Cronay combines a striking location on the Menthue Valley with a diverse architectural history and trails through the landscape. The village sits on a hill at the western edge of the steep, still-wild Menthue Valley. It is bordered by the Menthue Valley and the valley of the Cuarny stream. Farmland and orchards with numerous fruit trees shape the surroundings. This offers several ways to plan your visit: a hike, the history of the village or activities related to horse riding.
Hiking trails and landscape
The Vallon de la Menthue hiking trail is a mostly shaded circular route of about seven kilometres; its stated distance is 7.1 kilometres. It is accessible from Cronay and passes through an unspoilt forest reserve with steep rock faces and a damp valley floor. There are picnic spots and a covered rest area along the route. Its length and the described landscape features offer practical guidance for planning your day. Seasonal conditions and facilities along the route may change; check current trail and rest-stop conditions before setting out.
The Cross des Papillons offers a different route: its event course forms a hilly loop around the Menthue and runs mainly along forest tracks and dynamic single-track trails. As the route may be revised, check it again before planning a specific outing.
Village layout and architectural history
In Cronay, a single very steep road with a double bend connects the upper and lower parts of the village. This layout is a useful reference point for finding your way around. Public transport is also part of planning: a scheduled bus is the municipality’s main form of public transport. Two regular CarPostal bus routes pass through Cronay; PubliCar also serves the village with an on-demand minibus. Check the timetable and how the on-demand service works when planning your journeys. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Cronay, you can take your planned day trips and the bus connection into account when choosing one.
Several buildings represent different periods in the village’s history. 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 was dedicated to Saint Maurice; it houses four bells, the oldest of which dates from 1777. The former rectory is an 18th-century building.
Farmhouses also shape the village’s appearance: Cronay has numerous adjoining rows of buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. A stately farmhouse from the Bernese period is known as the “Château”. One of the farmhouses was a favourite place to stay for the Geneva writer and artist Rodolphe Töpffer (1799–1846), a pioneer of caricature and comics. The Castrum Castellionis, also called Château Castellion, stood on a hill west of Cronay. The stone fountain basins, which replaced the wooden fountains in the mid-19th century, still adorn the village streets today.
Fruit growing and horse-riding activities
Fruit growing for direct sale is part of agricultural life in Cronay. Guidoux Fruits runs a farm shop in the village and offers a self-service option outside its opening hours. As this is current visitor information, it is advisable to check the opening hours and arrangements before travelling.
Cronay also offers horse-riding activities for people interested in riding out on horseback. Les Poneys des Hautes Herbes offers pony rides for everyone from beginners to experienced riders; activities also include pony treasure hunts and birthday events. Reservations and availability may change, so check these details before planning your outing.
Discover more destinations: Yverdon-Les-Bains, Onnens, Romainmôtier-Envy, L'abbaye, Vugelles-La Mothe, Montagny-Près-Yverdon, L'auberson, Le Lieu.
For the broader travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.
