Tolochenaz brings together Lake Geneva, nature along the Boiron, wine tastings and places of remembrance. At Plage du Stand, a peaceful beach offers easy access to the water and unobstructed views of the Alps. Those who want to focus on nature and culture will find interactive exhibitions and insights into the wildlife of lakes and rivers at La Maison de la Rivière.
Lake Geneva, the Boiron and the Sentier de la Truite
Plage du Stand is a practical point of reference for anyone planning to spend time by the water: the beach is peaceful, access to the water is easy and the views of the Alps are unobstructed. The Sentier de la Truite offers a different perspective on the landscape. The path runs from Château de Morges along the lake to La Maison de la Rivière, then through the forest along the Boiron and through Saint-Prex. It therefore describes a route through the wider area; it does not start at the beach in Tolochenaz.
La Maison de la Rivière is located on Lake Geneva beside the River Boiron. Its playful, interactive exhibitions are also aimed at families. Anyone interested in waterways and their wildlife can combine opportunities for observation and the exhibitions here with a walk along the Boiron. The Sentier de la Truite is more than just a path: it is also offered as an educational trail, making it possible to follow the river along its route.
Wine tastings with varying dates
La Cave de La Côte offers occasional themed tastings and tasting courses led by an oenologist. As these activities may not take place regularly and dates can vary, it is worth checking the latest dates before making plans.
La Cave de La Côte’s Pavillon de Tolochenaz has free parking. As parking information may change, it is advisable to check briefly before setting off.
Places of remembrance for Audrey Hepburn
Place Audrey Hepburn in the centre of Tolochenaz honours the actress. La Paisible is the house where she lived during her time in Tolochenaz. The village church offers another historical connection: it was built in 1930 by the architect Alfred de Goumoëns, and Audrey Hepburn’s funeral service was held there in late January 1993. These places represent different aspects of the actress’s legacy—a tribute in the centre, her former home and the history of the church.
Ignace Paderewski is also associated with an exhibition venue. The Pigeonnier – Pavillon Paderewski is a small exhibition space and one of the few surviving reminders of his life in the canton of Vaud. Furniture and photographs from that period are on display there. The focus is therefore on tangible historical objects, not solely on the memory of a person.
Nature and history at La Maison de la Rivière
La Maison de la Rivière’s permanent exhibition brings together nature and culture and features local cultural and natural treasures. Exhibits include the F.-A. Forel submarine, Neolithic remains and a mammoth tooth. The exhibition also includes remains from the Bronze Age and pile-dwelling settlements, a Roman milestone and a gallery of native animals. Almost 400 taxidermied vertebrates are part of the Genton collection.
The outdoor areas offer opportunities to discover nature, too: the outdoor aquariums allow visitors to observe fish from the lake and rivers. Two educational ponds are home to turtles, frogs and dragonflies. Together with the interactive exhibitions, this offers a different focus from the beach: here, habitats and their inhabitants take centre stage. La Maison de la Rivière also hosts temporary exhibitions and events, and offers educational trails such as the Sentier de la Truite.
Archaeological traces along the Boiron
Archaeological remains were discovered at Crêt du Boiron in Tolochenaz in 1823, including around 40 graves associated with what was called the “Boiron civilisationâ€.
Another story is linked to the Gibet de Morges. The original structure consisted of four oak posts arranged in a square, with horizontal beams that served as a gallows. In 1750, it was rebuilt as three stone pillars from large, carefully hewn blocks of yellow limestone. The fragments were rediscovered in 1903 and re-erected in 1958 near their original location in the Boiron area. The surviving pillar has been classified as a historic monument since 1958.
Practical information for visiting La Maison de la Rivière
To get there by bus, take route B 702 to the Les Saux stop; from there, it is a ten-minute walk to La Maison de la Rivière. Free parking is 100 metres away. The entire centre is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Discover more destinations: Bougy-Villars, Denens, Yens, Bière, Saint-Prex, Montherod, Préverenges, Lavigny.
For the main travel overview: Morges.
