Are you moving to Villars-sur-Ollon? Here’s a guide to sports facilities, groceries, schools, cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Known for its spectacular scenery and 100 km of ski slopes, Villars-sur-Ollon also offers many facilities to delight the whole family. Whether you’ve already made the move or are just looking for more information about the area’s attractions, here’s an overview of the must-visit places that contribute to the quality of life in Villars-sur-Ollon and its surroundings throughout the year.

In this article, we will cover the following topics:

• Sports and relaxation facilities
• Grocery stores
• Schools
• Coworking spaces
• Restaurants
• Bars

Sports and Relaxation Facilities

1. Villars Thermal Baths

For swimming and relaxation, Villars Thermal Baths welcome you in a unique setting. Open year-round, this aquatic center offers activities for the whole family with outdoor and indoor pools, as well as a relaxation area.

The outdoor section (heated between 33° and 36°C) includes a fun outdoor pool with a depth of 1.50m, a terrace, green spaces, a volleyball court, a ping-pong table, and a children’s playground.

For sports enthusiasts, the indoor area offers a 25-meter pool with five lanes.

To relax, the wellness area features two steam baths (45° and 50°C), two saunas (90°C), and a cold plunge pool. Personalized treatments (massage, scrubs, facial care, etc.) are available with a 48-hour advance booking.

Adress : Centre des Sports de Villars SA- Piscine et Patinoire, Route du Village 8 CP 173, 1884 Villars-sur-Ollon, CH
Contacts : +41 24 495 12 21 ou info-cds@villars.ch
Opening Hours: 9 am to 8 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 9 am to 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

2. Fitness Center 360

The Fitness Center 360 in Villars is located next to the skating rink and the Villars Thermal Baths. It offers a stunning 360° view of the mountains. It features various rooms equipped with professional bodybuilding equipment and daily classes conducted by certified coaches to ensure safety and progress in your sports practice.

• Circuit Training: A training program that involves regularly changing stations to optimize calorie expenditure and muscle recovery.
• Body Pump: A fitness class aimed at total body muscle strengthening, pre-choreographed.
• Spinning: High-intensity indoor cycling classes, with no impact on the joints.
• Stretching: Stabilizing the core muscles while providing flexibility and strength.
• CAF-FAB: Muscle strengthening classes targeting thighs-arms-abs-buttocks.
• Aqua Circuit: A fun aquatic circuit for working out.
• Aqua Bike: Cycling in water to refine your silhouette while taking care of your joints.
• Aqua Gym: Shallow water aquatic training that promotes physical resistance in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Pilates: A physical conditioning program that focuses on balance, flexibility, and muscle strengthening with particular attention to breathing.
• Yoga: Regardless of your level of flexibility or age, yoga is an open practice that brings serenity and balance to your daily life.

Adress : Rue du Village 8, 1884 Villars-sur-Ollon, Suisse
Contact : + 41 79 378 12 69 ou info-fitness360@villars.ch
Class Registration: Via the TechnoGym app using the code “cdsvillars”
Opening Hours: 7 am to 9 pm from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 9 pm on Saturday, and 9 am to 8 pm on Sunday.

3. Villars Golf Club

During the summer season, the Villars Golf Club offers an 18-hole, par 69 course at an altitude of 1660 meters with breathtaking views of the Alps.

Open daily from mid-May to mid-October, the club provides Welcome and Loyalty Cards for new participants or those wishing to learn the sport. These cards grant free access to the practice areas and a free golf initiation (reservation required at +41 24 495 42 14 or info@golf-villars.ch).

The Villars Golf Club restaurant, located at the start of the 18-hole course, offers world cuisine with local flair throughout the year. The menu changes with the seasons, featuring meat or fish specialties crafted by the restaurant’s two chefs, along with a reasonably priced wine list.

