Aigle Castle is a medieval fortress dating from the late 12th century that towers over the vineyards of the Vaud Chablais. It houses the Vine and Wine Museum, which traces 2,000 years of winegrowing tradition through tools, presses and wine-related objects.
Castles & forts
Main highlights
- Vine and Wine Museum telling 2,000 years of winegrowing history in an interactive way
- 12th-century fortress enlarged by the Bernese and adorned with historic painted decorations
- Panoramic terrace overlooking the Chablais vineyards and the Vaud Alps
Overview
Aigle Castle was built around the end of the 12th century by the Saillon family for the House of Savoy. It replaced earlier structures, of which Roman remains still bear witness. Initially modest and laid out around a square tower, it was gradually extended to become a prestigious residence.
In 1475, during the Burgundian Wars, the Bernese captured the castle. Their governors enlarged the ramparts, built new wings and fitted out apartments and administrative offices. The castle owes its present appearance to them, and their coat of arms still stands above the entrance gate.
"*" indicates required fields
What to see and do
Founded in 1971 by the Confrérie du Guillon, the Vine and Wine Museum shows the cultural importance of winegrowing in the canton of Vaud, in Switzerland and in neighbouring countries. It presents 2,000 years of winegrowing tradition through a sensory, interactive approach combining taste, tasting and sensory analysis.
The collections include tools, presses, stills, pewter jugs (channes), barrels, measures, bottles, corks, corkscrews, tastevins, glasses and decanters. As you move through the rooms, you will also discover numerous painted decorations from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Temporary exhibitions complement the permanent display, exploring landscape, biodiversity, ecology, economics and the art of winemaking. Guided tastings offer a deeper insight into the Aigle terroirs, for connoisseurs and beginners alike.
Practical information
Getting there : in the centre of Aigle, near the A9 motorway. Aigle railway station is linked to the castle by regional public transport.
Visit duration : two to three hours for the museum and grounds.
Suitable for : families, history lovers and wine enthusiasts.
On site : parking nearby and the La Pinte du Paradis restaurant, with a terrace overlooking the vines and Chablais wines, including Chasselas.
Visitor tips
Combine your museum visit with a guided tasting to connect the collections with the terroir. In autumn, the grape harvest brings the vineyards around the castle to life.
Book your table at La Pinte du Paradis during the tourist season. Allow time for a break on the terrace facing the vineyards.
Nearby attractions
- The Bex Salt Mines offer tours of galleries where salt has been extracted for more than five centuries.
- Parc Aventure Aigle offers 11 treetop adventure courses and a 250 m zip line.
- The Vièze Gorges, starting from Monthey, can be explored along a hiking trail.
Report an error or complete the informations
Reviews about this place