Chessel between the Rhône Route and Romanesque heritage

Chessel combines Romanesque heritage with the Rhône Route and scenic landscapes. Different aspects can take centre stage when planning your trip: Saint-Nicolas brings together architecture and frescoes, the Via Rhodania places the town on a stage along the right bank of the Rhône, and golf, cycling and horse riding appeal to different activity interests. The history of the Rhône plain, shaped by the Grand-Canal, is another part of the picture.

The Grand-Canal and mountain scenery

The Grand-Canal runs through Chessel and was built from 1914 onwards to drain the Rhône plain. Its purpose links the watercourse to the history of the landscape. The Grammont, Rochers-de-Naye and Berneuse shape the scenery around Chessel; the Dents-du-Midi and Dent-de-Morcles can be seen in the background. The named mountains and the peaks in the background offer different points of reference in the surrounding area.

Saint-Nicolas: building history and frescoes

The Romanesque Church of Saint-Nicolas is classified as a national historic monument. It stands on foundations dating back to the 10th century, while the church building was constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries. One of its features typical of the region is a masonry spire—the uppermost part of the tower. Inside, there are fragments of 15th-century frescoes. The church brings together several distinct periods: early foundations, a medieval building and later pictorial fragments.

The lighting is also part of the church’s appearance: installed in the 1980s, it illuminates Saint-Nicolas every night. A visit focused on history can therefore take in the architecture, the frescoes and the nighttime lighting, although these aspects do not all date from the same period.

The Rhône Route and Via Rhodania

A route from Aigle through Chessel to the mouth of the Rhône and onwards to Bouveret passes through Chessel. It is the twelfth stage of the Via Rhodania and follows the right bank of the Rhône downstream. The Aigle–Bouveret Rhône Route is rated technically easy. This rating describes the technical difficulty; the reference to the “twelfth stage” places the other route description within the sequence of the Via Rhodania. The details therefore answer different questions about the tour: one concerns its technical rating, the other its stage sequence and direction along the river.

Golf, cycling and horse riding

The Golf Club Les Coullaux has a 9-hole golf course at the foot of the Alps, on the banks of the Rhône. The club describes views of the Alpine mountains. Beginners and experienced golfers can play here; the club also hosts competitions, whose dates may vary. The course size, the views and the playing options mentioned give you several specific details to consider if golf is one of your travel interests.

The area of the municipality of Chessel is also suitable for cycling and horse riding. These activities differ from golf in nature, but both take place within the municipality. So if you are planning your trip around a particular interest, you can consider the route along the Rhône, the golf course, and the cycling or riding options separately rather than treating them as a single offering.

Playground and activities for children

Chessel’s activities for children also include the Poney Ranch. There is a public playground in Parc de l’Ouchettaz, next to the municipal building and the church. These are two different options for families: the Poney Ranch as part of the children’s offering, and a public place to play in the park. The playground’s location can also be combined with a visit to the church area.

Discover more destinations: Lavey-Les-Bains, Leysin, Lavey-Morcles, Les Mosses, Bex, Yvorne, Gryon, Ollon Vd

For the main travel overview: Aigle.