Vaud, Switzerland sits on the northern shores of Lake Geneva, a region where elegant lakeside promenades meet vineyard terraces, alpine views, and a pace that invites both active exploration and relaxed holiday downtime. For travelers seeking vacation rentals and holiday rentals, Vaud offers a versatile array of house accommodations—from chic city apartments in Lausanne to cozy chalets overlooking the lake, and charming villas tucked into the foothills of the Lavaux vineyard terraces. With easy rail connections, abundant outdoor activities, and a rich mix of culture, cuisine, and local experiences, Vaud is a year‑round playground. If you’re hunting for places to stay, searchandstay.com is a great place to find accommodations in the area, from modern duplexes to spacious holiday homes perfect for groups of friends or a multi‑generational gathering.
Vaud as a base for vacation rentals and holiday rentals
Choosing Vaud means selecting a hub that blends city energy with village charm. Base your stay in a well‑located vacation rental to maximize your time on and off the water. In Lausanne, you can wake up to lake views and walkable neighborhoods; in Montreux or Vevey, you’ll have the scent of the Jura pine and fresh lake breezes at your doorstep. The Lavaux wine region offers terraced vineyards and a slow‑paced itinerary that’s perfect for weekend getaways, wine tastings, and intimate dinners that make the most of local produce. The region is particularly welcoming to groups and families who want plenty of space in a single home—or a pair of adjacent holiday rentals—so you can spread out, cook, and socialize while still enjoying privacy.
Destinations in Vaud for house accommodation and holiday rentals
Lausanne: culture‑forward stays with easy access to everything
Lausanne is a lively university city perched on the lakefront, with a dramatic old town, winding staircases, and a modern waterfront district in Ouchy. A vacation rental here can be your gateway to museums, markets, and a vibrant nightlife scene that still feels approachable and friendly. Look for a stylish apartment with a balcony or a terrace to savor sunset over Lake Geneva. In a city that blends heritage with contemporary energy, your accommodations might include a fully equipped kitchen for casual dinners after a day on foot or by bike along the lakeside promenade.
Top activities within reach of a Lausannoise base include strolling the Olympic Museum district, exploring the Gothic Lausanne Cathedral, and catching a performance at the Opernhaus or a concert at Le Romandie. For day trips, you’re minutes from the vineyard country to the north and the Jura foothills to the west. A well‑located vacation rental in Lausanne can serve as a comfortable hub for day trips to nearby villages, along with easy access to trains, buses, and ferry rides that connect you to other Vaud destinations.
Vevey and Montreux: lakeside charm, history, and music
Vevey and Montreux are two of Vaud’s most magnetic lakeside towns, famed for their photo‑worthy promenades, gorgeous sunsets, and cultural experiences. A holiday rental here often features generous common spaces, a sunlit kitchen, and balconies that overlook the water. In Vevey, you’ll find the Alimentarium (a food‑themed museum) and a strollable Old Town, while Montreux—home to the legendary Jazz Festival—offers glamorous lakeside hotels, wine bars, and easy access to the Château de Chillon, one of Switzerland’s most photographed castles.
While staying in these towns, plan a day at Chillon Castle, a boat ride on the lake, and a tasting trip in the nearby Lavaux terraces. For hikers and nature lovers, a cogwheel ride from Montreux up to Rochers‑de‑Naye delivers panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the distant Alps. Look for vacation rentals with a parking option and a kitchen so you can enjoy late‑night gatherings after a day of adventures along the shore or in the mountains.
Lavaux vineyards: UNESCO terraces and immersive wine experiences
The Lavaux region holds UNESCO‑listed vineyard landscapes that cascade down toward the lake. A stay in a Lavaux hillside villa or a garden apartment gives you a front‑row seat to vineyard life, with the sound of rustling leaves and the scent of grape blossoms in late summer. Your days can include scenic hikes along marked vineyard paths, wine tastings in small family domaines, and picnics at vineyard viewpoints with sweeping lake panoramas. Many holiday rentals in Lavaux provide terraces, outdoor dining spaces, and private entrances so you can blend in with locals, while still feeling like you’re escaping to a private retreat.
