Discover Donneloye

Donneloye is located in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Historic buildings, the Menthue and community activities offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Historic buildings and their history

The Maison forte of Donneloye is classified as a protected historic monument. The Château de Donneloye is an example of a medieval Savoyard manor house. Its present building was probably constructed towards the end of the 15th century. A wide central corridor divides the rectangular main building into two parts. Beside it to the southeast stands a cylindrical tower, which probably served as a prison. The château is privately owned and is not open to the public.

The church also tells of different periods of construction: it was rebuilt in 1903 on the site of an earlier church. A bell dating from 1496 is still in the church today. Inscriptions on Roman stone blocks are also said to have been discovered during the complete renovation in 1903. The first stone bridge in Donneloye was built in 1754, during the Bernese period; the stone bridge was widened in 1892. The present-day bridge is on the road between Yverdon and Moudon.

Another historical feature lies underground: the feudal passageway runs for more than 500 metres from the caves of the Moulin du Pont to the parish residence. It is not accessible because landslides have made it dangerous. This restriction is also part of the area’s history and should be taken into account when planning your visit.

The Menthue, a circular walk and a historic route

The Menthue runs through the village. The river and its tributaries in Donneloye are listed as natural monuments in the Inventory of Natural Sites and Landscapes. One way to include nature and time outdoors in your trip plans is the Vallon de la Menthue circular walk: it is seven kilometres long, mostly shaded and easily accessible from Donneloye. There are picnic areas and a covered rest area along the route.

The historic route 20.4 offers a different perspective. It passes through Donneloye along the road to Molondin and by Moulin Isard. A single-arch stone bridge there is a notable feature of the route. The historic route and the circular walk therefore differ mainly in their focus: one follows a historic route featuring bridge construction, while the other is a seven-kilometre walk that is mostly shaded. Cyclists can also take the “A travers champs” tour, which can be shortened along one section via Champtauroz, Donneloye and Yverdon-les-Bains.

Community garden and events

The community garden in Donneloye welcomes visitors every Monday to socialise, garden or observe. People from outside the village can also take part in Villajoye’s activities. There are activities for children, too. Other possible formats include workshops on sowing, cuttings and lasagne gardening, garden readings and a harvest festival. Since the Monday activities are weather-dependent, it is best to check what is planned for your chosen date before visiting.

Villajoye also organises a craft market, a flea market, and cultural and festive gatherings throughout the year; specific event dates may change. A games afternoon is announced in Donneloye for 14 November 2026, as the fourth edition of an annual event. Check the date before travelling. The Petit Théâtre du Coutzet was officially founded in 2015 and had already been working with the local mixed choir for several decades before that. A municipal publication from 2019 describes an annual performance in Donneloye.

Facilities in the village

The “La Clef des Champs” café-restaurant is located at a crossroads in the village. If you would like to stop there, check the current opening hours in advance. At Route de la Croix Blanche 2a, there is a grocery shop selling regional products and a post office agency. For specific errands, it is worth checking the latest information.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vugelles-La Mothe, Romainmôtier-Envy, Vallorbe, Mathod, Concise, Vaulion, La Praz, Baulmes

For the regional travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.