Vaud canton in Switzerland with the capital of Lausanne, borders
France in the west and is roughly between Lake Geneva, Lake Neuchatel, the Jura
Mountains and the Bernese Alps. The population is French-speaking and mainly
Protestant.
Originally occupied by Celts, the region was conquered by the Romans in 58
BC. Under Roman rule many towns achieved great prosperity, particularly
Avenches. Vaud passed to the Franks in the 6th century and was under the rule of
Transjurane Burgundy from 888 to 1032 AD. It subsequently was subjected in part
to the prince-bishops of Lausanne and to the counts of Savoy. In 1536, it was
conquered by Bern and forced to accept Reformation. In 1798, having revolted
against its Bernese rulers under the leadership of Frederic Cesar de La Harpe,
it became the canton of Leman in the Helvetic Republic. In 1803, it joined the
Swiss Confederation under its present name.
Cereals, tobacco and other crops are grown. Wine is produced in the large,
fertile region at the centre of the canton near Lake Geneva. There are
watchmaking towns in the west; other towns are known for their chocolate, metal
products and cigars. Montreux and Vevey are among its numerous resorts.
Air Tickets Online -
