If you are considering Donneloye as a destination, you can choose between local history, community activities and connections with nature: the first stone bridge has a dated construction history, the church preserves a bell from 1496, and the Menthue flows through the village. These different highlights can help you tailor your stay to your interests.
Bridges and historic routes
The first stone bridge in Donneloye was built in 1754, during the Bernese period. In 1892, the stone bridge was widened; today’s bridge is on the road between Yverdon and Moudon. Another bridge-related landmark is at Moulin Isard: there, a single-arch stone bridge is a significant feature of historic route 20.4. This route passes through Donneloye along the road to Molondin and by Moulin Isard.
Church, château and historic details
Donneloye’s church was rebuilt in 1903 on the site of an earlier church. A bell dating from 1496 is still in the building. Inscribed Roman stone blocks are also said to have been discovered during the complete renovation in 1903. The Maison forte of Donneloye is classified as a protected historic monument.
The present-day building of the Château de Donneloye was probably built towards the end of the 15th century and is an example of a medieval Savoyard manor house. A wide central corridor divides the rectangular main building into two parts. A cylindrical tower stands to its southeast and probably served as a prison. The château is privately owned and not open to the public.
A feudal underground passage runs for more than 500 metres from the caves of Moulin du Pont to the parish residence. It is inaccessible because landslides have made it dangerous. It should therefore not be planned as a walkable attraction.
The Menthue: walking and cycling
The Menthue and its tributaries in Donneloye are listed as natural monuments in the Inventory of Natural Sites and Landscapes. If you are planning a walk, the 7-kilometre Vallon de la Menthue loop starts in Donneloye and is mostly shaded. There are picnic areas and a covered rest stop along the route. Route details may vary by season; check the latest information before setting off.
The “A travers champs” cycle tour can also be shortened along a section that passes through Champtauroz, Donneloye and Yverdon-les-Bains. The loop walk is described with a specific distance, while the cycle tour highlights the option of a shorter alternative route. This lets you choose between a walk of a stated length and an adjustable cycling route without treating the two as a single shared itinerary.
Community garden and events
The community garden in Donneloye welcomes visitors every Monday to share ideas, garden or simply observe. Activities for children are also held there. Possible additional offerings include workshops on sowing, cuttings and lasagne gardening, garden readings and a harvest festival. The programme may vary, and dates may depend on the weather.
Villajoye also welcomes people from outside the village to its activities. Throughout the year, the association organises, among other things, a craft market, a flea market, and cultural and festive gatherings; individual event dates may change. A games afternoon is announced for 14 November 2026 in Donneloye as the fourth edition of an annual event. Check the event date before travelling.
Practical information in the village
The “La Clef des Champs” café-restaurant is in the village at a crossroads. At 2a Route de la Croix Blanche, there is a grocery shop selling regional products and a post office agency. Opening hours and details of what is on offer may change; check the latest information before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Yvonand, Baulmes, Vugelles-La Mothe, RomainmĂ´tier-Envy, Bullet Vd, Vallorbe, Sainte-Croix, Cronay.
For the broader travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.
