Culinary activities

You can learn all about the history of Vacherin Mont-d’Or AOC and its production at the excellent museum in Les Charbonnières. A traditional lunch with baked Vacherin can be served, when booked in advance.

An extensive network of footpaths stretches from Lausanne to the Château de Chillon, passing through the beautifully terraced vineyards of the Lavaux that overlook Lake Geneva. Along the scenic paths that link villages and wine cellars, explanatory signboards present useful information about wines of the region, explaining their unique quality.

This living craft museum, housed in a 1790 farmhouse, tells the history of wheat and bread making with slide shows and a collection of tools and historical costumes. Visitors can watch the bakers who work daily at the four ovens. Just 20 minutes by train from Lausanne.

This trail leads through the forests and meadows of the Jura above Sainte-Croix, past herds of cows and ancient dry-stone walls. At alpine chalets you can sample local specialities: a platter of dried sausage and Tomme; Pâtes du chalet (pasta with cheese, chalet style) as a main course; and for dessert, a slice of the chef’s celebrated cream-topped tart.

The Alimentarium Food Museum – a Nestlé foundation – explores everything to do with food: its history, its origins and uses, in a fun and interactive way. The permanent exhibition covers the various aspects of food and nutrition as they affect all of us. The museum is right at the shore of Lake Geneva.