Vaud, Switzerland is a sparkling blend of lake breezes, vineyard-scented hills, and Alpine silhouettes that light up at sunset. For groups of friends who crave sunshine, culture, and a little spontaneous fun, Vaud is a dream destination for vacation rentals and holiday rentals. The lakeside towns around Lac Léman—Lausanne, Montreux, Vevey, and the surrounding Lavaux wine terraces—offer a seamless mix of city vibes, outdoor adventures, and cozy bases that feel like a home away from home. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer festive break, Vaud’s vacation rentals and mobile accommodation options provide flexible stays, stunning views, and easy access to some of Switzerland’s most photogenic getaways.
Why Vaud is your next vacation rental hotspot
Vaud isn’t just about a pretty photo on Instagram; it’s a region that invites exploration with friends. In Lac Léman’s blue expanse, you’ll find boat trips, stand-up paddle boarding, and sunset sails that make for unforgettable group moments. The Lavaux wine terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer scenic hikes and easy-access wine tastings that transform a day into a memory. For those who crave culture, Lausanne’s museums, the Olympic Museum, and the Ouchy waterfront provide engaging experiences that pair perfectly with a stay in a vacation rental or a chic mobile accommodation. The region also transitions with the seasons, giving you summer water fun, autumn vineyard walks, and winter markets that glow against the mountain backdrop. All of this is conveniently bookable as vacation rentals or holiday rentals in Vaud.
Top destinations to anchor your Vaud getaway
From the cosmopolitan pulse of Lausanne to the resort-town charm of Montreux, Vaud holds a string of magnets for a group holiday. Here are the places you’ll want to consider when scouting vacation rentals in Vaud:
- Lausanne – This university city sits on the lakeshore with a vibrant old town, riverside walks, and a buzzing cafe culture. A vacation rental in Lausanne puts you in the heart of museums, markets, and the scenic Ouchy promenade. It’s also a short ride from the Lavaux terraces by train or bike, making day trips effortless.
- Montreux – The lakeside promenade, jazz heritage, and the nearby Chillon Castle create a festival-like backdrop for holidays with friends. Look for holiday rentals with lake views and easy access to boat departures for a lazy afternoon on Lac Léman.
- Vevey – A charming town framed by the Alps, Vevey is famous for its lakeside markets and the Alimentarium food museum. A vacation rental here often comes with terraces that catch the sunset over the water and a stroll to the Alimentarium or a micro-brewery visit.
- Lavaux vineyards – The terraced vineyards above the lake offer some of the most romantic walks in Switzerland. A mobile accommodation near Lavaux means you wake up to vineyard morning light and can stroll through vines with a picnic basket in hand.
- Rochers-de-Naye and the Montreux Riviera – For a taste of alpine air, take the cog railway up to Rochers-de-Naye for panoramic views, or hop between villages along the Montreux Riviera for wine, music, and alpine breezes.
Mobile accommodation and flexible stays in Vaud
If you love the feeling of “home away from home” with the freedom to move, Vaud’s mobile accommodation options and glamping experiences are ideal. Think stylish mobile homes in vineyard-kissed valleys, luxury tents with real beds and heating, or small, self-contained cottages perched on hills above the lake. Mobile accommodation Vaud offers a blend of privacy and social spaces—perfect for groups of friends who want to cook together, share a bottle of local wine under the stars, and swap travel tales after a day of exploring.
Glamping in Vaud is not just about roughing it; many sites come with hot showers, Wi‑Fi, and cozy interiors, all while keeping you close to outdoor trails, cycling paths, and lakefront paths. For a more immersive experience, consider a lakefront houseboat stay near Montreux or Lausanne, where you can wake to the sound of the water and steps from your morning swim. If you’re booking for a big crew, look for vacation rentals with multiple bedrooms, large living spaces, and outdoor seating for sunset gatherings. And with a growing number of listings on vacation rental platforms, you’ll easily discover options labeled as holiday rentals Vaud, vacation rentals Vaud, or mobile accommodation Vaud.
When searching for a place, think in terms of proximity to the lake, access to public transit, and the vibe you want—romantic vineyard mornings, lively city nights, or a quiet base for multi-day hikes. The right Vaud rental can become the stage for all your holiday antics, from rooftop brunches to late-night games and spontaneous road trips to nearby Swiss or French towns.
Experiential ideas: activities and local experiences+
Vaud is built for a group of friends who want an active, fun itinerary with a dash of flirt-worthy charm. Here are experiences that pair beautifully with a vacation rental stay and help you make the most of Vaud’s scenery, culture, and cuisine:
- Lac Léman adventures – Rent a boat for a few hours or join a guided sailing trip from Lausanne or Montreux. Paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats are often available for rental near waterfront promenades. Sunset sails with champagne are a classic choice for a group night.
- Lavaux wine terraces – Hike or bike the Lavaux trails along the terraced vineyards, then stop at winery terraces for a tasting with lake views. Many vineyards offer guided tastings with local cheeses and regional specialties. It’s the perfect mix of nature and indulgence.
- Chillon Castle day trip – The fairy-tale castle on Lake Geneva is a must-see. After a tour, stroll along the lakeside paths or take a boat across to Villeneuve for a different angle on the same day.
- Montreux Jazz Festival and cultural fairs – If your visit aligns with festival season, Montreux becomes an open-air playground of music, street food, and sunset walks along the pier. If not, the town’s boutiques and cafes still provide plenty of music-inspired vibes.
- Rochers-de-Naye and glacial views – A scenic cog railway ride to Rochers-de-Naye delivers alpine panoramas, a chance to spot marmots, and warm mountaintop cafés for a celebratory drink after a day of hiking.
