Canton of Vaud, Administrative division in southwestern Switzerland
The Canton of Vaud is an administrative division in southwestern Switzerland that spreads across three different landscapes: the Jura Mountains in the northwest, the rolling hills and lakes of the Plateau, and the Alpine range in the southeast. It includes the capital city Lausanne, the lakeside towns of Montreux and Vevey, and many smaller communities in the mountains and flatlands.
The territory was originally home to the Celtic Helvetii people before falling under Roman control in 58 BC, when important settlements like Aventicum and Lausonium were established or expanded. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the area changed hands between Burgundian and Savoyard rulers until Bern conquered it in 1536, and it only became a separate canton within the Swiss Confederation in 1803.
The French-speaking area is home to terraced vineyards along the lakeshore, where winemakers have cultivated Chasselas grapes for centuries and welcome visitors to tasting cellars throughout the year. In the towns and villages, you often find brasserias serving regional dishes such as Papet Vaudois, a warming plate of potatoes, leeks and local sausage.
The area is well connected by trains and highways to Geneva, Zurich and the French border, making it easy to move between lakeside cities and mountain villages. Many places along the shore and across the lowlands can also be reached by public buses and boats, while the higher elevations often have cable cars and hiking trails.
The summit of Les Diablerets rises to 3210 meters (10531 feet) and holds glaciers that remain visible even in summer, with parts accessible by cable car for year-round visits. Near the town of Nyon, you can still see Roman remains including columns and foundations that stand in the town center today.
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