Roman Amphitheatre and the Roman Theater of Aventicum are great for exploring history. For aviation enthusiasts, the Musée de l'Aviation Militaire de Payerne (Clin d'Ailes) offers interactive experiences like flight simulators. The Deer Park ('Parc aux biches') is also a lovely spot where children can feed deer.
What natural attractions are there to enjoy around Payerne?
Payerne is situated in the fertile Broye Valley, offering a pastoral atmosphere. You can visit the Deer Park ('Parc aux biches') established in 1891. The town's proximity to Lake Neuchâtel and the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve provides opportunities for nature excursions, beautiful beaches, and charming ports.
Where can I go for outdoor activities like hiking or cycling near Payerne?
The region around Payerne is excellent for outdoor activities. For hiking, you can explore routes like the 'Route des Broyons loop' or the 'Payerne – Payerne Abbey loop'. Cyclists can enjoy gravel biking trails such as the 'Broye Hills Trail' or 'The Broye Singletrack'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Payerne and Gravel biking around Payerne guides.
What is there to see in Payerne's Old Town?
Payerne's well-preserved Old Town features narrow streets, charming cafes, and impressive towers from the 13th and 14th centuries, remnants of medieval fortifications. You can admire bourgeois and patrician houses from the 17th to 19th centuries, the Ancient Market Square, and the Banneret Fountain dating back to 1542.
Can I visit a museum dedicated to aviation in Payerne?
Yes, the Musée de l'Aviation Militaire de Payerne (Clin d'Ailes) is located next to the Payerne military airfield. It showcases the history of Swiss military aviation with a collection of historic aircraft and helicopters, offering the chance to sit in a cockpit or experience flight simulators.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Payerne?
Visitors appreciate the rich historical legacy, especially the Roman sites like the Avenches Roman Amphitheatre, which is described as 'impressive' and 'worth seeing'. The charming atmosphere of places like Estavayer-le-Lac, with its lakeside cafes and old town strolls, is also highly enjoyed.
Are there opportunities for running trails around Payerne?
Absolutely! Payerne offers several running trails. Popular options include the 'Trail Along the Broye – Route des Broyons loop' and various 'Running loop from Payerne' routes. For more detailed information and specific routes, check out the Running Trails around Payerne guide.
What is the Payerne Abbey Church known for?
The Payerne Abbey Church is renowned as the largest Romanesque building in Switzerland. This 11th-century Cluniac priory is a significant cultural heritage site, known for its impressive architecture, sculpted decorations, and often hosts art exhibitions and concerts. Its adjacent Cloister Courtyard also features intact houses and a stunning fountain.
Where can I find a relaxing spot for a break or picnic in Payerne?
The Ancient Market Square in Payerne's Old Town provides a relaxing spot with benches and viewpoints, ideal for picnics or breaks. Additionally, the Cloister Courtyard next to the Abbey Church offers a serene environment with a fountain. The Roman Theater of Aventicum is also noted as a nice place to picnic.
Are there any water-based activities or lakeshores to visit near Payerne?
Payerne's location near Lake Neuchâtel makes it a great base for water-based activities. You can visit charming lakeside towns like Estavayer-le-Lac, which has inviting cafés right on the lakeshore, perfect for enjoying the view of the water. The lake also offers opportunities for various water sports.
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