In Fey, an educational look at wheat cultivation and a historic grain store meet paths through forests and across the plateau. The village thus brings together landscape, agriculture and local history, with a variety of ways to explore the surrounding area on foot or by bicycle.
Plateau, forests and landscape history
Fey lies on the plateau between the Menthue and its tributary, the Sauteru. Forests, made up mainly of deciduous trees, surround the village. The landscape also reflects a change dating back to the early 20th century: the former Le marais marsh was converted into communal pastureland through drainage work carried out between 1920 and 1922. After this work, the soils produced abundant wheat, rapeseed, sunflowers and sugar beets. The history of wheat, explored at a themed site, is therefore directly connected to the development of the local landscape.
Wheat and grain craftsmanship
The “Le blé, une céréale solaire” site is located on a field terrace and has a rye-straw roof. One hundred volunteers made 1,000 bundles of straw for the roof. Ten panels explain wheat cultivation, its history and the plants that accompany it. The visit focuses both on cultivation and on a handcrafted architectural detail: the panels share information about grain, while the roof and its construction show how straw is used at the site.
Another story of grain is told by the Grenier de Fey – Le grenier voyageur. Built at the end of the 15th century, the granary returned to Fey in 2025. For centuries, farmers stored grain and seeds there for future harvests. The restored building displays its oak structure, posts and restoration details, showcasing the skills of craftspeople past and present. This makes it possible to distinguish the granary’s former function from its present-day appearance.
Routes for different amounts of time
For a shorter outing, an easy 1.5-hour forest path leads from the Refuge de Fey to Remble-d’en-Bas on the Sauteruz. A longer hike is the fifth stage of the Tour du Gros-de-Vaud: it runs from Froideville to Fey over 15.7 kilometres and takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes. The approximate durations help you choose between a shorter walk and a longer stage. The Tour du Gros-de-Vaud is an approximately 70-kilometre, five-day circular hiking route around Echallens, through landscapes, forests and rural villages.
The Chemin des Blés also leads to the themed site: it is included on the 22-kilometre stage from Prahins to Echallens. If you want to shorten this stage, you can use the LEB in Fey; check current service before travelling. Fey has been on the Lausanne–Echallens–Bercher railway line since 1889. For cycling, the “Boucle du Nord et le Sauteruz” is another option, although it is rated as an expert route. It runs along the Sauteruz between Opens, Pailly, Rueyres and Fey; conditions can vary seasonally. Check current route conditions in advance.
Church, mill and chocolate-making
The Church of Saint-Etienne is first mentioned in 1166 and was rebuilt in 1702. The history of the Moulin des Engrins is also part of the village’s story: the mill operated as a watermill from the 18th century until the 1940s. Both buildings point to different periods in the village’s history.
L’Atelier Chocolat continues Fey’s artisanal chocolate-making tradition. It hosts chocolate tastings and chocolate-making workshops. The offerings also include sorbets made with fresh local fruit or Grand Cru chocolate. If you plan to attend a tasting or workshop, confirm the dates in advance. The village also has a butcher’s shop selling local specialities and a grocery store.
Fey therefore offers several different ways to plan a visit: a short forest path or longer hiking and cycling routes, the history of wheat and buildings, or chocolate-making. The stated durations and cycling route rating make the differences between the routes clear, while the themed sites add agricultural, local and craft history to your stay.
Discover more destinations: Montilliez, Mex, Oppens, Goumoens-Le-Jux, Goumoens-La-Ville
Return to the regional travel overview: Gros-De-Vaud.
