Le Sentier des Huguenots
AN INTERNATIONAL ITINERARY FOLLOWED BY THE HUGUENOTS
In 1685, an era of persecution began after the King of France, Louis XIV, revoked the Edict of Nantes. Two hundred thousand Huguenots sought refuge in the Protestant lands of Europe and around the world. Many left the Dauphiné in France, where the revocation was well enforced, and headed towards Geneva and then Germany, where they were welcomed and could start new colonies. The people from the Piedmont valleys (where the revocation was respected) exiled themselves as well and followed the same path.
This 1,600 km international trail ( "Sur les Pas des Huguenots" ) follows the historical path taken during this exile. Starting in Poet Laval, in the Drôme department in France, this trail crosses Geneva, Switzerland, Baden-Württemberg and Hesse in Germany, going all the way to Bad Karlshafen.
The German section of the trail leads near numerous Huguenot settlements. The trail "Via Valdesi", which comes out of the Piedmont valleys, joins the path taken by the Huguenots near the Swiss border.
In addition to being an interesting and educational trail that offers a glimpse of the Protestants' cultural heritage (through short thematic holidays, daily visits, and free or guided tours), this trail also tries to support the local economies.
THE THEME
While the project, "Sur les Pas des Huguenots", is based on the major historical event that is the exile of thousands of French Huguenots to Switzerland and Germany due to religious intolerance, it also focuses on both modern times and the future.
This focus on historical and contemporary events hopes to develop the awareness of people around the world on the important issues of religious intolerance and exile, which are still relevant to this day.
AND IN SWITZERLAND ?
The route crosses Switzerland from Geneva to Schaffhausen and is called "In the footsteps of the Huguenots and Vaudois of Piedmont".
Four days is the time it takes to walk the 76 km of the Huguenot Trail in the Vaud region.
From Morges, where the refugees landed, the path leads into the countryside along the streams to reach the shores of Lake Neuchâtel in Yverdon-les-Bains. A stop in the hollow of the hills and we admire the Romanesque style of the abbey church of Romainmôtier.
ADDRESSES OF REASONABLY PRICED ACCOMMODATION
Nyon Hostel
Youth Hostel
Ch. des Plantaz 47 - 1260 Nyon
022/888.12.60
Maison de la Rivière
Dormitories
Ch. du Boiron 2 - 1131 Tolochenaz
021/546.20.60
Gîte de la Venoge
Rue du village - 1304 Dizy
078/949.45.05
Gîte Hermitage
Rue du bourg 9 - 1323 Romainmôtier
079/535.88.04 - 079/359.09.21
Chambres d'hôte, chez Caroline Kohler
Rue du collège 12 - 1400 Yverdon-les-bains
024/426.13.71
Carte du sentier des Huguenots - Vaud (©Sur les pas des Huguenots)
Carte du sentier des Huguenots - Europe (©Sur les pas des Huguenots)
Bord lac Morges (MRT)
373.51333618164
In the footsteps of the Huguenots
Four days is the time it takes to walk the 76 km of the Huguenot Trail in Vaud. At the time, the valley of the Broye was a corridor which could easily be blocked. The Bernese insisted and ordered that the passage be made elsewhere. In Lausanne, which had seven thousand inhabitants at the end of the 17th century, two thousand refugees had to be fed and housed. The population was reluctant. From Morges, where the refugees landed, the road goes into the countryside following the streams to reach the shores of Lake Neuchâtel in Yverdon-les-Bains. In the valley of the hills, you can admire the Romanesque style of the Romainmôtier Abbey.
This route is a tribute to these refugees. Secular and interfaith, it is a path of tolerance you can follow, which opens your eyes on history.
Carte du sentier des Huguenots - Europe (©Sur les pas des Huguenots)
Carte du sentier des Huguenots - Vaud (©Sur les pas des Huguenots)
La baie de l'église à Morges (© Hermann Vanessa)
527.65362548828
Aubonne Castle
The castle of Aubonne was built before 1197. It develops into a citadel, then into a fortified castle.
The fortress stands on a hill overlooking the town and the Aubonne ravine.
The castle was acquired in 1670 by Jean-Baptiste Tavernier. He kept his property for nearly thirty years, and finally sell it to Henri Duquesne.
The last renovation of the castle, owned by the municipality, lasted eight years and ended in 1988. It is currently listed as a Swiss cultural property of national importance and today it is a secondary school with several public rooms.
Aubonne (©SachaFehlmann)
Aubonne Castle (©Commune d'Aubonne)
398.7131652832
Saint-Prex
The medieval town with its Grand-Rue leading to the clock tower is most charming. Especially appreciable are the different fountains of the town as well as their wrought-iron tags. Guides tours are available on request.
The remainders of the city wall and the clock tower adorn proudly the entrance of the town which was built in 1234 under the patronage of the bishop of Lausanne. The town was built on the triangular peninsula in order to protect the continuously attacked population and to have the possibility to communicate with the guard of the cathedral in Lausanne by fire in case of an attack. Walls, drawbridges and trenches were built in these times.
