Activity

Have you noticed the crosses along the roadside? Here’s a short walk that will allow you to explore the crosses of Echallens: a chance to discover the area from a different perspective.

The crosses in the Canton of Vaud – Why are the crosses in the Canton of Vaud found exclusively in the Echallens region? In the 15th century, Bern seized control of Vaud, imposed the Reformation, expelled the Catholic Church and seized its assets. Eleven municipalities in the Gros-de-Vaud, however, were granted special status, coming under the joint rule of Bern and Fribourg. As a result, the Catholic and Protestant faiths coexisted side by side in these areas. Thus, depending on the era, the different customs and traditions of the respective faiths coexisted, sometimes in harmony, sometimes in conflict with one another.

Discover the eight Calvary crosses in the heart of Echallens town centre: Cross 1 – Petites Roches (not far from the town hall)
Cross 2 – Pré-Bacon
Cross 3 – Route de Cossonay
Cross 4 – Route de Praz-Palud (Migros roundabout)
Cross 5 – Route de Moudon
Cross 6 – Route d’Yverdon (Fontaine roundabout)
Cross 7 – Côte du Cimetière
Cross 8 – Former post office (next to the traffic lights) Full route: 4 km