Settled since the Bronze Age, Aigle is a charming town in the Swiss canton of Vaud. It was once an important trade hub en route to Italy and lies along an ancient transalpine road that would become the Great St Bernard Pass. Translating as “Eagle”, the town boasts magnificent views of the Swiss Alps from its picturesque streets.
Things to do in Aigle
Dominating the townscape is the magnificent Aigle Castle, an 11th-century fortification that once served as a residence for the knights of Aigle. It was occupied by the Bernese from the 15th century and was later used as a prison by the canton of Vaud. Today, the castle houses the Vine and Wine Museum, which showcases the viticultural history of the region.
Aigle is home to the state-of-the-art World Cycling Centre, which serves as the headquarters of the Union Cycliste Internationale. In addition to its 200-metre-long indoor velodrome and BMX racing track, the complex includes a pump track with stunning views of the Savoy Alps. Before or after your session, you can relax in the on-site cafe.
For a moment of serenity, head to the Zen Garden, which is the largest Eastern-inspired garden in Switzerland. Alternatively, you can enjoy a round on the 18-hole course of the Golf Club Montreux, with its tree-lined fairways watched over by the Dents du Midi. Walkers can stretch their legs on the Sentier de la Grande Eau, which follows the banks of the Grande Eau to its junction with the Rhône.
Getting around Aigle
Aigle is around 40 minutes’ drive from Lausanne and one hour from Geneva International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Aigle railway station and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.