Corcelles-le-Jorat lies between the Bressonne Valley and the Bois du Jorat. To get your bearings, it is worth noting the differences in elevation: the settlement is at 786 metres, while most of the municipality’s hamlets are at 850 to 900 metres. From these hamlets, the view stretches all the way to the Alps.
Landscape and Getting Your Bearings
The settlement lies in a hollow formed by the Ruisseau de Corcelles, on the eastern slope of the Jorat plateau in the Vaud Plateau. Two source streams flow through the municipality and join below the village to form the Ruisseau de Corcelles. The Corbassière and Cerjuz streams also lie within the municipality or along its boundaries. The wooded heights of the Jorat include Bois Faucon and Bois Vuacoz. At 927 metres, Bois Vuacoz is the highest point in the municipality. Historical land-use figures for 1997 show that 53 percent of the area was agricultural land and 42 percent was forest and woodland.
Corcelles-le-Jorat is on the road between Oron and Echallens, and close to the Lausanne–Moudon transport corridor. Two PostBus routes connect the village with Lausanne and Moudon. If you are planning to travel by public transport, check the current timetable before setting off.
Forest Trails and Experiences in the Jorat
The five-kilometre Sentier Handicap et Nature runs between Villars-Tiercelin, Corcelles-le-Jorat and Peney-le-Jorat. Along the trail, there are observation points and activity areas for people with disabilities and their companions. The trail passes through varied woodland and offers views of the Jura range and the Pre-Alps. It is open year-round, free to access and wheelchair accessible. Check the latest access information and trail conditions before setting off.
Visitor information updated on 15 December 2025 describes La Calèche de Pierrot, which offers horseback rides and carriage rides through the Jorat for families and nature enthusiasts. It also mentions a specially adapted carriage for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility, with a ramp and wheelchair restraints. If you are considering this offer for your plans, check the current conditions in advance.
Château and Village Church
At the southern entrance to the village stands the château at Route de Lausanne 23. It dates from the second half of the 18th century and was built as a country residence for Louise de Corcelles, née de Saussure and wife of Polier. The cantonal inventory, as of 1 January 2025, lists the château as a Category B cultural property.
The church also offers several historical points of interest. The present church building was built in 1725 at a new, higher site. In 1932, Louis Rivier created two stained-glass windows for the church, comprising four medallions. Alongside its architectural and artistic history, the church hosts a regular event: on the last Wednesday of each month, a time for reflection, meditation and music is offered from 18:30 to 19:00.
Wine and Regional Products
Wine tastings with sales are held in the Grande Salle every year on the first Saturday in May and the first Saturday in December. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these dates, confirm it before travelling. At the Laiterie de Corcelles-le-Jorat, you can buy Gruyère AOP and try artisan-made yoghurt. The shop also stocks dairy products and a selection of regional specialities. Opening arrangements and product selection may change, so check before visiting.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Cremin, Payerne, Chevroux, Vers-Chez-Perrin, Mur VD, Dompierre VD, Vully-Les-Lacs, Cudrefin.
For the regional travel overview: Broye-Vully.
