A Romanesque church choir in the gardens of a château and a former grain mill that retained its original use until the 1950s give Mathod two distinctive landmarks. Together with wine and the local macaron speciality, they make this a destination where cultural history and regional produce go hand in hand.
Mathod in the Mujon Plain
Mathod is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Vaud. It lies in the Mujon Plain, halfway between Yverdon and Orbe. The village was long shaped by agriculture; artists and active village associations contribute to community life. There are two restaurants and several small shops in the village.
Transport links are also relevant when choosing where to stay: Mathod is relatively well connected to public transport on the Orbe–Yverdon line. If you are planning your journey around it, check the timetable for your travel date. Its location between Yverdon and Orbe also provides a clear geographical reference, without implying a set itinerary for excursions.
Château, Gardens and Saint-Martin
The Château de Mathod estate, including its gardens, is protected and designated a historic monument. The château has ten themed gardens and beehives; the garden layout may change over time. The estate was the home and workplace of Swiss painter Louis Rivier, giving it a specific connection to art as well as historical significance.
The Romanesque choir of the former Saint-Martin church has been preserved in the gardens and is also protected as a historic monument. The church was built towards the end of the 12th century. The combination of the former place of worship and the château gardens gives the local history a distinctive architectural dimension: the choir belongs to the history of the former church, but is now located in the estate’s gardens.
The château’s activities include visits to Sara.H & DeLaPerouze’s sculpture park. As the visiting arrangements are not specified, it is best to check them in advance if you would like to include the park in your plans.
Macarons and Wine
Macarons are considered a local speciality of Mathod and are sold at a shop in the former village school. If you are looking for them, check the current opening hours before visiting. The building’s former use as a village school thus remains a point of reference in the village today.
Cave de la Combe Marendaz grows 18 grape varieties and produces more than 20 different wines; its range may change over time. Visits are possible on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon and by appointment. Opening hours may change, so checking in advance is recommended. The other wine destination is Domaine du Moulin in Mathod, by the Le Mujon stream. Its wine cellar is in a former grain mill that retained its original use until the 1950s.
The cellar at Domaine du Moulin has 40 places for aperitifs and wine tastings for groups or parties. Visits are by appointment; check the current visiting arrangements in advance. The two wine destinations offer different experiences: Cave de la Combe Marendaz focuses on grape varieties and wine selection, while Domaine du Moulin combines tastings with the historic mill building.
The Plain and Walks in the Jura
Mathod is close to the Jura, where the surrounding area offers pleasant walks. Two different landscapes are therefore within reach: the village in the Mujon Plain and the nearby Jura for walks. If you would like to consider both village amenities and time outdoors when choosing where to stay, you can include these options in your plans without turning them into a fixed daily itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Baulmes, Grandson, Les Rasses, Yvonand, Romainmôtier-Envy, Grandevent, Montagny-Près-Yverdon, Vallorbe.
For the broader travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.
