At the southern bend of the Jura, Bière lies at an altitude of around 700 metres. The village makes a good starting point for combining hiking trails, cycling loops and historic sites. The different route layouts are useful when planning: some start at the train station, others pass through Bière or end elsewhere.
Hiking: along the river or through the forest
«Au fil de l’Aubonne» starts right at Bière train station and follows the river through a natural landscape towards Aubonne. Along the way, eleven information panels describe natural and historical features of the region. The route thus combines a walk along the Aubonne with insights into the area it passes through.
Another option is the «Col du Marchairuz – Aubonne» hike, which descends through the forest to Bière, at the foot of the Jura. By contrast, the «Chemin du Vallon de l’Aubonne» runs from Bière to Yens train station and is eleven kilometres long. The routes therefore differ not only in length, but also in their endpoints and course.
Cycling loops for different distances
The family-friendly «Tous en selle au Pied du Jura» cycling tour starts at Bière train station and passes through five villages at the foot of the Jura: Bière, Ballens, Montricher, Mollens and Berolle. It is available as a 10, 15 or 21-kilometre loop. This lets you choose the distance without confusing the cycling tour with one of the hikes.
The 21-kilometre loop is rated easy in terms of both technical difficulty and endurance. This rating applies to the 21-kilometre option. Together with its start at the train station and the five villages along the way, this makes the cycling tour a clearly defined option if you would like to explore Bière by bike.
Church and local history
Bière’s church offers a historical reference point for the village: it is thought to have been built between 1100 and 1150; the historic choir dates partly from the 12th century. Bière’s priory and parish village were also under the authority of Grand-Saint-Bernard before 1177. These dates point to a long ecclesiastical history, although the church’s construction cannot be assigned to one precise year.
Another significant date is 1705, when a fire almost completely destroyed Bière. The church’s construction history and the account of the village’s destruction belong to different chapters of local history. If you combine your hikes with a focus on cultural history, they offer an additional connection to Bière beyond its paths and landscapes.
Market and regional cuisine
Bière’s municipal market offers fruit, vegetables and other regional produce. Regional specialities also feature in the local dining scene: Bière has several restaurants, including two pubs and three pizzerias. The market and restaurants add a culinary dimension to your stay alongside hiking and cycling outings.
Getting there by train
The starting point for «Au fil de l’Aubonne» is accessible by train via the MBC; a narrow-gauge railway connects Bière with Morges. If you are planning to travel by train, check the MBC timetable for your travel date. The train station is also the starting point for the cycling tour mentioned above and the riverside trail, making it a useful reference point for planning your outings.
Discover more destinations: Clarmont, Tolochenaz, Saint-Prex, Echichens, Allaman, L'isle Vd, Saint-Livres, Ecublens Vd.
For the main travel overview: Morges.
