Payerne is situated in La Broye valley in a rich and preserved countryside. This medieval hamlet developed around the Roman abbey church built in the 11th century, the largest in Switzerland. Founded by Cluny monks, this imposing building is perfectly preserved: the chevet and its five apses, its high nave and its sculpted canopies have not lost any of their millennial force.

In carnival time, Payerne is transformed. Les Brandons, which are straw torches on fire, gave their name to the three days and nights of celebrations: children’s procession, procession of floats and guggenmusik.

Offering a track of 850 m, Payerne boasts the largest indoor karting circuit. Karts and mini-motos are at the disposal of children from 6 years and up.

Recently opened to civilian aviation, Payerne aerodrome is the home of Solar Impulse, the plane that will fly around the globe on solar power, a Bertrand Piccard project.