Things To Do
in Payerne

Classic Swiss cheese dishes—best in cold months; many local restaurants serve regional cheese blends. Look for venues offering raclette evenings or traditional fondue pots.

Must-Try!

Fresh perch from Lake Neuchâtel, typically pan-fried and served with lemon and parsley; available at lakeside restaurants and taverns in the region.

A Vaud specialty of leeks and potatoes stewed together (papet) served with local sausage—comfort food commonly found in traditional restaurants.

Fried cheese fritters from the Vaud region; a tasty snack or starter in many local bistros.

A small regional market (check local listings for the weekday) offering fresh produce, cheeses, charcuterie, baked goods and seasonal specialties—great for sampling local products.

Markets in neighboring towns and villages around Lake Neuchâtel and Mont Vully sell lake fish, honey, cheeses and artisanal items—ideal for picnic supplies.

Use Bonjour / Bonsoir and greet shopkeepers and hosts politely. Address people with Monsieur/Madame until invited to use first names.

Punctuality is valued—arrive on time for tours, trains and appointments.

Be considerate about noise, especially in residential areas and on public transport; quiet hours are observed in the evenings.

Follow local recycling rules; waste sorting is taken seriously and bins are clearly labeled—ask if unsure.

Service charge is usually included in bills in Switzerland; leaving a small tip or rounding up (5–10% for exceptional service) is appreciated but not mandatory. For taxis round up the fare, and for small purchases leaving the exact amount or a small tip is common.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; carry some Swiss francs (CHF) for small shops, markets and rural vendors. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly supported; ATMs are common for cash withdrawal.

Mild temperatures, blooming countryside and vineyard pruning time; ideal for cycling and early hiking. Weather can be changeable—pack layers and a waterproof jacket.

Warm and pleasant with long daylight hours for lake activities, swimming and outdoor dining; vineyards are green and lively. Expect more tourists on weekends and occasionally higher temperatures—sun protection recommended.

Harvest season in the vineyards with colorful foliage and wine events; cooler mornings and crisp afternoons make it a great time for hikes and photography. Some services may scale back as the high season ends.

Cold, sometimes snowy—town is quiet and cozy; indoor specialties like fondue and raclette are popular. Nearby higher ground may offer snow for winter walks; check transport schedules for possible reduced services.

Well-marked trails through vineyards and woodland with panoramic views over Lake Neuchâtel; options for short walks or longer loops.

Gentle shoreline paths suitable for walking, birdwatching and easy cycling between lakeside villages.

A variety of hikes in the lower Jura offer forested trails, ridge walks and quieter natural scenery a short drive from Payerne.

Flat, scenic walks following the Broye river and across agricultural landscapes—good for relaxed, family-friendly outings.

Smaller regional airport serving Switzerland with some connections; roughly up to about an hour to 1.5 hours by car or train depending on connections—useful for regional flights.

Major international airport serving western Switzerland and many international routes; typically around 1.5–2 hours by car or train from Payerne.

Switzerland’s largest international hub with global connections; travel time by train or car is longer (about 2.5–3 hours) but offers the widest flight options.

Lausanne does not have a major commercial airport, but is the closest large city with excellent rail connections to Payerne and onward access to Geneva and Zurich airports.

Majority of residents are francophone Swiss with strong local cultural ties to Vaud traditions.

Farming families and vineyard owners form a visible part of the local population and economy.

Some residents commute to larger nearby cities for work; the town is popular with families seeking a quieter setting.

A small international community exists, partly due to the nearby airbase and regional employment opportunities.