This small town in Vaud canton has a 12th-century medieval castle surrounded by vineyards. The wine museum inside tells the story of local winemaking since Roman times.
In the Swiss Alps' foothills, Aigle welcomes visitors with its 12th-century castle rising above terraced vineyards. You can explore the castle's wine museum displaying 10,000 wine-related objects, walk through medieval streets with stone fountains, or watch Olympic cyclists train at the World Cycling Centre's wooden velodrome.
Transport Connections
You'll find Aigle 13 kilometers from Montreux on the high-speed Simplon railway line between Italy and Geneva. The recently modernized train station handles 3 million passengers annually, making it canton Vaud's second-busiest transport hub. Regular direct trains connect to Zurich, Geneva, and other major Swiss cities.
Wine Production and Terroir
The 135-hectare vineyard area stretches across sun-facing slopes, where low stone walls divide small plots and create warm pockets ideal for grape cultivation. Mountain föhn winds and mineral-rich glacial moraine soils shape the wines' character. While Chasselas grapes grow on most plots, you'll also see Pinot Noir, Gamay, and other varieties in the vineyards.
Town Center Architecture
The old town consists of four quarters: Chapel, Fountain, Cloister, and Village. Medieval covered arcades line rue Jérusalem, while 27 stone fountains mark the street corners. Look for intricate wooden carvings on the 16th-century De la Dîme House, and spot the Swiss Reformed Church of Saint-Maurice's bell tower rising above the rooftops. At Place du Marché, join guided walks focusing on the town's fountains or discover the stories behind local street names.
Château d'Aigle and Wine Museum
Walk through the 12th-century castle's rooms to discover the Vaud Wine, Vine and Label Museum's collection of 10,000 objects. You'll see everything from centuries-old wine presses to detailed documentation of local wine production. The castle's medieval architecture and surrounding vineyards create a striking backdrop for learning about regional winemaking.
Cycling Facilities
At the World Cycling Centre, you can watch athletes train on the 200-meter wooden velodrome or participate in year-round cycling programs. The center hosts regular track cycling competitions. For road cycling, choose between flat valley routes or challenging mountain roads in the surrounding area.
