Oppens can be understood through its waterways and varied terrain: to the west, a gentle slope descends towards the Sauteru, while to the east lies the Tuilière d’Oppens plateau. The Greyle, Sauteru and Menthue mark different parts of the municipality. The landscape also includes the Oppens thematic site, whose panels explain the rocks, landforms and surrounding agricultural landscape.
Hills, valleys and waterways
Oppens covers part of the hilly country between the Orbe Plain and the Broye. The western part consists of a slope that descends gently towards the Sauteru and is bounded to the west and north by the Greyle Valley. To the east lies the Tuilière d’Oppens plateau; it is bounded to the west by the Sauteru or its tributary, the Foirause, and to the east by the Menthue. The valley, slope and plateau provide distinct geographical reference points for understanding the municipality’s two parts.
The municipality includes the hamlet of Tuilière d’Oppens on the eastern plateau and several isolated farms. The thematic site on the banks of the Menthue is about a 20-minute walk from Tuilière d’Oppens. This describes a specific walking route between the hamlet and the site, not a walking time from other starting points.
Land use also offers a snapshot of the area at a specific point in time: in 1997, 68% of the municipal area was used for agriculture, 27% was woodland and forest, and 4% was built-up land. Agriculture therefore accounted for the largest stated share. These figures record the distribution at that time and are not a current land-use balance.
Discoveries by the Menthue
The Oppens thematic site is located in the Menthue Valley. A rock face reveals layers of sandstone, clay and silt. Seven richly illustrated panels explain the rocks, the shape of a hill and the agricultural landscape; they include sketches, cross-sections and photographs. An eighth panel, towards Ogens, provides more detail about the landscape opposite. The site therefore covers both geological features and the form and use of the surrounding area.
The Chemin des Blés is a signposted, educational hiking trail about 100 kilometres long. It can be explored on foot or by bicycle in any season. The route is hilly, crossed by rivers and partly follows paved roads. Its length, terrain and surfaces make the Chemin des Blés a different scale of outing from the approximately 20-minute walk from Tuilière d’Oppens to the site: one figure refers to a specific connection within the area, the other to an extensive route.
Waterways and culture
The three main waterways also appear on the coat of arms of Oppens. It features three wavy bars: the Greyle represents the west, the Sauteru the centre, and the Menthue the east of the municipal area.
Café La Valeur du Temps opened in 2025 in a former classroom at the Collège in Oppens. It hosts exhibitions by local artists; other events include literary gatherings and games evenings. Cultural events thus complement the area’s landscape and geological themes. If you have a particular event in mind, it is best to check the schedule before your trip.
For the broader travel overview: Gros-De-Vaud.
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