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 in a different light.

Crosses in the Pays de Vaud

Why are crosses found in the canton of Vaud only in the Echallens region? In the 15th century, Bern took control of the Pays de Vaud and imposed the Reformation, driving out the Catholic Church and seizing its property. However, 11 communes in the Gros-de-Vaud were granted special status, being placed under the authority of both Bern and Fribourg. As a result, the Catholic and Protestant faiths came to coexist in these areas. Thus, the various customs and traditions of each faith found their place, sometimes in harmony, sometimes in conflict, depending on the era.

Discover the eight wayside crosses in the heart of the village of Echallens

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 circuit: 4 km