Château d'Aigle

About the museum

Aigle Castle probably developed at the end of the 12th century as a seat of the knights of Aigle. After Bern conquered the region in 1475, it was partially destroyed and subsequently rebuilt as a defended residence of the Bernese governors; its present appearance essentially dates from this time. After the Vaud Revolution of 1798, it passed to the municipality of Aigle and served from 1804 to 1972 as a courthouse and prison, until 1916 also as a poorhouse.

The museum dates back to the wine brotherhood Confrérie du Guillon, which since the 1950s wanted to create a house for the Vaud wine and viticulture heritage. The Musée vaudois de la vigne et du vin was founded in 1971, and in 1975 moved to the restored castle; in 2004, the International Label Museum collection with over 400,000 wine labels was added. More than 10,000 objects from viticulture and winemaking are part of the collection.

Since 2010, the house has been understood as an idea museum: the exhibition is interactive and playful and addresses landscape, biodiversity, taste education, ecology, economics and festival culture around wine. Additionally, special exhibitions showcase parts of the collection, especially the labels. Several castle halls are rented for celebrations and seminars.

Highlights

• Medieval castle in the middle of the vineyards
• Interactive exhibition on wine growing and wine in seven stations
• Unique label collection worldwide with over 400,000 pieces
• Presses, equipment and historic wine cellars
• Restaurant La Pinte du Paradis with terrace
• Tastings and family activities on request

Permanent exhibitions

• Musée de la vigne, du vin, de l'étiquette – Interactive exhibition in seven stations on wine growing, winemaking, landscape and enjoyment, with presses, equipment, wine cellar and label room.
• Schloss Aigle – Tour through the medieval castle, former residence of the knights of Aigle and Bernese governors, with halls and towers.

Founded

1971

Admission & discounts

Admission applies to castle and museum together.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The castle is not accessible for people with limited mobility (stairs and cobblestone). Dogs not allowed inside.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family price on admission. For children (groups from 10, 6 to 10 years) there is a treasure hunt through castle and museum on reservation, the 'Laboratoire de l'Enchanteur' and birthday parties. The exhibition is interactive and playfully designed.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant La Pinte du Paradis with terrace; boutique with wines from regional vintners.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 200 guests.

Four halls for weddings, conferences and banquets: Salle des Audiences (30–40 people), Salle des Gouverneurs (40–80), Salle des Communes (50–200) and Salle des Excellences (50–200, in the former tithe barn Maison de la Dîme).

Plan your visit