Activity

Have you noticed the crosses by the roadside? Here’s a short walk taking in the crosses of Echallens – a chance to discover the village from a different perspective.

The crosses in the Vaud region: why are crosses found only in the Echallens area within the canton of Vaud? In the 15th century, Bern took control of the Vaud region and imposed the Reformation, driving out the Catholic Church and seizing its assets. However, 11 communes in the Gros-de-Vaud were granted special status, coming under the joint authority of Bern and Fribourg. Consequently, the Catholic and Protestant faiths coexisted in these areas. Thus, the different customs and traditions of each faith found their place, sometimes in harmony, sometimes in conflict, depending on the era.

Discover the eight stations of the Cross in the heart of the village of Echallens

Station 1 – Petites Roches (not far from the Town Hall)
Station 2 – Pré-Bacon
Station 3 – Route de Cossonay
Station 4 – Route de Praz-Palud (Migros roundabout)
Cross 5 – Route de Moudon
Cross 6 – Route d’Yverdon (Fontaine roundabout)
Cross 7 – Cemetery
Hill Cross 8 – Old Post Office (next to the traffic lights) Total distance: 4 km