The golf course and its restaurant are accessible year-round by the Villars-Bretaye cogwheel train to the “Golf” stop, by car via the Col de la Croix road in summer, or by foot (winter hiking trail). In winter, it can be accessed by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

https://www.restaurantgolfvillars.ch/
https://golf-villars.ch/

Grocery Stores and Essentials

When it comes to everyday needs, Villars-sur-Ollon has all the essential shops, mostly located on Avenue Centrale.

For general grocery needs, the Coop Supermarket in Villars offers the products necessary for daily life.

Other specialized shops are located nearby for more specific needs.

La Laiterie Centrale, located directly opposite the supermarket, offers a wide selection of Swiss and other cheeses, sweets, and dairy products. They also sell the necessary utensils for cooking cheese dishes (engraved fondue pots, Alpine-themed mugs, cheese boards, typical Swiss raclonettes, cheese knives, and more). The dairy also offers raclette ovens and fondue pots for rent.

To complement cheese and other dishes, the Boucherie Erard, located at 45 Avenue Centrale, offers a wide selection of meats and artisanal charcuterie, carefully chosen for their quality and authentic taste. You will also find local products and specialties to enhance your meals in a gourmet way. This iconic butcher shop in Villars, for nearly 40 years, is renowned for its traditional expertise and personalized service. Whether for a simple barbecue or a gourmet meal, Boucherie Erard stands out for its high standards and dedication to authentic flavors.

The Marché du Terroir et des Saveurs, located at 27 Route des Layeux, is a café and wine bar with a grocery corner that offers a selection of local products (fresh produce, wine, meat, cheese, bread, biscuits, jam, honey, etc.).

Public and Private Educational Institutions

The municipalities of Ollon and Gryon host no less than 6 private and public schools that offer excellent education and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Villars is an ideal place to raise the younger generation, with a warm and welcoming community and a healthy and safe environment.

Primary and secondary school establishment of Ollon-Villars and Gryon (public school)

Ages: from 4 to 18 years
Boarding school: No
Day school: Yes
Number of students: 830
Employees: 120

The Ollon Villars Gryon public school comprises 45 classes, with approximately 830 students and 120 professionals spread across four sites. They are committed together to an inclusive school environment that promotes healthy and constructive values. Together, they organize, develop, make decisions, and enhance their skills to achieve their various objectives and overcome challenges every day. Team spirit is their strength, ally, and support.

In the canton of Vaud, the Concept 360 is emphasized and evolving. This concept ensures a comprehensive modeling of professional practices. The school is attractive not only due to its location but also due to its expertise in inclusion and innovative pedagogy for over 20 years now.

Their work and expertise are recognized by all their partners as well as by parents and political authorities.

https://www.ecoles-ollon.ch/

Collège Alpin Beau Soleil

Founded in 1910
Ages: from 11 to 18 years
Boarding school: Yes
Day school: No (upon request)
Annual fees: CHF 150,000-160,000.-
Number of students: 300 – no desired increase to maintain impeccable quality of education.
Employees: 180

The school focuses on the personal development of students, offering rigorous teaching in a stimulating learning environment. Students benefit from a comprehensive academic program leading to the International Baccalaureate, with courses in both English and French, as well as foreign language classes. A variety of extracurricular activity programs, including sports, mountain expeditions, arts, study trips, and community service projects are offered.

Beau Soleil College is also known for its attention to students, providing academic support to help students reach their full potential.

A boarding school accommodating 300 students from 50 different nationalities, in 6 boarding houses.

The +: One of the most prestigious private schools in the world!

https://www.beausoleil.ch/

La Garenne International School

Ages: from 4 to 18 years
Boarding school: Yes
Day school: Yes
Number of students: 170 (135 boarders, 35 day students)
Employees: 98
Annual fees: CHF 77,000-115,000 (boarding) / CHF 40,000 to 82,000 (day)

An innovative educational approach that focuses on experiential learning and personal development. Individualized teaching and an extremely diverse extracurricular activity program help students develop their sports, social, and self-confidence skills. Cinema, mountain expeditions, a ski and football academy, and even theater, absolutely all options are available.