There are several beaches in Saint-Prex, among them the “Bain des Dames” (Ladies’ Bath) and the “Bain des Hommes” (Men’s Bath). In the 19th century the labours went there to have a wash. The reason why two separate bath places were installed was the sense of shame of the people.
The medieval town of Saint-Prex is accessed by the Lake Geneva Navigation Company (CGN).
There are three paths starting at St-Prex: the Trail of the Lake, the Trail of the Trout and the Trail of the Patrimony (marked red-white).
The medieval atmosphere of the old town of Saint-Prex, its streets and its Romanic church glamorise the town and give it a very special atmosphere.
It must be pointed out that on the grounds of the commune of Saint-Prex 33 hectares of vineyards produce high-quality vine.
Baie de Saint Prex (© Marco Lopez)
Village de Saint Prex (© Marco Lopez)
Porte Saint Prex (© Yves Burdet)
(© Commune de St-Prex)
(© Commune de St-Prex)
373.58868408203
Morges Castle and its museums
Built in the 13th century by Louis of Savoy on the shore of Lake Geneva, Morges Castle now accommodates five museums.
The Military Museum presents 350 years of history. It focuses on locals from the Lake Geneva Region who went into Foreign Service, particularly Napoleon’s army, and also on military writers.
The Swiss Historic Figurine Museum shows historic reconstitutions of battlefields depicting military figurines dressed in warrior uniforms. The collection was put together by Raoul Gérard.
The Artillery Museum gives an overview of the history of cannons from the Burgundy wars to our time. 40 artillery devices and their projectiles illustrate this evolution.
The Police Museum, which was opened in 2006, tells the story of the Lake Geneva police corps founded in 1803. The police comprised 100 foot policemen, mainly locals who had fought in Napoleon’s army.
Situated in the old Bernois granary from 1991 to 2016, the Paderewski Museum is now established in the Morges Castle and displays a new design which is both modern and interactive. The renowned Polish pianist, composer and statesman Ignacy Jan Paderewski lived in Morges from 1897 until 1940, the year before his death. The museum brings memories of this musician and politician alive with the help of archived documents, a huge library, recordings and some of Paderewski's belongings. Discover his story, and learn how this pianist became a true hero of the Polish cause during his country's most difficult years.
If you visit the castle of Morges and its museums, do not hesitate to make a small detour to Prangins to discover its castle, its national museum and its charming village which received the prestigious Wakker Prize in 2021.
Château de Morges (© Grégoire Chappuis)
Ecran Musée Paderewski - Morges 2022©MathieuChollet (1)
Château de Morges expo permanente (© JulieMasson)
Château de Morges - expo permanente - Morges printemps 2022 (© MathieuChollet)
Château de Morges musée gendarmerie (© JulieMasson)
Musée de la figurine 2024 (© LéoProst)
Musée de la figurine 2024 (© LéoProst)
Cour du château_de_morges - soleil arbret automne (© SSCMJulieMasson)
Château de Morges (© SandrineLagnaz)
374.10510253906
Préverenges beach
It is a great place for the whole family where you will find everything you need: pedal boat, boat, canoe and kayak hire, but there is also a "L'Oued" refreshment bar, the Beach Restaurant, showers, toilets, a car park and 500 metres of coastline with shallow water up to 50 metres from the shore.
A small corner of paradise where everyone will find what they are looking for.
Access to the Beach of Préverenges: in the village, take the Avenue de Croix-de-Rive in direction of the Hotel de la Plage
Ile aux Oiseaux, Préverenges (Ile aux Oiseaux)
Préverenges (© Jacques Schmid)
565.17364501953
Commune de Cossonay
The town of Cossonay is situated at the ridge of a plateau about 130 metres above the valley of the Venoge river. The Venoge river means a lot to the inhabitants of Vaud – in 1954 it was eternalised by the famous poet and chansonnier Jean Villars-Gilles.
From far away one can spot the tower of the Protestant church that overtops the old town. The alleys of the old town invite the visitors for a stroll. A funicular, which was constructed in 1897, connects Cossonay town to Penthalaz-Cossonay train station.
In Cossonay there is also a nature protection area, called Etang du Sépey. Etang du Sépey is a hatchery for amphibians of national importance. Accommodating 14 of the 18 species of amphibians that are recorded in Switzerland, it is one of Switzerland’s richest protection areas.
(© MRT)
(© Gabrielle Tendon)
(© Tanniger)
510.10513305664
Tine de Conflens
The tumultuous waters of the Veyron and the Venoge have shaped canyons in the limestone rock of the Tine de Conflens. Beautiful waterfalls are visible. The Helvetians, contemporaries of the Romans, erected there a "chatelard", a fortified camp, of which the vestiges of the enclosure remain. A sign-posted path allows access to the bottom of the gorges where you can admire perfect "torrential pots" that "play" with the course of the water.
Let us note finally that the word Tine means Barrel and Conflens comes from the word confluence.
