Crissier’s historic village heritage and varied river landscapes lie close together: walks along the Mèbre and Sorge lead in just a few minutes from an industrial setting into wooded landscapes. Culture, local products, and paths through parks and gardens are also among the area’s many facets. The municipality covers 550 hectares, about 40 percent of which is agricultural land and forest.
Village History and Traces of Different Eras
In the old village, several molasse-stone buildings preserve memories of Crissier’s agricultural and wine-growing past. A stone on the façade of the village church bears the year 1598; the choir probably dates from the 15th century.
There are also historic remains in the Montassé area: a Roman villa stands there, having been inhabited for almost four centuries. Excavations in 1963 and 1970 brought it to light. Another glimpse far back in time can be found in the town centre: on a playground near Chemin de Brolliet lies an erratic gneiss boulder left behind by the Rhône Glacier around 17,000 years ago.
Paths Along the Mèbre and Sorge
Walk 4 passes through the village of Crissier and along the Sorge, which flows through a wooded corridor on the edge of town. The gorge is damp; small streams run down the slopes and support lush vegetation. Those wishing to compare river landscapes can also find walking paths along the Mèbre. In the Vallon de la Mèbre, a former industrial site and vehicle storage area has been converted into a nature park.
In Parc de la Mèbre, extensive meadows, newly planted woodland edges, and widened riverbanks promote biodiversity. A footpath by the park connects the forest path with the neighbourhoods farther south and complements the route along the Mèbre between Renens and the hills of Ouest lausannois. There are also biotopes along riverbanks in the forests of Crissier; one forest path is dedicated to Franziska Rochat-Moser. Access to the forests is free.
For another route perspective, the “Arbres, fruits et légumes” walking route passes through Crissier, Renens, and Ecublens. Walk 7, “La balade des jardins,” winds through the gardens and parks of Ouest lausannois and includes, among other things, an introduction to historic gardens in the region. The two routes have different focuses: agriculture and gardens on the one hand, and the green spaces of several municipalities on the other.
Montassé and Outdoor Activities
Montassé is a recreation area with views of Lake Geneva and is used as a picnic spot during the warmer months. The site has a playground, benches and tables, a barbecue, and public toilets. The municipal shelter can be rented by the public; check availability for your date.
Other opportunities for outdoor exercise include a fitness trail on Route de Cossonay towards Villars-Ste-Croix, as well as two outdoor sports facilities: a multisport court with artificial turf and a basketball court beside the Chisaz administrative building. This means walking and hiking routes are complemented by dedicated sports facilities.
Culture and Local Products
The Millennium brings together a contemporary art gallery, a bookshop with a literary café, and cultural events. The Montreux Jazz Club Millennium offers a year-round programme featuring renowned artists and emerging talents. This cultural offering complements historical and scenic discoveries with events and contemporary art.
For local products, the L’Esprit du Fruit farm shop, run by the Blondel family in Crissier, offers locally grown fruit as well as regional meat, dairy products, and food items. Check opening details before visiting. La Pinte lists a wide selection of local wines.
Getting Here and Finding Accommodation
Crissier can be reached via the Renens and Lausanne railway stations and five TL bus routes. By car, the town is at the A1/A9 motorway junction and has its own exit. If you are planning your journey by bus and train, check the timetables for your specific connection.
Discover more destinations: Romanel-Sur-Lausanne, Bussigny, Epalinges, Renens, Lausanne, Belmont-Sur-Lausanne.
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