Lonay lies halfway between the Morges and the Venoge rivers and one kilometre from Lake Geneva. The village sits on a sunny hillside linking the small Bief plain with the extensive, hilly plateau to the north. The landscape, local history and events offer several possible focuses for a visit – from the nature reserve to wine tasting.
The Bomelet Natural Area
In the upper part of Lonay, the Bomelet nature reserve is located in the Faclay forest. It comprises two ponds fed by the Flon d’Echandens, a wetland downstream and a surrounding belt of woodland. The entire area covers approximately one hectare. The two ponds were created at different times: the first was excavated in 1976 and the second in 1997. Those interested in the landscape will find a compact natural area with several clearly distinct features – bodies of water, wetland and woodland.
Church Architecture and Cultural Life
Lonay’s present-day church preserves a choir dating from the 12th century. Its architectural details include a pointed barrel vault and a broad niche in the south wall with a small Gothic pointed-arch window. The church’s construction history comprises three main phases: the 11th and 12th centuries, the second half of the 13th century, and the second half of the 15th century. Those interested in architectural history can consider this chronology alongside the features of the choir.
The events calendar also offers a variety of activities. The Abbaye de Lonay organises a village festival every three years. It includes shooting competitions open to both experienced participants and beginners. Lonay’s Commission culturelle organises a craft market, various performances at the Salle des Pressoirs, and Advent window events; dates and programmes may vary.
Théâtre les Branle-Cloches usually prepares a play each year for late January. Its past repertoire has mainly comprised boulevard theatre and comedies; works by Feydeau have also been performed. Future productions may differ. If an event is the reason for your trip, check the announced dates for the relevant period.
Wine Tasting and Your Stay
The Virée des Vins de Morges combines a walk of about five kilometres with wine tastings at participating winemakers along the route. The route runs mainly along paths through Lonay’s vineyards. Departures take place from the Salle des Pressoirs between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The meeting point and arrangements may change from one edition to another, so check the details for the current edition and any booking requirements before your trip.
When looking for a holiday apartment in Lonay, you can start by deciding on your preferred focus and travel dates. Bomelet and the church’s architectural history are permanent features of the village; the Virée des Vins, performances and markets depend on the respective editions and dates.
Getting There and Further Information
Lonay has road, rail and bus connections. The hills above Lonay are also home to a sports and leisure centre offering modern facilities for sports enthusiasts from the region. It was completely renovated and redesigned between 2017 and 2018.
Discover more destinations: Denens, Yens, Saint-Prex, Montherod, Bière, Etoy, Chigny Vd, L'isle Vd.
Back to the main travel overview: Morges.
