A two-day itinerary through the châteaux of the Vaud Riviera, on the shores of Lake Geneva, from Coppet to Morges
The Vaud Riviera in two days: six châteaux on Lake Geneva, from Coppet to Morges, before 20 December
From Necker’s house in Coppet to the Savoyard château of Morges, a two-day itinerary between Geneva and Lausanne: six châteaux on Lake Geneva, Voltaire and Madame de Staël, and the Top Secret exhibition to be seen until 20 December 2026.
Editorial journal · Carte des Châteaux ·
Suisse – canton de Vaud
Between Geneva and Lausanne, the northern shore of Lake Geneva stretches for some fifty kilometres, lined with châteaux that can be explored over two days, whether by car or train. Their history unfolds in three acts. The Counts of Savoy built or remodelled them at the end of the 13th century, following a uniform square plan with corner towers. The Bernese, who conquered the Pays de Vaud in 1536, burned some and turned others into the seats of their bailiffs. Later, Enlightenment bankers and literary figures transformed these fortresses into lakeside residences. The end of the year offers a compelling reason to set off before spring: at Morges château, the ‘Top Secret’ exhibition, devoted to espionage and resistance in Switzerland during the Second World War, closes its doors on 20 December 2026. The proposed route begins in Coppet, on the Geneva border, and follows the shore up to Morges, saving the best for last.
The great names of the shore
Germaine de Staël
1766 - 1817
Daughter of Jacques Necker, born in Paris, she became one of the leading literary and political voices of her time with works such as ‘Corinne’ and ‘On Germany’. Hostile to Napoleon’s personal rule, she was kept away from Paris and made Coppet, which she inherited in 1804, the meeting place for a European circle of writers and thinkers. She is buried in the family mausoleum in the park.
Jacques Necker
1732 - 1804
A Genevan banker, he served as France’s Finance Minister on several occasions. His dismissal on 11 July 1789 is counted among the sparks that led to the storming of the Bastille. Recalled and then resigned in 1790, he retired to Coppet, purchased in 1784, and died there in 1804.
Voltaire
1694 - 1778
After his quarrel with Frederick the Great of Prussia, the philosopher sought a new home near Geneva. He stayed at Prangins Castle during the winter of 1754–55 before acquiring his property at Les Délices and settling in Ferney.
Joseph Bonaparte
1768 - 1844
Napoleon’s elder brother, king of Naples then of Spain, he bought Prangins Castle in 1814 after the fall of the Empire. He left Europe for the United States after Waterloo.
Planning your trip
The route on the map
From Coppet to Morges, along Lake Geneva
The six châteaux in the order of the itinerary, from the Geneva border towards Lausanne: Coppet, Nyon and Prangins on the first day, Rolle, Vufflens and Morges on the second.
Markers follow the suggested visiting order. Select a castle to open its page.
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Sources
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Day by day
The itinerary
Day 1 – From Coppet to Prangins
Depart from Coppet, on the Geneva border, to discover Necker’s and Madame de Staël’s château from the town. Then head to Nyon, ten kilometres away: visit the château and its porcelain, followed by a stroll along the lakeside terrace. The afternoon is devoted to Prangins, its Baroque rooms and the ‘Décors’ exhibition. Overnight in Nyon.
Day 2 – From Rolle to Morges
Morning in Rolle to explore the courtyard of the château built at water’s edge, then drive to Vufflens, admired from the vineyards. Arrive in Morges, a few kilometres away, for a long visit to the Savoyard château, its four museums and the ‘Top Secret’ exhibition.