Family Holidays in Villars: Our Top Picks for a Perfect Stay

Welcome to Villars, the ideal destination for an unforgettable summer family holiday!
Nestled in the heart of the Alpes Vaudoises, Villars offers a stunning setting where both young and old will find joy. With outdoor adventures, fun discoveries and relaxing moments, there’s something for everyone.

Explore our selection of the best experiences to enjoy with your children.

1. Family hikes: walking and having fun

Treasure hunts with La Salamandre or discovering Villars with Villou

A nature trail game with riddles about the animals around us. A gift awaits at the end!

• From 4 years old
• Departure: several starting points available depending on the treasure hunt
• Family tip: Remember to bring your brochure back to the Tourist Office. A small present awaits the adventurous at the end of their quest.

2. Gentle adrenaline: Mountain Cart & off-road scooter

Mountain Cart descent

For a dose of adrenaline and family fun, don’t miss the Mountain Cart descent!

• From 12 years old (minimum height 140 cm)
• Departure: Roc d’Orsay gondola
• Family tips: Booking recommended as the number of Mountain Carts is limited.

Off-road scooter (Trottin’herbe)

For another thrilling experience, try the Grass Scooter. These off-road scooters let you zoom down the trails with complete freedom.

• Departure: Roc d’Orsay or Bretaye
• Family tips: Check with sports shops for the minimum age, which varies depending on the type of off-road cooter rented. Helmet compulsory.

3. Villars Swimming Pool: family refreshment

The family-friendly swimming pool in Villars is the perfect place to relax and have fun after a day of mountain adventures. This aquatic centre for children and adults offers a variety of facilities for all ages. The little ones can enjoy the kids’ splash pool or race down the outdoor slide as fast as they can.

• Villars Sports Centre
• Family tips: Ideal for ending the day after a hike. The wellness area (hot baths, saunas, steam rooms and treatment rooms on site) is reserved for those aged 16 and over.

4. Train & Gondola Excursions: panoramic travel with no effort

For a gentle and spectacular immersion in the Alpine landscapes around Villars, enjoy an unforgettable outing on the Villars–Bretaye train or by Roc d'Orsay gondola. Let yourself be carried by the rhythm of the cogwheel train as it winds through the mountains, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

To go even higher, take the chairlift to the top of Villars’ highest summit – the Grand Chamossaire – reaching 2,112 metres above sea level.

Once you arrive in Bretaye, a playground awaits younger children: slide, zipline… it’s the perfect spot for a little break – with stunning views of Mont Blanc, the Dents du Midi and many other peaks.

• Family tip: At the top of the Grand Chamossaire, visit the Cabane des Sens for a spectacular view stretching all the way to Lake Geneva and the Jura Mountains in the distance.
• Bonus: From mid-July to early August, don’t miss the monumental, ephemeral artwork by the artist Saype.

5. Villars Fun Park: the must-visit playground

Get ready for unforgettable family fun at the Villars Fun Park! A true children’s paradise, this playground features obstacle courses, several slides, various swings and a climbing arch – all sure to delight young adventurers. Several picnic tables are available for snack breaks.

• Located behind Villars train station.
• Family tip: A perfect spot for kids to let off steam in a peaceful setting just steps from the centre of Villars.

6. Family Golf: swing and fresh air

An 18-hole course for pros and beginner sessions for the curious.

• Introductory lessons and Junior Camps from age 8.
• Family tip: Book a free initiation (with the Carte Bienvenue or Loyalty Card) – available every Sunday from June to October, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:45 pm in July and August. Booking required by the day before:
  +41 (0)24 495 42 14 or info@golf-villars.ch

7. Life on the Alpine pasture: a mountain farm experience

Visit the animals at the alpage on the Col de la Croix and discover the traditions of mountain life. Children will love meeting the cows, donkeys, pigs and chickens. The whole family can enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring farm-fresh products.

• Alpage at Col de la Croix
• All ages
• Family tip: Book your alpine breakfast online – and don’t forget to take home a few tasty local treats!

8. Summer Biathlon: become a sharpshooter!

Who said biathlon was just a winter sport? While top athletes compete year-round with rifle shooting and roller skiing, in Villars you can try summer biathlon too. Instead of traditional rifles, you’ll use a laser rifle – precise, fun, and completely safe – to aim for the bullseye.

• From 120 cm in height
• Family tip: A fun and original activity to enjoy together as a family.

9. Summer camps: adventure & independence

• Swiss Bike School: For little cycling fans, the Villars Swiss Bike School offers summer courses (half-day, full-day or full week) to learn or improve mountain biking skills – from age 3.
• Ski schools: The Villars Ski School and École de Ski de Villars organise multi-activity camps for children (from age 5) and teenagers – available by the day or week – for unforgettable holidays in Villars.
• Summer camps: Prestigious international schools also offer week-long summer camps that combine learning and fun activities, starting from age 3 (depending on the school).
  Aiglon • Beau Soleil • La Garenne • Pré Fleuri

Family tip: A great chance to let the kids have fun on their own.

10. Just a stone’s throw from Villars: our favourite family outings

• Lac de Frience: swimming in the heart of nature
  A perfect outing on a sunny day: swimming, picnicking or a barbecue in a stunning natural setting facing the Miroir d’Argentine.  
• Gryon Parc: mini-karts, little train, zipline & mini-golf
  A children's paradise with a large play area, mini go-karts, a miniature train ride and even a zipline – ideal for young adventurers.  
• Bex Salt Mines: a unique underground tour with a little train
  An exciting family discovery: delve underground into the historic Bex Salt Mines and learn about the story of "white gold" – a fascinating adventure for all ages.  
• Parc des Diables in Les Diablerets: treetop thrills
  Move over, Tarzan! Climbing and swinging from tree to tree is child’s play here. With routes for children from age 4, it’s a guaranteed hit – they won’t want to leave!