The history
Geography
With no real natural boundaries between town and country, the Gros-de-Vaud district occupies the geographical area between the towns of Lausanne and Yverdon and La Sarraz and Moudon.
At the heart of the canton of Vaud and Western Switzerland, it offers all the diversity that the plateau has to offer in terms of escapades and discoveries in the midst of nature: unspoilt villages, a heritage of churches and temples, hundreds of kilometres of walking and cycling routes, themed and educational trails, numerous activities for young and old, concerts and shows, a swimming pool, original accommodation, and local and gourmet cuisine.
With its privileged geographical location, Gros-de-Vaud is easily accessible by motorway, rail, bus, bike or even on foot! The region is 15 minutes from Lausanne, Yverdon and Morges. Take time out for a wellness break and come and recharge your batteries: we invite you to come and discover a rich, unspoilt and authentic region that is a real land of discovery for anyone who ventures here.
Land of escapades: Easily accessible, the region lends itself equally well to excursions and longer stays.
A land of culture: Gros-de-Vaud nourishes the body and mind with its museums, monuments and cultural sites.
A land of leisure: A green setting, the region offers countless activities in contact with flora and fauna.
A land of nature: to immerse yourself in the bucolic countryside and contemplate the Grenier du Canton, follow, at your own pace, over 100 routes on foot or by bike.
Land of life: Discover the vibrant local life through its people, traditions and gastronomy.
Local products
Echallens and the surrounding villages are full of sweet and savoury culinary delights.
Pâtés from Etagnières, Brigand du Jorat and the renowned cheeses made by the District’s cheese dairies (Fomagerie du Haut-Jorat in Peney-le-Jorat, Fromagerie de Penthéréaz, Fromagerie de St-Cierges, Fromagerie du-Gros de Vuad in Vuarrens) will delight your taste buds.
The flours produced by the Moulin d’Echallens help to promote cereal production and the Pain du Gros-de-Vaud has been part of the region’s heritage for over 20 years.
Taillé de Goumoëns, Gâteau à la Crème and Raisinée add a sweet note to local specialities.
As Gros-de-Vaud is a true Land of Discovery and a Land of Life, there are many farm markets and direct sales. The region’s bakeries are also a focal point of local gastronomy, not to mention the many restaurants on offer.
One brand, one region
In 2021, the Gros d’Vaud brand will be launched. But how did this idea come about and, above all, why a brand?
The Gros-de-Vaud region has a rich economic, tourist, cultural and natural heritage that makes it a great place to live. Renowned for its tranquillity and serenity, the idea of a regional brand has long been in the making. Because the people who live here are proud of their region, it’s important for the Association de la Région du Gros-de-Vaud to raise the profile of this corner of the world.
The Gros d’Vaud brand is therefore committed to becoming the spokesperson for the region. It becomes the territorial reference, federating and propagating a positive and stimulating image of the region, its players, its activities and its inhabitants.
Gros d’Vaud is a local brand that promotes human contact and encourages exchanges between the various bodies involved. It brings them together to promote and strengthen the region’s assets. The brand cultivates the relationships that come through the hearts of its residents.
Two and a half years after the launch of the Gros d’Vaud regional brand, Echallens Région Tourisme launched its new visual identity at the Comptoir Régional d’Echallens in late 2023.
This change heralds a new milestone in the promotion of tourism and culture at regional and cantonal level. Fun, fresh and dynamic, with slogans that represent an entire region and a series of brightly coloured pictograms – Echallens Région Tourisme is based on its big sister: the Gros d’Vaud brand. The result is a playful, joyful world that confirms the decision we made two and a half years ago: to go “beyond appearances”, to showcase all the region’s assets and be proud of them.
The team
