In Echichens, winegrowing, sweeping views and historic buildings come together. The area includes vineyards, agricultural land and forests. Anyone looking to combine landscapes and regional wine culture with a glimpse into the village’s history will find several different ways to do so here.
Vineyards and views
From Echichens, the view stretches from the green hills at the foot of the Jura across the Alps and Mont Blanc to Lake Geneva. At Signal d'Échichens, there is a viewpoint overlooking vineyards, the lake and the Alps. The wider panorama from Echichens also takes in the hills at the foot of the Jura and Mont Blanc; from the signal, the vineyards, Lake Geneva and the Alps are in view.
Echichens is part of the 4.8-kilometre wine trail from Vufflens-le-Château to Morges. The trail passes through the vineyards of the Morges region. Along the way, visitors can use their smartphones to take part in a game featuring local attractions and multiple-choice questions. The wine trail is suitable for people of average fitness and for children who can walk independently.
Winegrowing and regional products
In Echichens, three winery cellars and one winegrower cultivate a total of 30 hectares of vineyards. They produce wines bearing the Morges designation of origin. Cave du Bon has more than seven hectares of vineyards planted with 16 grape varieties. The family winery, established in 1959, is run by the third generation. The vineyards of Domaine Henri Cruchon are also entirely within the Morges appellation. According to the estate, it has farmed its vines without chemical products or herbicides since 1999.
Cave du Bon welcomes visitors to its cellar to discover the wines produced there. Check visiting hours before you go, as the published schedule may change. The Cruchon family welcomes visitors to the cellar at Domaine Henri Cruchon from Monday to Saturday. Workshops and introductory wine-tasting sessions for groups are available by appointment; visiting days and appointment arrangements may change. Domaine Henri Cruchon also offers three themed experiences featuring a selection of wines and cuvées to explore.
In summer, Cave du Signal offers wine tastings on a terrace overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps. As this is a seasonal offering, it is advisable to check whether the terrace will be available for your planned visit. Cave du Signal cultivates three vineyard plots in Echichens and Monnaz, covering a total of two hectares. The grape varieties include Chasselas, Gamaret, Garanoir, Pinot Noir and, more recently, Grenache. Domaine Jobin offers rapeseed oil, apple juice, cider, apple vinegar and spirits. The estate is also an important nesting site for many bird species, including some that are endangered. Domaine Jobin also holds a farmers’ market in Echichens; check the opening details in advance.
Castles and local history
Echichens’s historic heritage includes two adjoining castles and two former outbuildings of the castle estate. Echichens has been mentioned as the site of a fortified house since 1238. A plan from 1777 shows former moats to the east, north and west of the building. The white church in Echichens was built in 1893. The historic Signal d'Échichens served as a relay for optical signals, mainly fires, used to warn of the danger of war.
Another way to discover local history is Les Secrets d'Échichens, an interactive village experience. Steel medallions and QR codes placed around the village share stories, anecdotes, residents’ accounts and memories. The experience is available at any time. In nearby Saint-Saphorin-sur-Morges, the temple was built in 1731–1732 on the foundations of the former Church of Saint-Symphorien. Its bell tower was remodelled and reconstructed in 1905, and the building was restored in 1959–1961.
Getting around
Bus route 704 connects the En Grassiaz stop with Morges railway station. Buses run regularly, approximately every 15 minutes. If you plan to use this service, check the timetable with MBC before travelling, as routes and frequencies may change.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Livres, Bière, Ecublens Vd, Aclens, Lonay, Aubonne, Montricher.
Go to the main travel overview: Morges.
