Discover Saint-Prex

Saint-Prex combines a medieval town centre with a lakeside area, trails through woodland and farmland, and traces of Roman settlement. If you choose the town as a destination, its history, walks, market and waterfront offer different ways to plan your stay.

Medieval Town Centre and Roman History

The medieval town centre of Saint-Prex was established in 1234 under the patronage of the Bishopric of Lausanne. At the entrance to the Vieux-Bourg, the Tour de l'Horloge defines the townscape. The town centre also features various fountains and wrought-iron signs. Guided tours of the medieval town centre are available on request; confirm availability before your trip.

The Roman villa of En Marcy is also part of Saint-Prex’s history. It was already inhabited in protohistoric times—from approximately 2200 BC to 50 AD—and remained inhabited until the 4th century AD. Excavations there uncovered a remarkably well-preserved thermal complex. This gives an impression of how far the history of settlement extends beyond the medieval townscape, without equating the two periods.

Walks and Trails

The Sentier de la Truite follows the Boiron, through the woodland and then through the town centre of Saint-Prex. A promenade of around 10 km runs from the lakeside through farmland, the town centre and the woodland. The landscape changes described offer different highlights: the Sentier de la Truite takes in the Boiron, woodland and town centre; the promenade links the lakeside, farmland, centre and woodland.

A hike from Morges to Rolle also passes the medieval town centre of Saint-Prex. In the wider Lake Geneva region, the Way of St. James, Via Jacobi, runs between Lausanne and Rolle, among other routes. This regional route is a separate point of reference for hiking enthusiasts; it should not be confused with the local route of the Sentier de la Truite.

Beaches and Waterfront

Plage Place d'Armes lies between the entrance to the town centre and Port de Taillecou, opposite the Vieux-Moulin. Plage du Chauchy, also known as «Bain des hommes», has a seven-metre-high diving platform. It also offers table tennis and areas for ball games near the medieval town centre. Facilities at Plage du Chauchy may change; check the latest information before your visit.

The small Plage Bain des Dames lies on the south shore of the town centre and is completely sheltered from the Bise. In the southern part of Saint-Prex, you can also see the glacial erratic known as «Coulet». The waterfront therefore offers different points of interest: a beach precisely located between the town centre and the harbour, a beach with the recreational facilities mentioned, and a small beach sheltered from the Bise.

Market and Local Wines

From March to December, the Saint-Prex market is held in the Vieux-Bourg on the last Sunday of every month. It has around 50 stalls, mainly dedicated to craftspeople, winegrowers and food producers. The market thus brings local produce and crafts together in the historic setting of the town centre. The market format may change; check the current dates before your visit.

Wine tastings featuring wines from Saint-Prex are available for groups on request. If you plan to arrange a tasting, confirm the details in advance.

Getting There and Moorings

MBC bus route 724 connects Morges, Saint-Prex, Etoy and Allaman, running twice an hour. As timetables may change, check the current service before travelling. A total of 21 moorings reserved for visitors are available in the harbour and at the Chapuisat and Tato piers. This figure applies to these locations combined; confirm mooring availability before your trip.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Chigny Vd, Bière, Cuarnens, Tolochenaz, Clarmont, Montherod, Aubonne, Denens

For the main travel overview: Morges.