- Lavaux vineyard picnics and farm-to-table dining – Book a guided wine and food experience that pairs local wines with seasonal dishes. Many producers welcome guests for tastings, and some offer private tours that feel tailor-made for a group retreat.
- Lausanne waterfront and Olympic culture – The city’s lakeside bike paths, markets, and the Olympic Museum provide a graceful blend of sport and culture for a day of exploration before a dinner by the water.
- Thermal spa breaks – Unwind after a busy day with a spa session in Yverdon-les-Bains or nearby thermal pools. It’s a restorative pause that complements a week of adventures.
Sample itineraries: seven days exploring Vaud
Use these as springboards to craft your own adventure with vacation rentals in Vaud that position you close to the action. Mix active days with relaxed evenings alongside friends, and you’ll have a trip that feels tailor-made for your crew.
Day 1: Lausanne discovery and Ouchy sunset
Arrive and settle into a central vacation rental in Lausanne. Spend the afternoon wandering the old town, visiting the Collection de l’Art Brut or the Musée de l’Élysée, and then stroll down to the Ouchy waterfront for a sunset stroll and a casual dinner with lake views. If you’re here with kids or a party, rent bikes to cover more ground along the lakeside path.
Day 2: Lavaux terraces by bike or foot
Head toward the Lavaux wine terraces for a day of light hiking or cycling with several winery stops. A relaxed lunch at a terrace restaurant with panoramic lake views is a must. Return to your vacation rental for a night in with friends—essential for those long talks and laughter that only happen when the group is together.
Day 3: Montreux and Chillon Castle
Take the train or drive to Montreux, then wander along the promenade to the iconic Chillon Castle. After lunch, consider a short cruise on Lac Léman or a nearby vineyard stop in Lavaux on the return journey.
Day 4: Vevey and the Alimentarium
Explore Vevey’s charming lanes, markets, and lakeside cafés. The Alimentarium, with its tasty and educational exhibits about food and nutrition, is a fun stop for a relaxed day. Evening vibes: a private rooftop dinner or a wine-tasting session at your rental.
Day 5: Rochers-de-Naye alpine day
Escape to the mountains with a cog railway trip to Rochers-de-Naye. Embrace the alpine air, take in the panoramic views, and enjoy a mountain-top coffee before heading back to the lake for a group dinner.
Day 6: A day on the water and spa time
Book a private boat or join a guided water-sports session. In the afternoon, unwind with a spa visit near Yverdon-les-Bains or a lakeside unwind at your rental, complete with a sunset barbecue.
Day 7: Leisure day and departure
Spend the morning at a local market, pick up last-minute Swiss treats, and savor a farewell brunch with friends. Pack up with a sense of having truly explored Vaud—from lakeside strolls to vineyard trails and alpine breezes.
Practical tips for booking and staying in Vaud
To maximize your vacation rentals and holiday rentals in Vaud, keep these practical pointers in mind:
- Seasonality – Vaud shines in summer with lake activities and vineyards, while winter brings festive markets and nearby ski options. Consider shoulder seasons for quieter, more affordable stays with just-as-much charm.
- Transport – The region is well served by trains and ferries, making it easy to visit multiple towns from a single base. If you’re in a mobile accommodation Vaud, a car offers flexibility for day trips to Lavaux, Montreux, and beyond.
- Booking platforms – Look for listings labeled as vacation rentals Vaud or holiday rentals Vaud, and consider mobile accommodation Vaud options for a unique stay. Arrangement of multiple bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and outdoor space will enhance a group holiday.
- Local experiences – Favor experiences that showcase local life, such as winery tastings, lakeside picnics, and small museums. These enrich a stay far beyond the typical tourist checklist.
- Staying connected – Many Vaud rentals provide Wi-Fi, which helps when coordinating with friends, sharing day-by-day plans, and streaming evening playlists to set the mood for a fun night in.
Find your next stay with searchandstay
When you’re ready to choose your Vaud base, consider using searchandstay for a curated selection of accommodations in the area. The platform helps you compare vacation rentals Vaud, holiday rentals Vaud, and mobile accommodation Vaud options in one place, so you can focus on planning the best possible itinerary with your friends. Whether you want a sunny lakeside apartment in Lausanne, a vineyard-side chalet near Lavaux, or a stylish houseboat in Montreux, searchandstay can help you discover the right fit. For practical booking, check listings that emphasize proximity to the lake, easy transit access, and living spaces designed for groups.
Pro tip: filter results by amenities you care about—kitchen essentials for shared cooking, outdoor space for al fresco meals, and parking if you’re arriving by car. Look for flexible cancellation policies and clear check-in procedures to keep your plans smooth. If you’re new to the region, the site’s local guides and neighborhood tips can help you decide whether Lausanne’s cosmopolitan energy or Montreux’s lakeside serenity will be your home base for the trip.
For the most seamless search, start with a keyword-rich approach: “vacation rentals in Vaud,” “holiday rentals in Vaud,” “Vaude glamping,” “Lac Léman accommodation,” and “mobile accommodation Vaud.” You’ll discover a spectrum of options—from modern apartments with balcony views of the lake to rustic cottages perched above the vine-lined hills. With the right Vaud rental, your group’s holiday becomes a collection of bright moments—sunlit swims, laughter after dinner, and stories you’ll tell for seasons to come.
Final thought: Vaud, where every stay becomes a celebration
Vaud invites travelers to slow down, savor the scenery, and share memorable adventures with friends. With its accessible lake life, lush wine terraces, alpine air, and a wide range of accommodation styles—especially vacation rentals and mobile accommodations—the region makes it easy to craft a dynamic, social, and photogenic escape. Use searchandstay to explore the best options for your group, then design an itinerary that balances outdoor thrills with leisurely evenings by the water. In Vaud, every moment can feel like a holiday, and every rental can be the perfect stage for your next stories-filled getaway.