Villars: Weekend ideas for a summer getaway
Article updated on 26.07.26
The Villars region is a wonderful destination for a weekend combining cycling, hiking, great food, and a mountain stay.
Over two days, we rode from Villars to Solalex by e-bike via Bretaye and the picturesque hamlet of Taveyanne, before exploring the surrounding mountains on foot.
One of the great advantages of the region is that most activities are accessible to everyone. Whether it’s your first e-bike adventure, a family hike, or simply a relaxing weekend in the mountains, the trails allow you to discover the Alps at your own pace.
Here are a few ideas to help you plan a summer weekend in the Villars region.
How to get to Villars ?
Villars-sur-Ollon is easily accessible by both car and public transport.
If you’re travelling by car, you can park at the Roc d’Orsay gondola parking area. If you’re renting bikes as we did, Sport’s House is about a 10-minute walk away.
View the parking on Google Maps
View Sport’s House on Google Maps
You can also reach Villars by train from Aigle in just 35 minutes.
Enjoy an E-Bike ride between Villars and Solalex
📍 Villars → Bretaye → Taveyanne → Solalex
🚵 16 km
⛰️ +531 m | -877 m
🚲 E-bike rental at Sport’s House Villars
To discover the region by bike, this route links Villars to Solalex via Bretaye and the charming hamlet of Taveyanne.
The adventure starts in Villars, where several shops rent bicycles. We chose an electric gravel bike and an electric mountain bike from Sport’s House before taking the train up to Bretaye.
From there, the route crosses alpine meadows to Taveyanne before descending to Solalex, at the foot of the impressive Miroir d’Argentine. Along the way, you’ll enjoy constantly changing scenery, alternating between forests and open pastures.
The route is suitable for electric gravel bikes, electric mountain bikes, and, for more experienced riders, regular gravel or mountain bikes.
Keep in mind that if a climb feels too steep or a section too technical, there’s absolutely no shame in getting off and pushing your bike for a few metres. Even experienced cyclists do it, and it’s the best way to enjoy the ride safely 😉.
The Route on Swisstopo
You can find the route on Swisstopo below.
If you’re using a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Discover Saype's giant artworks
Every summer, the hills above Villars become home to giant artworks created by Saype.
Painted directly onto the grass using biodegradable paint, these monumental frescoes evolve with the weather and gradually disappear after a few weeks.
In summer 2026, two artworks can be admired: one near L’Aiguille and another close to the Villars Golf Course.
The Aiguille fresco
The first fresco is located between Roc d’Orsay and Bretaye. There are two ways to discover it.
The first option is to take the train to Bretaye, then ride the Grand Chamossaire chairlift, which offers a panoramic view of the artwork from above.
The second option is to take the Roc d’Orsay gondola, then follow the hiking trail down to Bretaye, where you can admire the fresco from a different perspective. From there, you can continue to the Grand Chamossaire by chairlift, where the elevated viewpoint reveals the artwork from a completely different angle.
Whichever option you choose, we highly recommend taking the chairlift up and back. Viewing the fresco from above allows you to fully appreciate its scale and details, almost as if you were seeing it from a drone.
The Golf fresco
The second artwork is located near the Villars Golf Course, close to hole number 5.
There are two ways to reach it. The first is to walk from Bretaye to the Golf Restaurant via the road (rather than the hiking trail). The second is to take the train to the Golf stop and walk a few minutes to the restaurant.
From the Golf Restaurant terrace, you can admire the artwork while enjoying a meal or a drink.
Saype artwork hike on Swisstopo (2026)
You can find the route linking both Saype artworks on Swisstopo below.
If you’re using a mobile device, you can open it directly in the Swisstopo app by clicking here.
Try the Balanc'AIR swing
One of the highlights of summer 2026 is the brand-new Balanc’AIR, a giant swing installed at the summit of Grand Chamossaire at 2,110 metres above sea level.
Facing the Vaud Alps, it offers the unique sensation of swinging above the mountains.
The Balanc’AIR will also remain accessible during winter, providing a completely different experience surrounded by snowy landscapes.
Access is free with all TVGD transport passes and with the Magic Pass.
You can use the swing without a reservation, subject to availability. To guarantee a specific time slot, reservations are also available for CHF 8 per person.
Where to stay in Villars ?
Hôtel du Miroir d'Argentine
Just 15 minutes from Villars, Hôtel du Miroir d’Argentine in Solalex is an excellent place to spend one or several nights in the heart of the Vaud Alps.
The hotel features only eight rooms, each with its own unique layout and décor. Inspired by the world of mountains and climbing, the atmosphere combines authenticity, comfort, and elegance.
Its peaceful location offers breathtaking views of the Miroir d’Argentine.
The hotel also stands out for its warm hospitality. The team pays attention to every detail, from a personalised welcome note signed by each staff member to the opportunity to send a complimentary postcard to friends or family.
The on-site restaurant showcases seasonal ingredients and regional specialities.
And as a bonus, the hotel is dog-friendly, making it a great choice if you’re travelling with your four-legged companion.
Where to eat in Villars ?
Refuge de Taveyanne
Located in the heart of the historic hamlet of Taveyanne, Refuge de Taveyanne is a perfect stop for lunch during a hike or a bike ride.
This charming village of traditional Vaud Alpine chalets has one remarkable feature: it is still not connected to the electricity grid, giving it a timeless and authentic atmosphere.
The menu highlights mountain specialities such as fondue, wood-fired raclette, charcoal-grilled meats, and homemade tarts. The restaurant proudly carries the “Fait Maison” (Homemade) label.
The refuge is also known for its warm welcome. Sarah, Jean-Rodolphe, and their team always take the time to chat with visitors and create the friendly atmosphere that makes the place so popular.
The refuge is open from mid-June until early September (closed on Tuesdays).
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Refuge de Solalex
Nestled at the foot of the Miroir d’Argentine, Refuge de Solalex is one of the Vaud Alps’ iconic mountain refuges.
It combines a restaurant and several guest rooms in one of the region’s most spectacular settings.
The restaurant serves seasonal cuisine and Swiss specialities prepared with local ingredients.
Its spacious terrace overlooks the Miroir d’Argentine, making it the perfect place to relax after a hike or a walk through the valley.
The refuge also offers several rooms, allowing guests to spend the night surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and fully experience the peaceful atmosphere of Solalex.
A Weekend surrounded by nature in the Vaud Alps
Villars is an ideal destination for a summer weekend in the mountains.
Between e-bike rides, scenic hikes, Saype’s temporary artworks, the Balanc’AIR swing, and the excellent addresses in Taveyanne and Solalex, the region offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Alps.
One of Villars’ greatest strengths is its accessibility. The routes are suitable for families, beginners discovering mountain biking or hiking, as well as anyone looking to enjoy spectacular scenery and excellent infrastructure at a relaxed pace.
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