Proximity matters here: choose a rental close to one of the vineyard villages—Saint‑Saphorin, Grandvaux, Lutry, or Lutry’s lakeside path—to keep mornings simple and wine‑spree afternoons relaxed. If you’re traveling with friends, you can reserve a pair of adjacent houses or a larger villa that suits everyone’s needs, from shared living rooms to multiple bedrooms with en‑suite bathrooms.
Yverdon‑les‑Bains, Morges, and quieter lake corners
For travelers who crave thermal baths, history, and a slower pace, Yverdon‑les‑Bains offers thermal spa experiences and a compact Old Town with a castle and museums. A vacation rental here is a good base for exploring the northern Vaud lakeshore, with day trips to nearby towns and a peaceful environment after a day of activities. Morges, known for its lakeside charm and seasonal flower parades, provides a lighter, smaller‑scale experience with cafés, markets, and easy access to nearby vineyards. Booking a holiday rental in these towns gives you a quieter alternative to the busier Lausanne–Montreux corridor, while still enjoying excellent train connections to major sights in Vaud.
Activities and local experiences that pair well with Vaud vacation rentals
Lake Geneva adventures: water, boats, and lakeside strolls
Lake Geneva is the beating heart of Vaud’s outdoor life. Your base near the water is an invitation to paddleboarding, kayaking, or a relaxed cruise along the shoreline. Rent a boat for a private afternoon on the lake, or join a guided tour that highlights hidden coves and local viewpoints. The easy train routes allow you to blend lake activities with hillside tastings or hillside village walks, all while keeping your accommodation as a comfortable home base.
Wine, food, and sensory experiences
The Lavaux terraces offer some of the most photogenic and palate‑pleasing experiences in Switzerland. A stay in a wine country rental pairs beautifully with practical activities like a guided vineyard walk, a private wine tasting, or a full terroir‑focused dinner. In Vevey and Lausanne, culinary scenes range from traditional Swiss cafés to modern bistros that celebrate seasonal produce. Many holiday rentals come with a well‑equipped kitchen, which makes it easy to cook fresh Swiss ingredients from nearby markets or farmers’ shops and share meals with friends in a convivial living space.
Culture, castles, and museums
History and culture abound in Vaud. The Chillon Castle near Montreux is an architectural gem perched on a rocky island and is a must‑see for first‑timers. In Lausanne, the Collection de l’Art Brut and the Olympic Museum offer engaging, accessible experiences. Vevey’s Alimentarium provides a playful perspective on global food culture. When you stay in a vacation rental that’s near these sights, you can pace your days so that mornings involve exploring a historic quarter, afternoons are dedicated to a lakefront stroll, and evenings feature a local bistro or a restaurant with a terrace under string lights.
Outdoor activities across seasons
In summer, Vaud invites outdoor enthusiasts to swim, kayak, cycle, and hike. The Montreux area is famous for its lakeside promenades and easy hikes in the surrounding Jura foothills. In spring and autumn, the vineyards glow with seasonal colours, and the Lavaux lanes are less crowded, making it the perfect time for longer vineyard walks and photography sessions. Winter offers crisp, clear days perfect for scenic drives, hot chocolate breaks in village cafés, and nearby ski day trips to the Alps—often feasible from Vaud towns with convenient rail links. A well‑situated vacation rental lets you tailor each day around your preferred pace and activities, with your home base acting as a flexible hub for morning coffee, afternoon adventures, and evening wind‑downs by the fireplace or on a sunny balcony.
Seasonal itineraries to consider when planning Vaud vacations
Three days in Vaud: lakeside, wine, and old towns
Day 1: Start in Lausanne with a lakeside walk along Ouchy, a visit to a museum or two, and a leisurely dinner in a café with lake views. Day 2: Take a day trip to Lavaux for a vineyard walk and a tasting, finishing with sunset views from a terrace in one of the hilltop villages. Day 3: Visit Montreux and Chillon Castle, with a late stroll along the Montreux promenade and a train ride back to your base. A 3‑to‑4 bedroom vacation rental can comfortably host a group of friends for this itinerary, with plenty of common spaces for group meals and shared planning sessions.
Five days: city immersion, wine, and spa relaxation
Split your time between Lausanne and Vevey/Montreux, with a Lavaux wine day in the middle. Include a spa or thermal bath day in Yverdon‑les‑Bains for a restorative break. Your Vaud holiday rental should offer a flexible floor plan, a modern kitchen for casual dinners, and a quiet sleeping area to recover from long days of exploration.
