Essertines-sur-Rolle combines a rural setting with tangible traces of its history. In Bugnaux lie the ruins of the medieval castle of Mont-le-Vieux; a footpath also leads to the Vieux Sapin, a 48-metre-tall fir tree. The municipality comprises the village of Essertines-sur-Rolle and the hamlet of Bugnaux and is located in the Nyon district of the canton of Vaud, Switzerland.
Vineyards, forests, and views
The municipality’s landscape includes forests, vineyards, orchards, and fields, as well as scattered farms and traditional winegrowers’ houses. Bugnaux lies between vineyards and forests and offers views of the lake. The hamlet is also listed as a cantonal cultural heritage site. This combination gives the choice of location a rural character, reflected both in the landscape and in the settlement patterns. In 2009, 70.2 percent of the municipal area was designated as agricultural land and 22.9 percent as forest.
Castle, church, and local history
Sections of the walls of the Mont-le-Vieux castle complex are still preserved. The site overlooks the villages of La CĂ´te. During the invasion of the Vaud region by Swiss troops, the castle was set on fire in the autumn of 1475. The medieval ruins are listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property as a Category B object; the inventory is dated 1 January 2025. Here, visible remnants of the structure are linked to a clearly dated event in regional history.
The Church of Saint-André also has its own historical record: it is dedicated to Saint Andrew and was disputed between Ainay Abbey near Lyon and Saint-Jean in Geneva. It subsequently remained in Saint-Jean’s possession. The place name also dates back a long way: Essertines-sur-Rolle was first mentioned in 1152 under the name Essartinis. Those interested in the history of the place will find different points of entry, from medieval ruins to the development of the name and the church’s ownership history.
On foot and by bus
A footpath to the Vieux Sapin starts at the shooting range and heads towards Burtigny. After a few hundred metres, the 48-metre-tall fir tree can be reached away from the road. The directions make the tree a specific destination for a walk in the surrounding area. Two stops on the Rolle–Gimel bus route serve Essertines-sur-Rolle: one is in Essertines village square, and the other is below the village at Pontet. Check the current timetables before travelling so you can plan your journey accordingly.
Horse riding and regional cuisine
The Centre Les Dudes in Essertines-sur-Rolle offers comprehensive basic training in horse riding across all equestrian disciplines. For groups, it also offers an activity involving observing and interacting with horses. These riding activities complement the local history and landscape with a hands-on activity; they cater to different interests without implying that they are suitable for everyone.
The Auberge du Chasseur is a traditional restaurant specialising in regional dishes and wines. If you plan to eat there, check the opening details in advance. This makes it possible to take local dining options into account when planning your day without assuming they are always available.
There are several different reasons to choose this destination: Bugnaux and Mont-le-Vieux for cultural history, the vineyards and forests for the landscape, and the walk to the Vieux Sapin and the horse-riding activities for active outings. You can plan your stay around whichever of these aspects of Essertines-sur-Rolle matters most to your trip.
Discover more destinations: Rolle, Saint-George, Tartegnin, Bursinel, Bogis-Bossey, Grens, Mont-Sur-Rolle, Chavannes-De-Bogis.
Go to the main travel overview: Nyon.
