Top 7 Castles around Bonvillars

The region around Bonvillars is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Grandson Castle, which boasts a history spanning almost 1,000 years and played a central role in the Burgundian Wars. It houses collections of weapons and armor. Another significant site is the Old Town and Castle of Yverdon-les-Bains, built by Peter of Savoy in the 13th century, which now hosts museums.

Yes, both Grandson Castle and the Old Town and Castle of Yverdon-les-Bains are considered family-friendly. Grandson Castle offers an immersive experience into medieval history with its collections, while Yverdon-les-Bains provides a historical setting with museums that can engage various age groups.

The Bonvillars region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Jura Landscape – Mont Aubert loop' or the 'Traces of Nature – Arnon River Walk loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes like the 'Grandson loop' and challenging MTB trails. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Bonvillars or Gravel biking around Bonvillars guides.

Grandson Castle is located very close to Bonvillars. While specific public transport routes between the two small municipalities might require checking local schedules, driving is a straightforward option. The castle is situated overlooking Lake Neuchâtel, a short distance from Bonvillars. You can also find hiking routes that incorporate the castle, such as the 'Grandson Castle – Scenic Forest Cycle Path loop'.

The castles in this region are often set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. Grandson Castle, for instance, offers views overlooking Lake Neuchâtel. The Yverdon-les-Bains Old Town area features a beautiful pedestrian zone and an unspoilt waterfront promenade, popular for walking and relaxing. The wider region includes the Jura landscape, offering scenic walks and views.

Beyond the more prominent sites, the municipality of Bonvillars itself is home to the **Château de Bonvillars**, also known as La Cour de Bonvillars. While not a sprawling fortress, its origins date back to at least the mid-15th century, with 16th-century loopholes still visible. It's known for the legendary 'Duke's Chamber' where Charles the Bold is believed to have spent a night. It offers a more intimate historical experience within the village. You can learn more about its history at swisscastles.ch.

The region can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring both the castles and the surrounding natural landscapes. Summer is also popular, especially for activities around Lake Neuchâtel. Some castles, like Grandson, may have specific reopening dates after renovations, so it's always best to check their current status. For example, Grandson Castle is scheduled to reopen on April 1, 2026, with new exhibitions.

Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. Near Yverdon-les-Bains Old Town, there are various cafes and restaurants, including a beach restaurant with a terrace near the sandy beaches. The Théâtre Benno Besson, which is close to the old town, even houses a friendly pizzeria with a terrace. For Grandson Castle, you can find cafes in the nearby town of Grandson.

Parking facilities are generally available near the main castle attractions. For Grandson Castle, there is parking in the town of Grandson. For the castles and historical sites within Yverdon-les-Bains Old Town, you will find public parking options within walking distance of the town center.

Yverdon-les-Bains Old Town is significant for its rich history, dating back 6000 years with evidence of primeval menhirs and Roman thermal baths. Its 13th-century castle, built by Peter of Savoy, now houses the Historical Museum of Yverdon and Region. The town is also known for its thermal spa tradition, utilizing sulfur and magnesium springs for healing and relaxation.

Yes, the region offers routes that combine natural beauty with historical sites. For example, the 'Grandson Castle – Scenic Forest Cycle Path loop' is a moderate 15 km route that allows you to experience the castle and its surroundings. You can find more such routes in the Hiking around Bonvillars guide.

Gorgier Castle, dating back to the mid-13th century, was historically a castle bailiwick belonging to the powerful Estavayer family. It offers a picturesque view from afar, especially of the Alps, and is a beautiful sight to behold. The road leading to the castle from the west and the climb on the south side through the forest make for a scenic approach.