Almost 200 hectares of woodland and open meadows, more than 3,000 species of trees and shrubs, and a church featuring works by Bodjol give Montherod several different avenues of discovery. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, this distinction can help with your planning: the Arboretum du Vallon de l’Aubonne focuses on nature, while the Église de Montherod offers art and local history.
Plateau, valley and regional setting
Montherod is a locality in the municipality of Aubonne, in the Morges district of the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It lies at an elevation of about 593 metres above sea level; the elevation ranges from 522 to 692 metres. A farming village, Montherod is situated on a plateau above the Vaud CĂ´te and west of the deeply cut Aubonne valley.
The territory of the former municipality of Montherod is part of the Jura vaudois Regional Nature Park. The land-use figures also refer to the former municipal territory: in 1997, 46 percent was recorded as woodland and wooded areas, and 48 percent as agricultural land. The landscape can thus be understood both through its current regional setting and through this explicitly historical land-use figure.
Arboretum and wildlife
The central buildings of the Arboretum du Vallon de l’Aubonne are located in Montherod. The arboretum covers almost 200 hectares of woodland and open meadows that are accessible to the public. Its collection includes more than 3,000 species and varieties of trees and shrubs. Its scientific, educational and recreational aims go hand in hand: the arboretum seeks to introduce people to trees and foster appreciation of them.
The landscape also includes a historic orchard, which is maintained by the arboretum. Apple trees and dog roses in particular are carefully preserved there. The Vallon de l’Aubonne is also a wildlife reserve where almost 100 bird species can be observed. A colony of beavers lives around the arboretum’s reservoir; whether you see beavers may vary by location and time.
Trails and practical information
Several marked discovery trails lead through the arboretum. Their availability depends on local maintenance, so check the latest trail information before setting out. The park is open year-round. However, the reception desk and individual facilities have their own schedules, which you should check separately.
The Montherod-Battoir bus station is 1.7 kilometres from the arboretum reception desk. Check the latest public transport information, as local transport details can change. For visits along the adapted trails, you can rent an electric wheelchair at the reception desk. As booking conditions may change, check them in advance.
Guided tours are organised on summer Sundays and on request. If you are planning a guided tour, check the specific dates or enquire in advance. This will help you distinguish the seasonal option from a visit without a guide.
A route described by Vaud Rando runs via Rolle, Signal de Bougy, Montherod and the arboretum to Aubonne. It passes through Montherod, where it points out the church with its murals and stained-glass windows. As route descriptions can depend on trail conditions, check the latest information before setting out.
Church and local history
The Église de Montherod is dedicated to Saint Apre. A large mural by Bodjol is located on the north wall of the nave. In 1979, Bodjol also donated a new stained-glass window for the choir. The church therefore brings together two specific artistic features: the mural in the nave and the later donated window in the choir.
Another story belongs to local tradition: according to it, a secret workshop in Montherod produced counterfeit banknotes in 1794, to the detriment of France, at the instigation of the English ambassador in Bern. Alongside the church’s artworks, the story offers another way to explore local history.
Discover more destinations: Aclens, Echichens, Cuarnens, Bougy-Villars, Montricher, FĂ©chy, Saint-Saphorin-sur-Morges, Chigny Vd
For the main travel overview: Morges.
