Mex is in the canton of Vaud and the Gros-de-Vaud district. Local highlights include the long history of the parish church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, two castles with different architectural styles, a garden and Stage 3 of the Tour du Gros-de-Vaud. When choosing a holiday apartment in Mex, you can first consider whether local history or the hiking stage will be the focus of your stay.
Church and castles: different phases of construction
The parish church, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, is first mentioned as a parish church in 1228. It became Protestant in 1570; ten years later, it was rebuilt as a simple temple. The Temple of Mex is considered the oldest surviving Protestant building in French-speaking Switzerland. The dates mark different milestones: its first mention as a parish church, the change of denomination and the subsequent rebuilding.
Château d’En-Bas is a three-storey building dating from the 16th century. Its corner tower contains an Italian-style staircase. Its south façade, remodelled in 1652, is described as unique in the canton of Vaud and displays both Italian and French influences. Different features stand out at Château d’En-Haut: the two-storey building acquired its current U-shaped layout in 1782. The complex also includes an outbuilding probably dating from the 17th century. The architecture of the two castles can therefore be distinguished by specific features: at En-Bas, the tower staircase and south façade are defining features; at En-Haut, it is the layout and the outbuilding.
Garden and landscape
At the foot of Château d’En-Haut, the glacis connects to the upper plateau; its landscape includes meadows and orchards. A wooded hill rises above the centre of Mex. The garden at Château d’En-Haut also has a clearly described layout: a small geometric French-style garden lies in front of the outbuilding, which adjoins the castle to the east.
Local history is also reflected in a local tradition. According to legend, the people of Mex were called “foulx”. This was associated with the former cultivation of chestnuts and the word “fouis” for the fruit’s husk. The story gives the village a distinctive cultural note alongside its tangible architectural and landscape features.
Hiking Stage 3
Stage 3 of the Tour du Gros-de-Vaud runs from Cossonay-Penthalaz via Vufflens-la-Ville, Mex and Sullens. The entire stage is listed as 13.75 kilometres, with an estimated duration of 3 hours and 40 minutes. These figures apply to the whole route, not just the section through Mex.
In the Mex section, the trail crosses a broad plain along an agricultural track. Château de Mex lies ahead of hikers. The route can thus be understood in terms of its length and landscape: the stage links several named places and passes through open countryside in the Mex area. If you are weighing local history against hiking for your stay, the stage’s distance and estimated duration offer a concrete basis for planning.
Plan your journey
Four public transport stops are listed for Mex; there is no rail connection. Transport is described as bus or other public transport. If you plan to use one of the stops to get there, check the current timetable in advance.
Discover more destinations: Montilliez, Fey, Goumoens-La-Ville, Goumoens-Le-Jux, Oppens.
Back to the main travel overview: Gros-De-Vaud.
