Cossonay’s Old Town is listed in the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites (ISOS) and recognised as a small town of national importance. This makes its architecture and local history a special way to discover the town. Its traces range from the medieval Temple to buildings and fountains from later centuries; at the same time, the view extends beyond the Old Town to protected landscapes and a vibrant cultural scene.
Architecture and history in the Old Town
The Temple de Cossonay was built between the 11th and 12th centuries and bears Cluniac influences. It has been listed as a Swiss cultural property of national importance since 1900. Its distinctive features include eight stained-glass windows by artist Louis Rivier, created in the 1920s. The different eras can thus be read in a single building, without reducing its history to one date.
The Maison de Ville is a neoclassical town hall building of the town hall-market hall type, built between 1826 and 1831. A monumental limestone fountain is also part of the historic heritage: it dates from 1779. If you are interested in architecture, these buildings offer different points of reference—from building type and style to materials and date of construction.
Public guided tours of the Old Town and the Temple take place twice a year: on a Saturday morning in spring and in autumn. They last more than an hour. Visitors have the opportunity to climb the bell tower and take in views of the town and its surroundings. Check the dates before planning your visit around a tour.
Culture throughout the year
Since 1991, the Théâtre du Pré-aux-Moines has presented around 20 professional Swiss performances each year from October to May. The programme includes comedy, dance, improvisation, musicals, theatre and music; the productions on offer vary from season to season. Les Tréteaux de Cossonay offer another theatrical perspective: the amateur theatre group stages one or two productions a year. The Cossonay music school also holds concerts, recitals and joint projects throughout the year. Check the latest dates if you would like to plan a visit to a performance or concert.
The Casino cinema has a long history: S.A. du Cinéma Casino de Cossonay was founded in 1896 and has been active in film screenings since the early 20th century. The cinema has 156 seats, digital sound and a bar; several free parking spaces are nearby. As these facilities may change, it is a good idea to check before your visit.
Nature reserve and local discoveries
The Étang du Sépey, a nationally important amphibian breeding site, lies within the municipality. Of the 18 amphibian species recorded in Switzerland, 14 are found there. The area is also home to more than 100 bird species and 30 mammal species. The nature reserve covers 5.4 hectares; its two ponds have a combined area of 2.4 hectares. These figures convey the diversity of the habitat without limiting the area’s importance to a single animal group.
Its origins also tell a part of the town’s history: the Étang du Sépey was created after a clay pit supplying the Cossonay brickworks was abandoned around 1920. Nature and former industrial use exist side by side here. The Genius-Loci project offers another glimpse into the local past. Its network comprises 20 QR-code medallions distributed throughout the municipality. It tells the story of silkworm farming, which developed in Cossonay between 1691 and 1800. If you would like to include the installations in your visit, check their availability in advance.
Cossonay also has a swimming pool for exercise: Les Chavannes has a 25 × 13.50-metre competition pool with five lanes and a depth of two metres. The teaching pool measures 13 × 6 metres, has a movable floor and an adjustable depth of up to 1.35 metres. Check the current operating conditions before your visit.
Getting around and choosing accommodation
The Via Francigena stage from Cossonay to Lausanne is 26 kilometres long and takes about six hours and 20 minutes. It starts at an altitude of around 700 metres above sea level. From the high plateau, the route first descends more than 100 metres towards Cossonay-Penthalaz. This gives you a clear idea in advance of the distance, time required and one feature of the route. Check the latest route information before setting off. Cossonay is a strategic base for excursions in the wider region, whose tourist attractions extend from the Jura ridges to Lake Geneva.
A funicular connects Cossonay-Ville with Penthalaz-Cossonay railway station; it dates from 1897. MBC route 2003 connects Cossonay-Ville and Cossonay-Penthalaz by funicular. Cossonay is in Mobilis zone 39; travelling between Cossonay and Penthalaz passes through two fare zones. Timetables and fare information may change, so check the latest details for your journey.
You can include Hôtel Le Funi as a specific place to stay in your plans. It is located at the upper station of the funicular between Cossonay-Gare and Cossonay-Ville. Its terrace offers panoramic views of the Swiss and French Alps. The hotel has 16 rooms, including one specially equipped for guests with reduced mobility.
Discover more destinations: Cossonay, Orbe, Broye-Vully, Morges, Lausanne, La Vallée, Riviera-Pays-D'enhaut, Yverdon.
Back to the regional travel overview: Vaud.
