Attractions and Places To See around Penthaz - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Penthaz, a commune in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, offers a mix of historical landmarks and cultural sites. Situated along the Venoge river, the area provides opportunities to explore its natural setting. While a smaller commune, Penthaz features several points of interest for visitors, blending heritage with natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Penthaz
- The most popular attractions is Bird Island (Île aux Oiseaux), an other natural site that…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Notre Dame Cathedral of Lausanne
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Lausanne Town Hall
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Soldiers' Fountain
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Vufflens Castle
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Bird Island (Île aux Oiseaux)
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Lausanne City Hall (Hôtel de Ville de Lausanne) The imposing City Hall, overlooking the picturesque Place de la Palud from its bell tower, still houses the city administration today. The Lausanne architect Abraham de Crousaz built it between 1673 and 1675 on the foundations of the existing hotels. As an important center of life in Lausanne, it combined several functions: as a political center, it served as both the seat and a symbol of civic power; it was an economic center, housing the wheat market in its ground-floor halls; and it served as a defensive structure, with the bells in its bell tower warning of danger. The City Hall, much admired since its construction, is the most interesting achievement of 17th-century Vaudois architecture. Its main façade features a particularly subtle composition. While the alignment of the bays and their cornices creates a striking and explicit horizontal effect, the vertical axis, defined by the sculptural portal and the tower, is implicitly reinforced by the rhythm of the windows, which become increasingly closer together as they approach the center, and by the rhythm of the arcades, which become progressively narrower. The roof, on the other hand, echoes the aesthetics of regional farmhouses in its form, completing an original silhouette with a provincial touch. Text / Source: City of Lausanne, Department of Architecture and Housing, Department of Housing, Environment and Architecture, Rue du Port-Franc, 182nd floor, Lausanne https://www.lausanne.ch/portrait/carte-identite/architecture-et-monuments/patrimoine-architectural/ancien-regime/hotel-de-ville
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Lausanne Cathedral of Notre-Dame It was not until 1275 that the cathedral was consecrated by Emperor Rudolf of Habsburg and Pope Gregory X. After that, Jean Cotereel, the third master builder, took over the construction site and erected the western part, which he equipped with a portal porch and two towers, one of which carries the bells. The other tower was not completed. The very original painted portal was added to the south facade around 1225-1235. It was not until 1275 that the cathedral was consecrated by Emperor Rudolf of Habsburg and Pope Gregory X. In 1536, the cathedral was greatly altered during the Reformation when a new space for worship was created in the nave. It was then repeatedly restored in the 18th and 19th centuries, notably under the direction of the famous French architect Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc. The interior of the cathedral is characterised by its extraordinary colourfulness. This decoration, which dates back to the original building, was covered over during the Reformation, but was brought back to light at the beginning of the 20th century: In the Chapel of Mary and on the statues of the painted portal, unique in Europe, whose complete restoration was completed in October 2007, the paintings are still recognisable. The rosette is one of the masterpieces of European church art: its panes illustrate the medieval worldview in which God as creator was at the centre. Text / Source: Lausanne Tourisme – administration, Avenue de Rhodanie 2, Lausanne https://www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/de/entdecken/kathedrale-von-lausanne/
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You'll find a nice view just under it, it looks really like a castle you would find in disney movies or cartoons with a princess to be saved.
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One of the 12 fountains on the fountain circuit. It was used to supply the soldiers with water on their journey between the Pontaise barracks and the shooting range on the Mauvernay plain.
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From the church tower you have a wonderful view that you should not miss
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Beautiful, old town hall with lots of charm that fits perfectly into the cityscape
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Penthaz?
Penthaz itself is rich in history. You can visit the 18th-century Penthaz Castle, which has been a historical monument since 1965. The Reformed Temple and Presbytery are also significant, with the former Saint-Maurice church dating back to 1228. Inside the church porch, you can find remnants of a Roman milestone, marking an ancient Roman road. The village also features an Old School building from the 1830s and the historic Rue du Puits with its re-inaugurated ancient well.
Are there any cultural sites to visit in Penthaz?
Yes, Penthaz is home to the Cinémathèque Suisse Archiving Centre, a major national cultural asset dedicated to preserving film heritage. While the facilities are primarily for archiving, its presence highlights Penthaz's role in Swiss culture.
What natural features can I enjoy around Penthaz?
The commune's territory is situated along the banks of the Venoge River, offering a tranquil natural setting. For birdwatching enthusiasts, Bird Island (Île aux Oiseaux) is an artificial island serving as a refuge for migratory and nesting birds, complete with free static telescopes for observation.
What are some family-friendly attractions near Penthaz?
Many attractions around Penthaz are suitable for families. Bird Island (Île aux Oiseaux) is a great spot for nature lovers of all ages. Historical sites like La Sarraz Castle and Vufflens Castle (viewable from outside) offer engaging historical experiences. Even the Soldiers' Fountain has an interesting story that can captivate younger visitors.
What outdoor activities can I do near Penthaz?
The region around Penthaz is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, road cycling, and mountain biking. For cycling, explore options like the "Lac de Joux – Col du Mollendruz loop" or the "Orbe – La Sarraz Castle loop." Road cyclists might enjoy the "La Sarraz Castle – Château de La Sarraz loop." Mountain bikers have trails such as the "Sépey Pond – Moulin de Lussery loop." You can find more details on these and other routes in the dedicated guides for Cycling around Penthaz, Road Cycling Routes around Penthaz, and MTB Trails around Penthaz.
Are there any castles or historical fortresses nearby?
Absolutely. Just outside Penthaz, you can visit La Sarraz Castle, an 11th-century castle with a horse museum. Another impressive sight is Vufflens Castle, an imposing brick fortress from the late Middle Ages overlooking Lake Geneva. While Vufflens Castle is privately owned and can only be admired from the outside, its architecture is stunning.
What is the significance of the Soldiers' Fountain?
The Soldiers' Fountain is an old fountain with a unique history. It was historically used to supply water to soldiers traveling between barracks and a shooting range, making it a point of interest with a military past.
What is the best time to visit Penthaz and its attractions?
The region around Penthaz is generally pleasant to visit from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is mild and conducive to outdoor activities like hiking and cycling along the Venoge River. Historical sites and castles are typically accessible during these months, though it's always good to check specific opening hours for indoor attractions.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Penthaz?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical heritage and natural beauty. The unique role of Bird Island (Île aux Oiseaux) as a bird refuge is a highlight for many, as is the impressive architecture of castles like Vufflens Castle. The historical context of sites like the Soldiers' Fountain and the charm of the Lausanne Town Hall also receive positive feedback.
Are there any notable religious or ancient sites near Penthaz?
Yes, beyond Penthaz's own Reformed Temple, the broader region is home to Romainmôtier Abbey, an ancient Benedictine abbey considered one of Switzerland's oldest monastic complexes. This site offers a deep dive into the region's religious history.
Can I visit Lausanne from Penthaz?
Yes, Lausanne is a larger city nearby and offers numerous attractions. You can visit the Lausanne Town Hall, The Olympic Museum, Olympic Park, Lausanne Cathedral, and the scenic Lausanne-Ouchy area. It's easily accessible for a day trip from Penthaz.
Where can I see a Roman milestone in Penthaz?
Within the porch of the former Saint-Maurice church (now the Reformed Temple) in Penthaz, you can find remnants of a Roman milestone. This historical artifact marks the ancient Roman road that once passed through Penthaz, connecting Vidy to Orbe.
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