This calm town on Lake Geneva's shore has winding medieval streets, a 13th-century castle, and lakeside paths with views of the Alps and surrounding vineyards.
Morges sits on Lake Geneva's northern shore, where medieval towers rise above narrow streets and Mont Blanc dominates the horizon. Walk through the car-free Grand-Rue to discover local shops and cafés, or time your visit for April when 100,000 tulips paint the Parc de l'Indépendance in vibrant colors. Stop at family vineyards to taste local Chasselas and Pinot Noir wines grown on the surrounding hillsides.
Annual Tulip Festival
Each spring from mid-April to mid-May, 100,000 tulips transform the Parc de l'Indépendance into a colorful garden. The festival has continued since 1971, displaying 300 tulip varieties, including rare specimens from the early 1900s. Walk among 50 different tree species, including the park's oldest residents - horse chestnut trees from 1750. The paths lead along the lakeshore, where benches face the snow-capped Alps across the water.
Medieval Castle and Museums
Built in 1286, Morges Castle stands guard over the port with four round towers modeled after Yverdon Castle. The Military Museum inside displays weapons and uniforms from different periods, while the Paderewski Museum tells the story of the Polish composer's life near Lake Geneva. As you explore the castle, look for medieval arrow slits and defensive walls that protected the town for centuries.
Wine Production and Tasting
Local winemakers cultivate grapes along the gentle slopes above Lake Geneva. Try the crisp, mineral-rich Chasselas whites at family cellars, or sample the local Pinot Noir, known here as "Servagnin" - a unique grape variety that has grown in these vineyards since the Middle Ages. Visit Domaine de la Ville (open Tuesday-Saturday) or arrange tastings at smaller family vineyards through the tourist office.
Getting Around
Trains run every 30 minutes between Morges and major Swiss cities via Swiss Federal Railways, with additional local service on the Bière–Apples–Morges line. The town lies 10 kilometers southwest of Lausanne, connected by regular boat services across Lake Geneva. While the A1 motorway connects to Geneva and Lausanne, leave your car in one of the public parking areas - the medieval center's Grand-Rue welcomes only pedestrians.
Day Trips from Morges
Take a five-minute train ride to Tolochenaz to see Villa Paisible, where Audrey Hepburn spent her final years. La Sarraz Castle, built in 1049, rises from a rocky ridge 20 kilometers north of Morges. Inside, you'll find medieval gardens and the Swiss Horse Museum. Follow the marked trail through pine forests and farmland to reach the Venoge waterfall, a 3-kilometer walk from La Sarraz to Ferreyres.
