Echichens: Vineyards, Views and History

Echichens is set among vineyards and is known for its wines. Forests and farmland complement the vineyards; views stretch from the green hills at the foot of the Jura across the Alps and Mont Blanc to Lake Geneva. If you’re looking for a hotel in Echichens, you can get a sense of the town through its wine experiences, landscapes and history.

Vineyards, views and a route through the region

The Echichens area includes forests, farmland and vineyards. At Signal d’Échichens, a viewpoint offers views of the vineyards, Lake Geneva and the Alps. The wider panorama of Echichens also takes in the green hills at the foot of the Jura and Mont Blanc.

Echichens is part of the 4.8-kilometre wine trail from Vufflens-le-Château to Morges. The Morges Région wine trail passes through the region’s vineyards along its first section. Visitors can use their smartphones to take part in a game featuring points of interest and multiple-choice questions along the way. The route is suitable for people with average physical fitness and for children who can walk independently.

Wineries and tastings

In Echichens, three winery cellars and one winegrower cultivate a total of 30 hectares of vineyards. They produce wines with the Morges appellation of origin. Cave du Bon has more than seven hectares of vineyards and grows 16 grape varieties. Founded in 1959, it has been a family winery for three generations.

Cave du Bon welcomes visitors to its winery to discover the wines produced there. At Domaine Henri Cruchon, the family welcomes visitors to the winery from Monday to Saturday. Workshops and introductions to wine tasting for groups are available by appointment. Visiting days and appointment arrangements may change; check them in advance. Domaine Henri Cruchon also offers three themed experiences, where visitors can explore different wines or cuvées. Its vineyards lie entirely within the Morges appellation; according to the winery, it has farmed them without chemical products or herbicides since 1999.

Cave du Signal cultivates three vineyard plots in Echichens and Monnaz, covering a total of two hectares. The grapes grown include Chasselas, Gamaret, Garanoir, Pinot Noir and, more recently, Grenache. In summer, Cave du Signal offers wine tastings on a terrace overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps. As this is a seasonal offering, check visiting options before making plans. Domaine Jobin offers rapeseed oil, apple juice, cider, apple cider vinegar and spirits, and holds a farm market. Check its current dates before your visit. The Domaine Jobin is also an important nesting site for numerous bird species, including some endangered species.

Castles, village history and local experiences

Echichens has two adjoining castles and two former outbuildings belonging to the castle estate. The site has been mentioned as the location of a fortified house since 1238. A plan from 1777 shows former moats to the east, north and west of the building. The white church of Echichens is also part of the town’s history: it was built in 1893.

In nearby Saint-Saphorin-sur-Morges, the temple was built in 1731–1732 on the foundations of the former Church of Saint-Symphorien. The bell tower was modified and reconstructed in 1905; the building was restored in 1959–1961. This stop adds the architectural history of a nearby place to that of Echichens without conflating the two locations.

Les Secrets d’Échichens shares local history through an interactive village experience. Steel medals and QR codes placed around the village lead to stories, anecdotes, residents’ accounts and memories. Alongside the architectural landmarks, the experience also focuses on personal stories and local traditions.

Getting around

Bus route 704 connects the En Grassiaz stop with Gare de Morges railway station. Buses run regularly, approximately every 15 minutes. As routes and frequencies can change, check the connection with MBC before travelling. This gives you several options for planning your stay: the wine trail, the viewpoint at Signal, the wineries and the village’s history.

Discover more destinations: Chigny Vd, Allaman, Ecublens Vd, Lonay, Aclens, Cuarnens, Bière, Denens

For the broader travel overview: Morges.