A multilingual environment, with educational programs mainly taught in English. Intensive French instruction is also an integral part of the curriculum, as well as optional learning of German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Chinese in private lessons.

An integration program of 1 to 5 weeks available year-round to allow interested families to test the school. La Garenne also offers summer and winter camps that allow students to learn languages while having fun in the Vaud Alps.

The +: “The only private school in Villars that is family-owned and operated”!

https://www.la-garenne.ch/

Préfleuri – Ecole Alpine Internationale

Founded in 1948
Ages: from 3 to 13 years
Boarding school: Yes
Day school: Yes
Number of students: 86 (24 boarders – 62 day students)
Employees: 29
Annual fees: CHF 13,500 – 20,000 (day) / CHF 57,000 – 67,000 (boarding)

Pré Fleuri School offers a family-friendly and warm environment, with dedicated and passionate teachers who provide personalized instruction to meet the individual needs of students.

A comprehensive curriculum, with particular emphasis on foreign language learning, as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and study trips.

A skiing program, offering students the opportunity to practice their favorite sport while developing self-confidence and teamwork skills.

Classes limited to 6 to 12 students.

Highly popular summer and winter camp programs.

The +: The choice between a French section and an English section following the official British curriculum, for students aged 5 to 13.

https://prefleuri.ch/

Aiglon Collège

Founded in 1949
Ages: from 7 to 18 years
Boarding: Yes
Day School: Yes
Number of students: Primary School (Ages 7-13): 70 students – Secondary School (Ages 14-18): 370 students.
Annual Fees: CHF 45,000 to CHF 140,000 for full boarding.

Located in a stimulating learning environment, the school has state-of-the-art facilities and focuses on academic excellence, community engagement, and personal development.

Aiglon College stands out for its diverse community, bringing together students from 65 different nationalities and speaking 23 distinct languages. It is also noteworthy that 85% of students reside on campus. The Aiglon College curriculum allows students to obtain various diplomas, including the Secondary School Diploma, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the Pre-IB Certificate, and the Cambridge ICE Diploma.

Students at Aiglon College are both challenged in the classroom and enriched through quality expeditions that are an integral part of the educational program. In addition, a wide range of extracurricular activities is offered, allowing students to acquire essential life skills and flourish personally. This also allows students to have unforgettable experiences, to excel, to develop leadership skills, while also having the chance to discover the beauty of Switzerland.

Students are encouraged to participate in concrete actions towards the local community, as well as to take part in more distant trips such as to Cambodia and Africa to help people living in less fortunate countries and to exchange with them. Cultural visits to European cities are also an integral part of the students’ curriculum to enrich their knowledge. The purpose of these actions is to provide our students with service opportunities, in line with the school’s values, and to offer them a diverse and comprehensive education.

The +: Aiglon College is a non-profit institution that prioritizes the student experience. The school reinvests its profits for the benefit of current and future students.

https://www.aiglon.ch/

Villars Palace Academy

Founded in 2021
Ages: From 18 years old
Boarding: Yes
Day School: Upon request
Number of students: 30
Employees: 6
Fees: CHF 60,500 for the 24-month program in Hotel Administration

The Villars Palace Academy is located at the heart of the Villars Alpine Resort hotel complex. This group currently comprises four hotels (Villars Palace, Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel & Spa, Villars Lodge, and Victoria Hotel & Residence) and combines traditional hospitality with a training center.

It is an innovative concept of a learning platform in collaboration with the EHL (EHL Hospitality Business School). This exclusive partnership combines the “VET by EHL” program (Vocational Education & Training) with unique content designed by the Villars Palace Academy team to train future professionals in hotel administration.

Upon completion of the two-year program, culminating in final exams, students receive a Professional Diploma in Hotel Administration certified “VET by EHL,” enabling them to directly access careers in hospitality and tourism.

