Avenches, the medieval town invites you …

Walk along and discover the history and riches of Avenches, this charming medieval town built on a hill in the 11th century! If you like to see towers, ancient monuments, saunter along staircases and meander under arcades, all of which encompass quite a few mysteries that sometimes still lurk in the air, there’s no doubt that you will thoroughly enjoy this tour! Follow the guide…

Nothing beats the pleasure of strolling at your own pace while letting your imagination wander! To make your walk even more enjoyable, take along the brochure "La Vieille Ville d'Avenches - Parcours Historique" (The Old Town of Avenches – Historical Walk). This pleasant route takes you from one point to another and invites you to get to know this beautiful town even better.

For the best overview, the ideal starting place is at the highest point in the town, “la Place de l’Église” (The Church Square). Begin at the centre of Avenches, in from of “l’Office du Tourisme” (the Tourist Office), for a short but inspiring stroll that is easily accessible to all!

Between lovely squares and esplanades, along cobbled paths and pretty lanes, the tour will reveal picturesque places and monuments, as well as some curiosities; which combined, make the town both charming and grand.

Do you know why the defensive towers were built with only three sides, or why a Star of David is depicted on one of the tower’s rooftop? Can you guess where the “pensioners’ benches” come from, which can be seen alongside of the church? And what purpose could a building’s large eaves serve that you can see on a small street parallel to the “rue Centrale”?
We really hope that each point of the route will interest and surprise you!

This walk beautifully ends with a visit to the amphitheatre, the most important and the best preserved monument of its kind in Switzerland, which can be seen from the top of the terraces – very impressive!

If you walk around to the right, you’ll find yourself in front of the entrance and at the foot of the imposing 11th century fortification tower, which today houses the Roman Museum. Make sure you visit this wonderful museum, before or after your walk – a must!

• Links

  The Old Town of Avenches - Historical Walk