Arzier: Carthusian history and trails in the Vaud Jura

When looking for a hotel in Arzier, Carthusian history, trails and scenery offer a clear point of reference. Cultural landmarks range from medieval monastery ruins to a church with woodwork from the 18th century; when it comes to trails, you can take different distances, routes and historical themes into account. This lets you tailor your stay to what interests you in Arzier and Arzier-Le Muids.

Carthusian history and historic traces

The Chartreuse d’Oujon lies in a clearing in the municipality of Arzier-Le Muids and is considered the oldest Carthusian monastery in Switzerland. The Charterhouse of Notre-Dame d’Oujon was founded in 1146; the ruins of an entire monastery complex have survived in their medieval condition. Information panels provide visitors with details about the ruins.

Another historical and cultural landmark is the Reformed Church in Arzier, formerly Saint-Antoine. The Reformed Church, formerly Saint-Antoine, in Arzier-Le Muids is a protected historic monument and preserves woodwork from the 18th century. Alongside the monastic ruins, it offers examples of craftsmanship from a much later century; the two sites provide distinct historical points of reference.

The marked Chemin spirituel d’Oujon reflects the historical and spiritual ties that developed in the Middle Ages between the Carthusians and the then-young village of Arzier. The trail is open to everyone, passes through land belonging to the municipalities of Arzier-Le Muids and Trélex, and is 1.50 kilometres long. Its theme links the history of the Carthusians with the beginnings of the village, without requiring a longer walk.

Trails and their different focuses

The Sentier des Toblerones is suggested as a walk in Arzier-Le Muids. This easy, 18-kilometre trail is a historical educational path along fortifications from the Second World War. Along the line of fortifications are 3,000 triangular anti-tank obstacles; information panels cover the forest, tree species and the line of fortifications. The trail thus combines nature topics with military history.

The Chemin au Loup starts at Saint-Cergue railway station and descends from there towards Arzier. It passes through the forest to a picnic area with views of the lake and the Alps. The section between Saint-Cergue and Arzier is six kilometres long. Another hiking route, De St-George à Arzier, passes through the Gorges de Moinsel and reaches Arzier; seasonal conditions may vary on this route.

The stated distances make it possible to compare the scope of different options: 1.50 kilometres for the Chemin spirituel, six kilometres for the specified section of the Chemin au Loup, and 18 kilometres for the Sentier des Toblerones.

Landscape and orientation

Arzier-Le Muids is one of the 35 municipalities in the Parc naturel régional Jura vaudois. Arzier is also one of the Vaud municipalities within the nationally important IFP 1022 Vallée de Joux et Haut-Jura vaudois landscape area. The protected natural area of Creux du Croue is also located in Arzier. Geologically, it is an anticlinal basin cut through by the strata of the Noirmont anticline; it also contains a raised bog of national importance with peripheral drainage.

The wooded pastures of Arzier-Le Muids shape a typically Jura landscape and form an exceptional reservoir of biodiversity. The forests are open to everyone; walks pass through forests and pastures. The municipality extends from the hamlet of Le Montant at 596 metres to the summit of Noirmont at 1,567 metres. These elevations refer to the entire municipal area.

Arzier is served by the NStCM railway. The station is the starting point for several walking trails; from there, views extend over the lake, Mont Blanc and the Swiss and French Alps. If you are planning to travel by train, check the timetable in advance.

Discover more destinations: Genolier, Bogis-Bossey, Bursinel, Grens, Begnins, Saint-George, Vinzel, Luins.

For the main travel overview: Nyon.