Yens can be explored from two directions: vineyards lie to the south and forests to the north. The forest area covers around 350 hectares and offers space for hiking and cycling. This combination makes the village appealing if you would like to include nature trails and winegrowing in your trip. Forest refuges are suitable for stays with family or friends.
Hikes through the forest
The Sentier des Fumas starts at the Fontaine des Chasseurs forest refuge; the hike is listed as taking around one hour and 30 minutes. The route runs entirely through the forest. The Boiron river accompanies hikers for almost the entire route. Ten information panels provide details about remarkable trees and forest management. There is also a picnic area in the forest section, with seating and a fire pit. The Sentier des Fumas is listed as Route No. 28.
Travel to this trail is also described from Morges by MBC train to the Yens stop; after the hike, you can take the train back towards Morges. Yens is served by MBC regional train R156, also known as BAM (Bière–Apples–Morges). The station is around 800 metres from the village centre. Before travelling, check the current timetable and, before setting out on the hike, check trail conditions and signage.
The Pampigny–Yens hiking route offers a different way to plan your time: it passes through Bois de Fermens, Apples and Chardonney, is 13.31 kilometres long and takes 3 hours and 16 minutes. With a T1 rating, it is considered easy; it is not a circular route. By comparison, the walking time listed for the Sentier des Fumas is considerably shorter. These two time estimates can help you gauge the scope of your hike without treating the routes as equivalent.
Winegrowing and cuisine
Yens’s vineyards are part of the Morges winegrowing region, one of the twelve production sites of AOC La Côte. The Coeytaux family’s estate grows grapevines; the grapes are picked by hand, the wine is made and bottled, and it is sold directly from the estate. This offers a specific complement to the hiking trails if you are also interested in local winegrowing.
Cave Jean-Daniel Coeytaux welcomes guests to an authentic wine cellar dating from 1597, with a warm, family atmosphere. As visiting arrangements may change, it is best to check in advance. In the village centre, Auberge de la Croix d'Or serves refined cuisine.
Building history and culture
The village’s history can also be traced through its different layers of time. The first written record of a village at the present-day site of Yens dates from the Middle Ages. Prehistoric traces have been found in Montosset and Bois des Sembres; Roman remains are located near La Muraz.
The Temple of Yens includes a former choir, converted into a parish hall around 1702, as well as a structure extended by a college in 1862. The first village school was built north of the temple in 1811–1812. A spire was added to the medieval bell tower in 1920. In 1922, the temple received stained-glass windows, which were restored in 1989.
For village events, the group Yens Animation Culturelle, supported by the municipality, develops a programme of conferences, nature outings, film screenings, neighbourhood celebrations, Advent windows and storytelling events. Check in advance which events are taking place during your trip.
Discover more destinations: Tolochenaz, Montherod, Saint-Sulpice, Chigny Vd, Lonay, Saint-Saphorin-sur-Morges, Montricher, Morges
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