Visitors have several possibilities to reach the Tine de Conflens:
SBB train: stop at Gare de La Sarraz station, then walk to the Tine - approx. 40 minutes on foot
MBC bus n°760: stop Ferreyres La Tine, then walk to La Tine - approx. 20 minutes on foot (everyday)
Limited parking facilities
For visitors who do not have the possibility to take public transport; the car park of the Sarraz sports centre is to be preferred. It is about 25 minutes walk from the Tine de Conflens. Alternatively, there is a communal car park at Les Vignettes opposite the SBB railway station.
Tine de Conflens (© Raphaël Dupertuis)
Randonnée à pied Tine de Conflens La Sarraz (© Raphaël Dupertuis)
714.28668212891
Sources de la Venoge
A seventh source is a few metres to the east of Le Chauderon. It feeds the Venogette, a tributary of the Venoge. The space between these two rivers formed an "island", which probably gave the name to the village of L'Isle.
The main source, Le Chauderon, is located in the lower area of the City. It is a Vaucluse source. 700 m further upstream is Le Puits, which is in fact an overflow of Le Chauderon.
This source only comes into action during heavy rains or when the snow melts. At a still undetermined period, perhaps Roman, a dam was built to direct the water into canals located on either side of the river in order to irrigate the fields or bring water to an inhabited site.
Randonnée à pied sources de la Venoge L'Isle 2019 (© Raphaël Dupertuis)
Randonnée à pied sources de la Venoge L'Isle 2019 (© Raphaël Dupertuis)
Randonnée à pied sources de la Venoge L'Isle 2019 (© Raphaël Dupertuis)
663.53448486328
L'Isle Castle
Built in 1696 by Charles de Chandieu, the Château de l’Isle is a monument steeped in history. Originating from around 1700 during the classical era in France, this building greatly resembles that of the architectural movement of the time, where the Château de Versailles was built.
The, “La Vénoge” river has enabled the Château to benefit from a beautiful French garden, as well as a river basin bordered by two tree-lined paths. At first the Chandieu family lived in the old residence until the end of the 18th century. François Louis Roulet of Neuchâtel was the first to live there in the 19th century, and then it was handed down through marriage to the Cornaz Family of Montet Cudrefin.
In 1876, the commune of l’Isle bought and restored the château. Today it houses the municipal department of housing and classrooms. Since 1941, the château has been a listed building.
Château de L'Isle leaflet (Château de L'Isle)
Le Château de l'Isle (© Sacha Fehlmann)
Le Château de l'Isle (© Sacha Fehlmann)
Intérieur du Château (© MRT)
Le Château en automne (© Raymond Gruaz)
499.90689086914
La Sarraz Castle
From its construction until it was turned into a museum, La Sarraz Castle has always belonged to the barons of La Sarraz, unlike the majority of castles that pass from hand to hand. The fact that it still looks like a family home, decorated with furniture and works of art acquired over centuries, makes it a fascinating place to visit.
The interior expresses the ambiance and taste of generations of a patrician family. Precious furniture, silverware and rare china testify to a sophisticated dining style. These historic rooms can be rented for receptions, celebrations, balls and weddings.
In 1982, equestrian enthusiasts opened the Musée du Cheval in this historic setting. The collection includes Napoleon 1st’s saddles, the Grimsel mail coach and sculptures of horses, along with a presentation of the work of the farrier or veterinarian.
Guided tours :
By reservation (min. 1 week in advance) only. Available in French, Swiss-German, German and English. Duration approx. 1 hour. CHF 90.00 (up to a maximum of 25 people)
NEW ! CASTLE DOMAIN PASS - 2 MUSEUMS 1 TICKET (CASTLE OF LA SARRAZ AND HORSE MUSEUM)
Individuals:
Adults from 16 years old: CHF 20.00
AVS, AI, unemployed, student : CHF 13.00 (upon presentation of proof)
Children (6 to 16 years): CHF 9.00
Families (2 adults + 3 children): CHF 45.00
RATES Château de la Sarraz
Individuals
Adults over 16: CHF 13.00
AVS, AI, unemployed, student : CHF 9.00 (upon presentation of proof)
Children (6 to 16 years): CHF 5.00
Families (2 adults + 3 children): CHF 28.00
Groups of 15 people or more
Adults aged 16 and over: CHF 10.00
Children aged 6 to 15: CHF 4.00
SCHOOL GROUPS
Compulsory school
Children: CHF 4.00
Accompanying person: CHF 6.00
Post-compulsory school
Apprentice / Gymnasium: CHF 8.00
Accompanying person: CHF 10.00
Château La Sarraz - exposition permanente (©VincentHofer)
Château La Sarraz - exposition permanente (©VincentHofer)
Château La Sarraz - exposition permanente (©VincentHofer)
Château La Sarraz - exposition permanente (©VincentHofer)
Château La Sarraz - exposition permanente (©VincentHofer)
Chateau_La_Sarraz_1 (Simon Contreras)
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