Bonvillars: Wine, Educational Trails and Heritage

Bonvillars combines winegrowing with educational trails, truffle culture and rural heritage. The winegrowing region stretches between Lake Neuchâtel and the foothills of the Jura, at an altitude of 450 to 550 metres and mainly on slopes. This landscape shapes the character of the area and gives your trip several possible focuses: wine routes, a truffle visit, or insights into the history and nature around La Coudre.

Winegrowing and Local History

The history of the Cave des Viticulteurs de Bonvillars goes back to the founding of its predecessor: the Société des viticulteurs du district de Grandson was founded on 20 March 1943 by 18 winegrowers. In 1948, the Cave moved into its newly built premises in Bonvillars. Today, both the Cave des Viticulteurs and Domaine de la Boulaz produce wines that are sold directly on site. Visitors can also meet winegrowers, taste their wines and learn more about their passion for winegrowing.

The calcareous, gravel-rich soil contributes to the wines’ flavour and is credited with giving them their mineral character. Pinot Noir and other red grape varieties with pronounced tannins and distinctive aromas are grown here. If you are interested in regional cuisine as well as wine, Bonvillars offers a range of options: La Combaz has a restaurant on an alpine pasture that belongs to the municipality. La Sauvageraie offers preserves, jams, spices, medicinal plants and wine, among other products; truffles are available there seasonally.

Educational Trails and Wine Routes

The Balade à Fritzo is a 2.5-kilometre educational trail with an elevation gain of 60 metres and is considered accessible to everyone. Its themes range from vineyards and wine to the design of the winegrowing landscape, village architecture, wild nature and sacramental wine. The trail therefore combines winegrowing with insights into the surroundings and the village’s cultural life.

Another option is the Balade œnotouristique de Bonvillars AOC. It passes through the vineyards of Bonvillars AOC and the winegrowing villages of Champagne, Onnens, Corcelles-près-Concise and Concise. The Bonvillars AOC wine route is described as suitable for people with average physical fitness and for children who can walk independently. Its paved paths can be used with wheelchairs and pushchairs; however, some sections have a certain gradient. This information can help you choose between the different routes based on the route you want and your own needs.

Truffle Culture and Market

The Truffière didactique de Bonvillars is located on a 6,000-square-metre plot at the foot of the vineyard and offers a view across Lake Neuchâtel. The site is home to twelve tree species and more than 240 mycorrhizal trees, planting of which began in 2016. The educational site aims to share knowledge about truffles. A tour of around three hours includes a truffle hunt and a truffle aperitif with AOC wines from Bonvillars. Dates and booking options may change; check both when planning your tour.

The Marché aux truffes de Bonvillars takes place annually in La Cour. It brings together truffle growers, truffle hunters, processors, chefs and dog handlers, among others, as well as many truffle enthusiasts. Several kilograms of Swiss truffles are sold on site, and demonstrations are held. The exact date varies from year to year, and individual market activities may differ between editions.

Gardens and Heritage

La Coudre’s garden is divided by boxwood hedges into four beds: one brings together medicinal and poisonous plants, while the others are dedicated to dye plants, aromatic plants and vegetables. The self-service shop offers jams, honey, juices, walnut oil, syrups, herbal teas and AOC wines daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the product selection may vary seasonally. La Coudre is dedicated to rural heritage and offers numerous activities. The farm, ethnobotanical garden and historic orchard are freely accessible year-round. Check for any exceptional closures before visiting.

A menhir around three metres tall stands amid the vineyards. The village itself is also part of Bonvillars’ cultural profile: it is listed in the Swiss Federal Inventory of Heritage Sites of National Importance. If you want to combine the destination’s historical and landscape attractions, you can include these in your travel plans alongside the educational trails and a visit to La Coudre.

Find a Hotel for Your Trip to Bonvillars

When planning your hotel stay, it is worth first choosing the experiences that matter to you: wine routes, a guided truffle visit, or gardens and heritage. If the market or tour is a fixed part of your trip, plan around its date and confirm the tour details. This will help you find a hotel in Bonvillars that suits your plans.

Discover more destinations: Le Sentier, Concise, Donneloye, Yvonand, Bullet Vd, L'abbaye, Romainmôtier-Envy, Giez Vd.

See the regional travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.