The best walks and hikes around Syens

Very nice. There are often dogs out walking.

Posted on 2.03.25

The church tower of Saint-Etienne was once an integral part of the fortifications. Easily recognizable by its solid construction and the loopholes on the sides. In the tower passage there is an interesting information board stating that Wolfgang Amadé Mozart and his family stopped in Moudon in 1766 on their journey through Switzerland.

Again and again, shallow cascades tame the flowing Broye, creating swirling photogenic moments. At low tide, pretty stone banks appear, which are used by birds, amphibians and humans alike.

Magnificent place from which you can imagine the history of Moudon from the edge of the Broye and its wooden bridge.

The first mention of a church dedicated to Saint Stephen in Moudon dates from 1134-1143, although its existence probably dates back further. Located outside the medieval village centered on the hill, it was then the counterpart to the Notre-Dame chapel located at the top of this hill1. Nicknamed “the cathedral of Broye” by the city's inhabitants, it is the largest parish church in the canton of Vaud and one of the best examples of radiant Gothic style in French-speaking Switzerland2. Construction began around 1281, the date of the enclosure flanking the apse wall, and was completed around 1330 with the construction of the last three vaults and the western rose. The bell tower, openworked at its base by the town gate, was erected between the years 1417 and 1436. Chapels were then added to the sides. The simple plan, without transept, evokes a Cistercian influence with its three naves and its rectangular choir, but in elevation the style is radiant Gothic. The vaults are decorated with paintings in 1506-1512. The stalls from 1499-1502 are the work of sculptors Rodolphe Pottu, Peter Vuarser and Mattelin Vuarser. The communion table, Gothic, dates from 1564. The molasse pulpit was built in 1695. The baroque buffet organ from 1764 is by the maker Adrien-Joseph Pottier and the sculptors Joseph Dellion and Charles Puidoux. Finally, the stained glass windows date from 1935-1937 (Ernest Biéler), and 1951-1953 (Charles Clément)2. The church was restored several times, in 1836-1839 by the architect Henri Perregaux3, then again in 1896-1897, in 1934-1935, in 1949-1974 (with interruptions)2. The church is listed as a Swiss cultural property of national importance. Source Wikipedia

Very nice view of the buildings overlooking the Broye

The first mention of a church dedicated to Saint Stephen in Moudon dates from 1134-1143, although its existence probably dates back further. Located outside the medieval village centered on the hill, it was then the counterpart to the Notre-Dame chapel located at the top of this hill1. Nicknamed “the cathedral of Broye” by the city's inhabitants, it is the largest parish church in the canton of Vaud and one of the best examples of radiant Gothic style in French-speaking Switzerland2. Construction began around 1281, the date of the enclosure flanking the apse wall, and was completed around 1330 with the construction of the last three vaults and the western rose. The bell tower, openworked at its base by the town gate, was erected between the years 1417 and 1436. Chapels were then added to the sides. The simple plan, without transept, evokes a Cistercian influence with its three naves and its rectangular choir, but in elevation the style is radiant Gothic. The vaults are decorated with paintings in 1506-1512. The stalls from 1499-1502 are the work of sculptors Rodolphe Pottu, Peter Vuarser and Mattelin Vuarser. The communion table, Gothic, dates from 1564. The molasse pulpit was built in 1695. The baroque buffet organ from 1764 is by the maker Adrien-Joseph Pottier and the sculptors Joseph Dellion and Charles Puidoux. Finally, the stained glass windows date from 1935-1937 (Ernest Biéler), and 1951-1953 (Charles Clément)2. The church was restored several times, in 1836-1839 by the architect Henri Perregaux3, then again in 1896-1897, in 1934-1935, in 1949-1974 (with interruptions)2. The church is listed as a Swiss cultural property of national importance. Source Wikipedia