Avenches
Avenches, a Roman town
Avenches, a Roman town, land of festivals and Switzerland’s capital of the horse, is a land of plenty with sunny beaches and a pleasant yet dynamic atmosphere!
Founded 2000 years ago, Avenches was the capital of Roman Helvetia. To visualise the city as it was then, it’s best to visit the Roman Museum and the amphitheatre, which lends its venerable walls to some of Switzerland’s greatest music festivals. These events stand for the region’s art of living focusing on encounters and gourmet pleasures.
Avenches is also the capital of the horse, thanks to the nearby Swiss national stud farm and the National Equestrian Institute (IENA). The town has more than one thing in common with man’s most beautiful conquest: like a thoroughbred, it is tranquil but has a fiery temperament!
The history of the capital of Roman Helvetia
The Roman era intrigues all visitors to Avenches. But its history reveals other surprises…
What did Avenches look like when it was the capital of Roman Helvetia? Find the answers in the Roman arenas, the Roman Museum, during a walk or an educational workshop. During these activities, children can paint like the Romans did. All can taste the specialties Romans enjoyed in Caesar’s times. But there's much more to the history of Avenches: its castle is a great witness of the Renaissance period, while the National Equestrian Institute (IENA) and the national stud farm present the story of the horse and the links between the region and this noble animal.
Unparalleled events
Set in a canton with a vast array of events, Avenches offers original activities in a unique setting that have made a name for themselves.
Dance to rock or electro music, enjoy an opera or the best military bands in the unique setting of the Roman arenas. The summer festivals in Avenches offer you a journey back in time! The programme of Rock Oz’arènes, the smallest of the big festivals, is just as attractive as that of other music events. Unique events throughout the year bring people together: riding, textile arts and movies form the core of programmes you’ll never see anywhere else.
Avenches, a gourmet town
Located near lakes, vineyards and opulent countryside, Avenches is proud of its quality products used by talented Chefs to prepare their dishes.
Avenches is near the Vully AOC vineyards, one of Switzeland’s smallest wine designations. Still, it is distinctly dynamic and its wines are of superior quality. The region’s vintages are ideal with fish from the lake and with fruits and vegetables grown in one of the country’s most reputed market gardening areas. The Chefs in Avenches are masters in turning these local products into dishes that earn them praise from gastronomy critics.
Nature and sports in Lake Morat
Located on the edge of Lake Morat, Avenches is ideal for water sports and relaxing moments on the shores.
As soon as it's warm enough, it’s time to enjoy all Lake Morat has to offer! The beach is only a few minutes from downtown Avenches. It has a port and a lovely campsite where you can rent the equipment to go on a fun outing with a kayak, pedal boat or stand-up paddle. Animal fans love to visit the National Equestrian Institute (IENA) and the national stud farm in any season. Competitions, guided tours and classes let you approach the horses in the presence of migrating swans that love to take shelter at the national stud farm each year.
