Mex: Church, Châteaux and Hiking Stage

Mex is in the canton of Vaud and the Gros-de-Vaud district. The village’s history comes to life at the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Church and the two châteaux; there are also historic gardens and a section of the Tour du Gros-de-Vaud. If you are considering Mex as a destination for a hotel stay, these different features may help you decide: architectural history and gardens are set alongside a route across the plain.

Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Church

The parish church, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, was first mentioned as a parish church in 1228. It became Protestant in 1570; ten years later, it was rebuilt as a simple temple. The Temple of Mex is considered the oldest surviving Protestant building in French-speaking Switzerland. The dates mark distinct milestones: its early mention as a parish church, the transition to Protestantism, and the subsequent rebuilding.

Two châteaux, distinct architectural styles

The Château d’En-Bas is a three-storey building from the 16th century. Its corner tower contains an Italian-style staircase. Its south façade, remodeled in 1652, is considered unique in the canton of Vaud and features both Italian and French influences. The Château d’En-Haut has two storeys; its present U-shaped layout dates from 1782. The complex also includes an outbuilding, probably dating from the 17th century. The number of storeys, floor plan, and staircase in the corner tower give each building its own architectural features.

Glacis, hill and gardens

At the foot of the Château d’En-Haut, the glacis meets the upper plateau; the area includes meadows and orchards. A wooded hill rises above the centre of Mex. These landscape features complement the historic architecture with open spaces and a wooded ridge.

A historic garden features an oval basin, bordered to the south by a dense hedge. In front of the outbuilding adjoining the Château d’En-Haut to the east is a small geometric garden in the French style. This describes both the shape of the basin and the location and design of the small garden.

Local tradition

According to legend, the inhabitants of Mex were called “foulx.” The name is linked to the former cultivation of chestnuts and the word “fouis” for the fruit’s husk. This tradition connects a local nickname with former cultivation and a local word.

Hiking stage through Mex

Stage 3 of the Tour du Gros-de-Vaud runs from Cossonay-Penthalaz via Vufflens-la-Ville and Mex to Sullens. The entire stage is listed as 13.75 kilometres long, with an approximate duration of three hours and 40 minutes. This distance and time apply to the whole stage, not just the section through Mex.

On the section through Mex, the trail crosses a wide plain along an agricultural track, with the Château de Mex ahead of hikers. The sequence of stops and the description of the local section answer two different planning questions: which places the full route connects and what the trail through Mex is like.

Public transport

Four public transport stops are listed for Mex; there is no rail connection. The connection is listed as bus or other public transport. Check the latest timetable information for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Montilliez, Fey, Goumoens-La-Ville, Oppens, Goumoens-Le-Jux.

Return to the regional travel overview: Gros-De-Vaud.