A cup-marked stone from the Neolithic period, weighing more than a tonne, adds an unusual cultural and historical note to Montagny-Près-Yverdon in the Bois des Planches. There are also the ruins of a medieval castle, a church with its own artistic history, and recurring village traditions. Visitors planning a stay can combine these themes with a concert, indoor golf or walks in the surrounding area.
Traces from the Neolithic period to the Middle Ages
A cup-marked stone from the Neolithic period, weighing more than a tonne, is located in the Bois des Planches. Montagny Castle was built in the 11th century; it was destroyed in 1475 and subsequently left to decay. The tower of the old castle is a protected historic monument in the form of a ruin. The former Roman road between Yverdon and Sainte-Croix, which crossed the Montagny area, dates back even further. A Roman milestone discovered in Montagny in 1862 bears the name of Emperor Caracalla. Thus, evidence from prehistoric and Roman times stands alongside the clearly dated history of the medieval castle.
Church, art and village traditions
The present-day church in Montagny was built in 1769 and has two very old bells. Its stained-glass windows show the tablets of the law, as well as an open Bible with a quotation from John 1:17. Since April 2017, a painting of the Descent from the Cross by the painter Louis Rivier (1885–1963) has hung on the west wall of the nave. The construction date, bells, windows and painting offer different insights into the architecture and furnishings. If you would like to visit the Reformed church, contact the pastor or the municipal administration.
The Fête de l’Abbaye Militaire is a recurring event in village life. This traditional village festival is organised by the Abbaye Militaire de Montagny and takes place every two years. Exact dates vary with each edition, so check the date for your travel year if the festival is a reason for your trip. Another annual tradition takes place during Advent: at a village festival, a large illuminated star is lit and remains shining until the first days of January.
Concerts and indoor golf
The concert series “Montagny – Baroque” by the Concerts de Grandson takes place at the Temple in Montagny-Près-Yverdon. As individual concert dates may vary, it is worth checking the programme for your planned travel dates.
The Indoor Golf Club offers a simulator where you can play at any time and in any weather. The facility is suitable for golfers of every skill level. After booking online, you can enter independently using a personal one-time code that opens the electronic lock to the premises. You can therefore plan the activity and access process together: an online booking and a code are both required for your visit.
Railway and geographical orientation
La Brinaz railway stop is within the municipality of Montagny-Près-Yverdon, on the Yverdon–Sainte-Croix railway line. It has been adapted to current railway platform standards; access paths have also been improved and waiting comfort enhanced. If you are planning to travel by train, check the connection that suits your travel dates. Montagny centre is about 3 km as the crow flies from Yverdon-les-Bains.
The wider area's landscape
The surrounding area has hiking trails through vineyards, river valleys such as the Arnon Valley, and wetlands near Lake Neuchâtel. The Brinaz stream crosses the municipality. At Le Bey, the municipal area includes a narrow stretch along Lake Neuchâtel; the highest point lies 500 metres above sea level, above the Brinaz. The La Brinaz renaturation project improves ecological connections between protected habitats on the lakeshore and well-preserved natural areas further upstream in the catchment area. The project area also includes Montagny-Près-Yverdon.
Planning your stay
If you are looking for a holiday apartment for a stay in Montagny-Près-Yverdon, your reason for travelling can guide your plans: a festival or concert sets a specific date, while the history of the castle and church, indoor golf and trails in the surrounding area appeal to different interests. Match your travel dates to the changing event dates, and arrange a church visit with the necessary contact. This will help you tailor the length of your stay to the activities that matter to you.
Discover more destinations: Vugelles-La Mothe, Grandson, Giez Vd, Bullet Vd, Sainte-Croix, L'auberson, Bonvillars, Ballaigues
Go to the regional travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.
