TMR Canada in Switzerland : Much More Than a Ski Destination

Switzerland Tourism organized a press trip last week to the greater Lausanne region with a handful of Canadian journalists. TMR Canada was happy to join the group and report on the delightful experiences.

“We always think of Switzerland for skiing, but in fact, the destination has much more to offer. That’s why we decided to organize an off-season press trip, in September, to show journalists that Switzerland is a destination with plenty to do and see, explained Laura Fairweather, Switzerland Tourism’s representative in Canada.

During the week-long trip, the journalists discovered the Vallée de Joux, the birthplace of Swiss watchmaking. Within just a few kilometres one can find around thirty workshops as well as a watch museum. The Hôtel des Horlogers, (The Watchmaker’s Hotel) is spectacular, luxurious, and ultra-modern. It truly lives up to its name and is the perfect place to stay in the area.

“Ninety-five percent of watchmaking takes place here,” explains André Cheminade, General Manager of the Hôtel des Horlogers. “The watchmaking history of the region is extraordinary, and enthusiasts flock from all over the world to visit its 30 workshops, its watchmaking school, and its museum — all located nearby.”

After two nights in the Vallée de Joux, our group headed to Lausanne as home base for five days. On the program: exploring the Vaud region, which includes ten districts surrounding the city of Lausanne, the Olympic capital.

Lausanne, a city on a human scale

Lausanne itself is an extraordinary city. The lakeside promenade along Lake Geneva, the lake itself where locals swim or do laps in designated lanes, the Alps in the background, the old town, Place de la Palud… It’s a human-sized city that is delightful to explore on foot or by public transport, with a metro system that is impressively efficient (this is Switzerland, after all, where punctuality is an institution!).

We stayed at the legendary Hotel Royal Savoy, the oldest hotel in the Olympic capital and one of the city’s three five-star establishments. Closed for more than five years for a complete renovation, it has since added a modern annex with spacious rooms, bathtubs, and balconies. The hotel will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its reopening in 2026.

We loved our stay there, both for its perfect location — right across from the Délices metro station and just a few minutes’ walk from Lake Geneva — and for its comfort and impeccable service.

Switzerland : a destination for wine and gastronomy

What surprised us the most was the number of vineyards located less than 30 minutes from Lausanne. Nearly 450 producers are established in the Vaud region, with the closest in Morges, just 15 minutes away by train. For wine lovers, a stop at Domaine Henri Cruchon is a must: you can tour the vineyards, spread across two terroirs with spectacular views, and taste up to 36 different cuvées — the largest selection in the region. Since Swiss wines are barely exported (only 1% leaves the country), it’s all the more rewarding to discover and taste them right here.

Also in Morges, the Morand farm offers an authentic experience: after several years spent in Canada, the family settled in Switzerland with their animals. Visitors can have lunch there, learn more about farming, and get close to the farm animals.

A little further on, the village of Nyon is renowned for its castle, its Roman ruins, and its famous Paléo Festival, held every July… organized by a Quebecer!

Another worthwhile stop: the rural village of Montheron. Here you’ll find an excellent Michelin Green Star restaurant, the Auberge de l’Abbaye de Montheron, along with a working farm and an inn that welcome food lovers eager to reconnect with nature — less than 30 minutes from Lausanne.

Our last day was spent in the Yverdon-les-Bains area, a colourful town with a fully pedestrianized centre where shops and façades invite you to stroll. Just 15 minutes away, Romainmôtier — which looks as though it stepped straight out of Beauty and the Beast — is well worth a stop for a true journey back in time. While there, the Maison du Prieur is an excellent place to enjoy a meal. Absolutely charming!

The trip highlights were gastronomy, viticulture, castles, picturesque villages, cheese, and agriculture. We were surprised to discover this different side of Switzerland, far from the cliché of chocolate and mountains. If you’re a fan of agritourism, wine, gastronomy, culture, and the outdoors, Switzerland is an interesting off-season travel option.

Good to know

Air Canada flies daily, year-round, to Switzerland. From Montreal, flights go to Geneva, located about 45 minutes from Lausanne. Since Geneva is the capital of French-speaking Switzerland, it makes sense that flights from Montreal land there, while flights from Toronto operate daily to Zurich. The two cities are connected by a high-speed train that takes approximately two hours.