Winter escapes: crisp days, cozy evenings, and alpine options
Even in winter Vaud shines. Take a day trip to nearby Alpine resorts for a ski or snow‑shoe experience, then return to your lakeside base for hot drinks and a fireside chat. Alternatively, explore Lausanne’s winter markets, savor Swiss fondue nights, and enjoy a peaceful stroll along the lit lakefront after a day in the hills. A rental with a fireplace or a wood stove can heighten the cozy vibe and give you a comforting space to gather after sunset.
Choosing the right house accommodation in Vaud
- Proximity to train stations and lakefront or vineyard access, depending on your priorities.
- Amenities that fit your group’s pace—fully equipped kitchen, comfortable common areas, and multiple bedrooms with en‑suite options if needed.
- Outdoor spaces for socializing—balconies, terraces, or a small garden so you can dine al fresco during warmer months.
- Pet‑friendly policies if you’re traveling with a four‑legged friend or a flexible pet policy for occasional visits from a dog sitter or concierge service.
- Parking availability for those renting a car, alongside reliable Wi‑Fi for streaming or remote work needs.
When you’re packing for Vaud, think about versatile spaces—think a living area that can double as a planning hub or social space, and bedrooms that accommodate a variety of sleeping arrangements for friends or family. The best Vaud vacation rentals balance comfort with access to outdoors and the region’s cultural rhythm, so you can switch from lake‑side lounging to vineyard exploring in a single day if you wish.
Local experiences to elevate your Vaud stay
Beyond the standard sightseeing, there are several experiences that can make a Vaud trip truly memorable. Consider hiring a local guide for a private vineyard tour through Lavaux, including private tastings paired with regional cheeses and bread. Seek out a chef’s‑table dinner in a hilltop villa for a sophisticated evening with a view, or join a sunset sailing excursion on Lake Geneva to cap off a day of exploration with a dramatic lake silhouette and alpenglow.
Markets are a highlight in many Vaud towns. Lausanne’s seasonal markets, Vevey’s weekly markets, and smaller village markets provide opportunities to sample fresh produce, regional cheeses, and artisanal breads. Staying in a vacation rental with a well‑equipped kitchen makes it easy to bring home ingredients for a spontaneous dinner party, letting you recreate a Swiss‑style feast with friends and new neighbors from your hosts or fellow travelers.
Planning your Vaud holiday rental with Searchandstay
When you’re ready to secure accommodations in Vaud, consider using searchandstay.com to find vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and house accommodations across the region. The platform aggregates listings for apartments, houses, chalets, and villas in key Vaud destinations—Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux, Lavaux, Yverdon‑les‑Bains, and Morges—so you can compare locations, amenities, and prices in one convenient place. With filters for the number of bedrooms, pet policies, and proximity to the lake or vineyards, it’s easier to plan a group trip or a girlfriend getaway with confidence. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or an extended stay, SearchandStay helps you locate the ideal stay that aligns with your itinerary and budget, while ensuring you have all the comforts of a home away from home.
Final tips for a seamless Vaud vacation rental experience
- Book a property with a flexible cancellation policy in case plans shift, especially when coordinating travel with friends.
- Look for high‑quality photos and accurate descriptions that reflect the true layout and amenities of the property.
- Check transportation links—train timetables from Lausanne, Montreux, or Vevey can dramatically cut travel time to vineyards, castles, and hiking trails.
- Read guest reviews to gauge the host’s responsiveness and the practical realities of staying in a particular neighborhood.
- Plan a light packing list that includes comfortable walking shoes, layers for changing weather, and a light jacket for lake breezes in the evenings.
Vaud’s blend of lakefront leisure, vineyard serenity, and culture makes it a premier destination for vacation rentals and holiday rentals. The region’s towns offer a welcoming mix of active pursuits and relaxed downtime, with accommodations that can scale from intimate studios to expansive homes perfect for groups. With the right base in Vaud, your days can swing from sunrise runs along the lake to candlelit dinners in hillside villages, all while your home away from home provides the space to gather, unwind, and plan the next day’s adventure. For travelers seeking to locate the best stays in the area, searchandstay.com remains a solid resource to discover accommodations that fit your travel style and budget, ensuring you have the ideal house or apartment to anchor your Vaud adventure.