In Saint-Livres, a hiking route along the Aubonne meets a rich village history. The Au Fil de l’Aubonne educational trail explains nature and local history with information panels; the church, central garden and fountains also shape the village’s appearance.

Village History Around the Church and Garden

Saint-Livres owes its name to Saint Libère, Pope from 352 to 366, to whom the first church was dedicated. The first written records of the village date from 1259. Between 1453 and 1457, a landslide on the hill where the village had been built partly swept Saint-Livres away. The present-day church was consecrated on 8 October 1457 at the village’s current location.

Most of the communal and representative buildings are grouped around a central garden. Several fountains shape the streetscape, including the covered Fontaine des Lessiveuses. Another historic building is the former dairy and cheese-making facility, dating from 1910. Together, these buildings and the garden offer tangible points of reference for a glimpse into Saint-Livres’ history.

Hiking Trails with Different Highlights

The easy Au Fil de l’Aubonne educational trail is 8.2 kilometres long and takes about two hours. It connects Bière with Aubonne along the Aubonne River. Information panels introduce visitors to nature and local history along the way. The trail can be reached from Bière railway station by train via MBC (Transports de la région Morges-Bière-Cossonay) or from Aubonne bus station. Along the route, visitors may spot trout, discover beaver tracks or hear the call of the yellow-bellied toad; such sightings are not guaranteed.

For a longer hike, the Col du Marchairuz–Aubonne route passes through Bière and Saint-Livres on its way to Aubonne and is 20 kilometres long. Seasonal conditions may affect access. Another route to Aubonne is the Morges–Aubonne hike, which passes through Chigny, Denens, Yens and Saint-Livres. The church in Saint-Livres is worth a visit along this route; access may be subject to separate arrangements. The short, easy educational trail and the 20-kilometre hike differ considerably in distance and stated walking time.

River Landscape, Vineyard Slopes and Arboretum

The Aubonne forms Saint-Livres’ western boundary, while the Boiron lies to the east. A well-sunned vineyard slope covering 28.5 hectares lies in the lower part of the village. Some winegrowers offer bottles with Saint-Livres labels. These are different aspects of the local landscape: the river and vineyard slopes are part of the village’s character, while the hiking trails lead further afield.

The Chemin du Vallon de l’Aubonne connects fields and forests along the river with vineyards above Lake Geneva and the extensive parks of the Arboretum du Vallon de l’Aubonne. Yellow signposts point towards the arboretum, Saint-Livres and Yens railway station. The Vallon de l’Aubonne lies west of Saint-Livres and is mostly forested; apart from a few meadows, it is part of the arboretum’s perimeter.

The arboretum offers guided tours, discovery trails and activities for families, children and schools; schedules may change. It can be reached by PostBus from the Allaman CFF stop via Aubonne, Montherod or Saint-Livres. The Glacière de Saint-Livres is also located near Saint-Livres. It is not in the village, but on the Pré de Saint-Livres pasture in the municipality of Bière, at 1,362 metres on the southern slope of Mont-Tendre. A visit is possible only with suitable caving equipment and sufficient speleological knowledge.

Discover more destinations: L'isle Vd, Saint-Saphorin-sur-Morges, Denens, Chigny Vd, Féchy, Echichens, Allaman, Tolochenaz

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