Mathod: Château, Gardens and Wine

Mathod is a Swiss municipality in the canton of Vaud, in the Mujon plain and halfway between Yverdon and Orbe. The village combines a protected château estate with local history, wine and an agricultural landscape. If you are looking for a hotel in Mathod, these different themes can help guide your stay planning.

Historic Sites and Gardens

The Château de Mathod estate and its gardens are protected as a historic monument. The Swiss painter Louis Rivier is also associated with the château: it was his home and workplace. The estate includes ten themed gardens and beehives. The gardens’ design may change over time.

Another historical trace leads to the former Church of Saint-Martin. It was built towards the end of the 12th century; its Romanesque choir has been preserved in the château gardens and is protected as a historic monument. The construction period, Romanesque architecture and its location in the château gardens make this part of the village’s history particularly tangible.

The Château de Mathod’s activity programme also includes visits to the sculpture park of Sara.H & DeLaPerouze. If you plan to include this activity, it is best to check the current visiting arrangements in advance.

Local Specialities and Wine

Macarons are considered a local speciality of Mathod and are available from a shop in the former village school. Check the opening hours before visiting, before adding the shop to your day’s plans.

Cave de la Combe Marendaz grows 18 grape varieties and produces more than 20 different wines; its range may change over time. The Cave is open to visitors on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm and by appointment. As opening hours may change and an appointment is advisable, it is best to arrange your visit in advance.

Domaine du Moulin is located in Mathod by the Le Mujon stream. Its tasting room is housed in a former grain mill, which continued to serve its original purpose until the 1950s. The tasting room has 40 seats for aperitifs and wine tastings for groups or parties; visits are by appointment. The two wine-related destinations offer different highlights: Cave de la Combe Marendaz focuses on grape varieties and wine selection, while Domaine du Moulin centres on its historic mill setting and tasting room for groups.

Landscape and Getting Around

Mathod lies in the Mujon plain and has long been shaped by agriculture. A number of artists and active village associations contribute to local community life. Alongside the historic sites, village life and its associations are also part of the municipality’s character.

Mathod is close to the Jura, and there are pleasant walks in the wider area. The route you choose depends on which walks you have in mind for your stay.

The village has two restaurants and several small shops. Mathod is relatively well connected to public transport on the Orbe–Yverdon line. Check the connections for your travel date; together with its location halfway between Yverdon and Orbe, this provides a practical geographical reference when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Vallorbe, Vugelles-La Mothe, Montagny-Près-Yverdon, Champvent, Ballaigues, Romainmôtier-Envy, Les Rasses, Giez Vd.

For the broader travel overview: Northern Jura of Vaud.