Yens: Forest Trails, Vineyards and Village History
Accommodation in Yens
Forests lie to the north of Yens, vineyards to the south. The area also offers walks in the forest, winegrowing and traces of the village’s history. Depending on your interests, you can combine your stay with nature, local wine and architectural history.
Forest and walks
The forest area of Yens covers about 350 hectares and offers opportunities for walks and bike rides. The forest shelters are suitable for spending time with family or friends. A large forest shelter near the Le PĂ©nezy stream can accommodate up to 60 people and is equipped with tableware.
The Sentier des Fumas starts at the Fontaine des Chasseurs forest shelter and runs entirely through the forest. Allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes of walking time for the route. The Boiron River accompanies walkers for almost the entire way. Ten information panels along the route provide details about notable trees and forest management. There is also a picnic area with seating and a fire pit in the forest section.
A longer hiking option is the Pampigny–Yens route via Bois de Fermens, Apples and Chardonney. It is 13.31 kilometres long, rated easy (T1), is not a loop, and takes 3 hours and 16 minutes. By comparison, the stated walking time for the Sentier des Fumas is considerably shorter. Before setting off on the Pampigny–Yens route, check trail conditions and navigation.
Winegrowing and village life
The vineyards of Yens are part of the Morges winegrowing area, one of the twelve production sites of AOC La CĂ´te. At the Coeytaux family estate, vines are cultivated, grapes are hand-picked, and the wine is made and bottled. The wine is sold directly at the estate.
Guests are welcomed at Cave Jean-Daniel Coeytaux in an authentic wine cellar dating from 1597. The cellar has a warm, family atmosphere. If you are planning a visit, check the current visiting arrangements in advance. In the centre of Yens, the Auberge de la Croix d'Or serves refined cuisine.
Yens Animation Culturelle is a group supported by the municipality that organises events for the village. These include conferences, nature outings, film screenings, neighbourhood gatherings, Advent windows and storytelling events. If you want to attend a particular event, check the dates for your travel period.
Traces of history
The first written evidence of a village at the present-day site of Yens dates from the Middle Ages. Prehistoric traces have been found in Montosset and the Bois des Sembres, while Roman remains are located near La Muraz. These findings complement the village’s later architectural history.
The temple of Yens includes a former choir, converted into a communal hall around 1702, and a structure expanded in 1862 by a college. A spire was added to the medieval bell tower in 1920. In 1922, the temple received stained-glass windows, which were restored in 1989. Yens’s first communal school was built north of the temple in 1811–1812.
Getting there and finding your way
Yens is served by the MBC regional train R156, also known as the BAM (Bière–Apples–Morges). The station is about 800 metres from the village centre. To reach the Sentier des Fumas, you can take the MBC train from Morges to Yens; after the walk, you can take the train back towards Morges. Check the timetable for your travel dates if you plan to travel by train both ways.
Discover more destinations: Préverenges, Allaman, Chigny Vd, Lavigny, Tolochenaz, Saint-Livres, Aubonne, L'isle Vd
For the broader travel overview: Morges.
