Overview

Aigle district is an administrative unit in the southwestern canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It occupies territory that links the lakeshore of Lake Geneva with alpine valleys and foothills. The district contains a mix of market towns, vineyard terraces, thermal springs and mountain villages; its seat and largest town is the town of Aigle.

Geography and municipalities

The landscape ranges from lakeside plains and cultivated slopes to steep alpine pastures and small high-altitude basins. Valley roads and regional railways provide connections between communities, while many villages act as gateways to hiking, skiing and wine routes. The district includes the following municipalities; for an administrative listing see the municipal list:

History and development

Settlement in the area dates back to medieval times and earlier, with market towns and castle sites shaping local administration and trade. Vine terraces and farming communities developed on south-facing slopes while alpine pasture systems persisted at higher elevations. Over the 19th and 20th centuries improved transport and the growth of leisure travel brought visitors to thermal springs and mountain resorts, altering local economies and infrastructure.

Economy and tourism

The district's economy is diverse. Viticulture and small-scale agriculture remain important on the lower slopes and around towns such as Yvorne and Aigle. Thermal baths around Lavey-Morcles and wellness facilities attract health tourism. Alpine villages like Leysin and Gryon are known for year-round mountain recreation, including hiking and winter sports. Lakeside communities such as Villeneuve and Noville provide access to boating and lakeshore leisure.

Transport, services and culture

Regional rail lines, local mountain railways and an integrated road network link valley settlements with larger Swiss transport systems. Local services include schools, health facilities and cultural sites, such as the castle in Aigle and winery routes that highlight the district's viticultural heritage. Traditional festivals, markets and outdoor events reflect the mixed agricultural and alpine character of the area.

Environment and land use

Land use balances agriculture, settlement and nature conservation. Vineyards and cultivated terraces occupy prominent slopes, while forests and alpine meadows support biodiversity and seasonal grazing. Management of natural hazards, sustainable tourism and protection of water resources are ongoing priorities for local authorities and communities in the district.