Corcelles-le-Jorat: Trails and Village History

Corcelles-le-Jorat lies between the Bressonne Valley and the Bois du Jorat. There are several ways to plan a stay: the Sentier Handicap et Nature, horseback rides and carriage rides in the Jorat, the village’s history, and regional products. You can shape your time here around your interests—with a walk outdoors, a cultural stop, or a visit to local vendors.

Landscape and Trails in the Jorat

The settlement lies at an altitude of 786 metres in a hollow formed by the Ruisseau de Corcelles, on the eastern slope of the Jorat plateau in the Vaud Mittelland. Most of the hamlets are located at elevations of 850 to 900 metres and offer unobstructed views of the Alps. The municipality’s wooded Jorat heights include Bois Faucon and Bois Vuacoz. At 927 metres, Bois Vuacoz is the highest point in Corcelles-le-Jorat. These elevation figures distinguish the settlement’s location from the higher-lying hamlets and woodland areas.

The Sentier Handicap et Nature is five kilometres long and accessible to wheelchair users. It is open year-round and free of charge. The route runs between Villars-Tiercelin, Corcelles-le-Jorat and Peney-le-Jorat; along the way, there are observation points and activity areas for people with disabilities and their companions. Its length gives you a useful point of reference when planning an outing, while the stations along the route provide additional places to stop. The trail passes through varied woodland and offers views of the Jura range and the Pre-Alps. Check the trail’s current condition before setting out.

Another way to experience the Jorat is with La Calèche de Pierrot. The offer includes horseback rides and carriage rides through the Jorat and is aimed at families and visitors interested in nature. This gives you a choice of different ways to get around the Jorat, in addition to the trail.

Village History and Church

The château at the southern entrance to the village dates from the second half of the 18th century. It was built as a country residence for Louise de Corcelles, née de Saussure and wife of Polier. Its location at the village entrance and its recorded function as a country residence give the building a specific place in local history.

The church also offers a glimpse of different periods: the present church building was erected in 1725 at a new, higher location. Louis Rivier’s stained-glass work from 1932 comprises two windows and four medallions. Taken together, these details show how the building’s history and its later artistic decoration belong to different periods.

A time for reflection, meditation and music is offered in the church on the last Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. If you would like to include this in your stay, check the latest event details in advance.

Regional Products and Seasonal Events

The Laiterie de Corcelles-le-Jorat invites you to buy Gruyère AOP and sample artisanal yoghurt. The shop also stocks dairy products and a selection of regional specialities. Opening hours and product availability may change, so check what is currently available before your visit.

Recurring events in the village include wine tastings with sales at the Grande Salle. They take place annually on the first Saturday in May and December. As the dates may be important for planning your trip, it is a good idea to confirm them before travelling. This lets you plan around the tastings without confusing them with the landscape and trail information, which is available year-round.

Getting There and Orientation

Corcelles-le-Jorat lies on the road between Oron and Echallens and near the Lausanne–Moudon transport corridor. Two PostBus routes connect the village with Lausanne and Moudon. Check the current timetable before travelling, as routes and connections can change. Road access and public transport are different points of reference for your journey: one describes the village’s location on the road network, the other its PostBus connections.

Discover more destinations: Chevroux, Vully-Les-Lacs, Mur VD, Cremin, Vers-Chez-Perrin, Payerne, Dompierre VD, Cudrefin.

For the broader travel overview: Broye-Vully.