The Villars Palace Academy welcomes students from various backgrounds, but primarily those from more disadvantaged backgrounds; they are supported by various partner foundations or by private sponsors/donors.

The +: Offering a fully-funded comprehensive VET by EHL professional training to talented disadvantaged youth from rapidly growing tourist countries.

www.villarspalaceacademy.ch

Coworking Spaces

With the COVID crisis, the working habits of the population in the Vaud region have changed drastically. The proportion of active workers in Vaud working from home on a regular or occasional basis has increased to 42%, compared to a quarter before the health crisis.

To meet the growing demand for flexible workspace from freelancers and remote workers seeking to access workspaces outside their homes, coworking spaces have appeared throughout the region. Villars-sur-Ollon is no exception and now offers two spaces, both located on the village’s Avenue Centrale.

Kaly Café

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this cozy café-bar offers an exceptional view of the Vaud Alps and is located at 118 Avenue Centrale. The establishment offers specialty coffee and a menu exploring world flavors, all within an eco-friendly approach. It’s the perfect spot for working a few hours occasionally while enjoying a coffee or a homemade treat.

Visit Kaly Café

Coworking Villars

For those who need a more regular collaborative workspace and want to join a community of entrepreneurs and freelancers passionate about the mountains, the Coworking Villars, located at 115 Avenue Centrale, offers 12 places and 2 meeting rooms in an optimal work environment.

Three options:

1. 10-Day Pack for occasional use during opening hours (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
2. Resident Entrepreneur for unlimited access to a fixed desk. Access 24/7.
3. Private Office for one or two people, with included business registration. Access 24/7.

Meeting rooms can accommodate up to 17 people from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are open to everyone, but regular coworking users (Resident Entrepreneur and Private Office) receive a 50% discount. The rooms remain available for rent even when the coworking space is full.

For more information about the coworking space: Visit Coworking Villars

Restaurants

Le Vieux Villars

A typical family restaurant with three atmospheres across three floors: calm and modern on the first, lively in the bar area upstairs, or typical Swiss in the “carnotzet” (a small converted cellar) next to the fireplace. The restaurant offers meat, fish, and its signature dishes: wood-fired raclette and fondue. Regional wines. Vegetarians are welcome.

• Hours: Open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily except Tuesday.
• Price range: 27 CHF – 66 CHF
• Address: Route des Hôtels 16, 1884 Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland
• Reservations: +41 24 495 25 25
• Website: Le Vieux Villars

 

L’Alpe Fleurie

The restaurant of the hotel with the same name, located in the center of Villars, has two beautiful terraces facing south and east, with a stunning view of the Dents du Midi.

• Cuisine: Gourmet, varied, and seasonal, with local products.
• Hours from May 23: Open daily except Wednesday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. for lunch and from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. for dinner.
• Price range: 18 CHF – 52 CHF
• Address: Avenue Centrale 148, 1884 Ollon, Switzerland
• Reservations: +41 24 496 30 70, info@afhr.ch
• Website: L’Alpe Fleurie

Bars

Here are a few options to enjoy the festive atmosphere in Villars.

Dates at the Villars Palace Bar

The bar at Villars Palace will welcome you in a vintage setting every day of the season, starting from June 8. This historic village bar offers a vintage ambiance, a terrace, views, and signature cocktails. Enjoy a DJ every Friday and Saturday from 6:30 p.m., and daily between July 26 and August 10.

• Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday
• Address: Route des Hôtels 28, 1884 Villars-sur-Ollon, CH
• Website: Villars Palace

Bar and restaurant Les Mazots du clos

Bar of the luxurious hotel of the same name. This lounge bar has become a leading venue on the music and festive scene in Villars-sur-Ollon, offering live music concerts, themed evenings, and stand-up comedy nights.

• Address: 85 Avenue Centrale, Villars-sur-Ollon, 1884
• Website: Les Mazots du Clos

Planning to move to Villars-sur-Ollon?