In Epalinges, you can choose between a trail that takes just under half an hour and a loop of about two hours. Both walks are considered easy, but they differ significantly in the time they take. Wetlands, woodland and historic village scenery offer further points of interest to explore independently.
Location and Landscape on the Jorat
Epalinges lies at an altitude of 785 metres, about four kilometres as the crow flies northeast of Lausanne, on the southern slope of the Jorat in the Vaud Plateau. Small valleys shape this slope: the Flon Valley and the valley of the Flon Morand border the municipality, and several tributaries of the Flon originate here. Bois de la Chapelle is the largest woodland area in Epalinges. On the Jorat plateau, the municipality’s highest point reaches 850 metres.
Two Walks with Different Time Requirements
The “En balade à Épalinges” circular route starts and ends at the Croisettes m2 station, near the bus stops. It is about six kilometres long, takes approximately two hours and is considered easy. Since it starts and ends in the same place, you can plan it as a standalone walk; the approximate walking time helps distinguish it from the shorter option.
Another trail leads through the biotope in Bois de la Chapelle. It is just under a kilometre long, takes about thirty minutes and is also considered easy. Twelve totems featuring drawings by Raymond Burki line the trail, which was inaugurated on 25 May 2019. QR codes next to each drawing let you listen to audio commentary by the artist Valott on your smartphone. The drawings and audio contributions are among the distinctive details of this short walk.
The biotope was created in 2014 by the municipal forestry team. Information panels explain the life cycle of amphibians and the importance of wood piles. If you are interested in natural processes, you will find specific topics to observe and understand alongside the walk. The two trails offer a simple choice based on the time available: around thirty minutes for the shorter trail or approximately two hours for the circular route.
Wetlands, Mills and Local History
Near Moulin Rose is a wetland that can be visited via several paths running through it. It helps promote local biodiversity. Moulin Rose also reflects the municipality’s relationship with water: about a century ago, it was one of two mills powered by the water of the Flon. A sawmill was also part of the same local hydropower system. This historical context adds a piece of regional working and technological history to the natural landscape.
Quartier du Village is considered the historic centre of Epalinges. Église des Croisettes is designated a historic monument and described by the municipality as an emblematic building. It was inaugurated on 13 November 1662 and stands on a green hill. Its spacious Bernese roof and village character define its architecture. The church and historic centre offer a different focus from walks through woodland and wetlands.
Culture for Planning Your Trip
Since 2021, the municipal Saison Culturelle has showcased local talent while also providing access to international productions. The programme includes performing arts, music, theatre, dance and comedy. If you would like to include culture in your stay, check the event dates for your travel dates: individual events change. This lets you plan around the specific offerings rather than assuming that a particular programme will be available on every visit.
Discover more destinations: Crissier, Bussigny, Renens, Lausanne, Belmont-Sur-Lausanne, Romanel-Sur-Lausanne.
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