Cronay: Hiking and Historic Village Architecture

Discover Cronay from several perspectives: along the Vallon de la Menthue hiking trail, through its historic village architecture, and via the connection between the upper and lower parts of the village. Its location in the Menthue Valley, its ecclesiastical history and local bus services provide different points of reference for your stay.

Landscape and Hiking

Cronay sits on a hill at the western edge of the steep, still-wild Menthue Valley. The municipality is bordered by the Menthue Valley and the valley of the Cuarny stream. The area around the village includes farmland and orchards with numerous fruit trees.

The Vallon de la Menthue hiking trail can be accessed from Cronay. It is a mostly shaded circular route of about seven kilometres; the stated distance is 7.1 kilometres. The trail passes through an intact forest reserve with steep rock faces and a damp valley floor. There are picnic spots and a covered rest area along the way. As seasonal conditions can vary, check trail conditions before setting out.

Historic Village Scene

Cronay’s Collège dates from 1809, was renovated in 1900/39, and is surrounded by high walls. The parish church of Saint Maurice was rebuilt in 1836/79. Before the Reformation, the church in Cronay was dedicated to Saint Maurice; it houses four bells, the oldest of which dates from 1777. The former rectory is also part of the village’s older built heritage: it is an 18th-century building.

Numerous continuous rows of 18th- and 19th-century farmhouses are part of the village scene. A handsome farmhouse from the Bernese period is known as the “Château.” One of the farmhouses in Cronay was also a favourite retreat of the Genevan writer and illustrator Rodolphe Töpffer (1799–1846), a pioneer of caricature and comics. The stone fountain basins, which replaced the wooden fountains in the mid-19th century, still adorn the village streets today.

Another historic name is Castrum Castellionis, also known as Château Castellion. It stood on a hill west of Cronay. It should not be confused with the farmhouse known as the “Château”: the name refers here to two different historic sites.

Getting Around and Activities

A single, very steep road with a double bend connects the upper and lower parts of Cronay. The main form of public transport connecting the municipality is the local bus. Two regular CarPostal bus routes run through Cronay. PubliCar also serves the municipality: its minibus runs on demand. If you plan to use the bus or PubliCar, check the timetable or booking details in advance.

Fruit growing is one of Cronay’s agricultural activities and supplies direct sales. Guidoux Fruits runs a farm shop here and offers a self-service option outside shop opening hours. Check the latest information about the farm shop and self-service before visiting.

Cronay offers horse-riding activities for people interested in going on horseback rides. Les Poneys des Hautes Herbes offers pony rides for everyone from beginners to experienced riders; the programme also includes pony treasure hunts and birthday activities. Reservations, availability and the programme may change. Check the provider’s latest information before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Grandson, Baulmes, L'abbaye, Concise, Le Sentier, Grandevent, Bonvillars, Vuiteboeuf

For the broader travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.