Vineyard walk in Côtes de l’Orbe – Panoramic Vineyard
Situated between the Jura, the plain and the lakes, the Côtes de l’Orbe AOC wine region is atypical in that its wines have different characteristics to our other wine regions. Attracted by these unique features, a young generation of wine-producers is raising the profile of this terroir.
This vineyard walk takes you through the important vineyard village of Arnex-sur-Orbe, to the little vineyards of Creux de Villars and Lavaux Vully. Here you can enjoy the wines of some twenty producers which mostly feature characterful red grape varieties, not forgetting the “roi chasselas”.
Vignoble Arnex (www.vincentbourrut.ch)
Balade Oenotouristique des Cotes de l'Orbe : Vignoble Panoramique
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Orbe Parking
Wine tourism walkers can leave their car there before being guided by their smartphone.
This interactive trail includes a "Pied du Jura" loop to the north of about 14 km and a "Panoramic vineyard" loop to the south of about 12 km. From this car park, the PostBus allows the walking time of both loops to be shortened.
On the "Pied du Jura" loop, PostBus 680 in the direction of Yverdon-les-Bains takes hikers to Valeyres-sous-Rances or Rances. At the "Restaurant" stop in the first village, there are two options to choose from: walkers either follow the remainder of the "Pied du Jura" loop and its 10 km leading back to Orbe on foot, or finish with a mini loop of 3 km between Valeyres-sous-Rances and Rances.
To shorten the "Panoramic vineyard" loop, likewise take PostBus 680 in the direction of Agiez and stop at Agiez (Vers-le-Pont stop) to cut off 3.5 km or Arnex-sur-Orbe (Poste stop) and cover the last 5.5 km of the route.
PostBus timetables: www.cff.ch
Free and unlimited parking is available at Puisoir, in the lower part of the town along the river towards the football fields.
We hope that you make wonderful discoveries along the wine tourism walk in the Côtes de l'Orbe region!
Orbe Parking (© Christophe Demont)
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Orbe
Situated at a crossroads, the town of Orbe suffered repeated invasions and the fortified town bears their impressive architectural imprint. The spectacular panoramic site of Boscéaz includes a recently discovered set of Roman mosaics; unique in Switzerland they let you imagine the imposing villa they adorned, thanks to an interactive tour.
Near Yverdon-les-Bains, the medieval town offers many walks and guided tours to the Tour Ronde or the famous Orbe Gorge.
A young generation of passionate winegrowers has managed to gain recognition for the wines from the Côtes de l'Orbe AOC appellation. Wine tourism enthusiasts can combine wine tasting in the cellars, walks among the vines, or a bike ride in the heart of the vineyard.
L'Orbe (© Christophe Demont)
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River Orbe
The walkers of the Yverdon-les-Bains region appreciate its calm and natural shores, but do they know about the tumultuous adventures of the Orbe?
The source of this river is Lac des Rousses, in neighbouring France. It quietly crosses the border, before plunging into another lake: Lac de Joux. After leaving the lake, it’s a short distance before you reach another watering point: Lac Brenet. From here, the Orbe becomes an underground river, before resurfacing in the magical and mysterious Vallorbe Caves. At the start of this natural and touristic site, the Orbe has been domesticated by man as it crosses the town of Vallorbe, then the artificial Mirror Lake, created by the Day dam. Going from 743m high to 440m from the town of the same name, the Orbe carves out the magnificent Orbe Gorge, a much loved excursion for walkers.
Shortly after Orbe, the river joins the Talent, to become the Thiele. The latter crosses the town of Yverdon-les-Bains, before jumping into Lake Neuchâtel.
l'Orbe (© Christophe Demont)
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Chalet's hydroelectric plant
The dam and the Chalet plant are among the first hydroelectric constructions across the Orbe River. The project is being launched by the Société des Usines de l'Orbe, in order to provide the electricity needed for the Orbe-Charvornay railway line, as well as the city's households. A dozen years before the nearby Montcherand factory, the dam of the Chalet was built between 1892 and 1894 by Ulysse Perrin. With a length of 25 m and a height of 15 m, the dam, located at the end of the Orbe gorges, creates a waterfall that operates the turbines.
In 1950, the dam was elevated. The Chalet plant is still used to supply Orbe with electricity through VO Energies. With the Jougnenaz’ plant in Vallorbe and the Moulinets’ plant in Orbe, the three plants cover about a quarter of the distribution networks’ needs of VO Energies.
Orbe Enclos des Wallaby (© Christophe Demont)
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Agiez vineyard
Just because it only has 300 inhabitants, making it one of the smallest villages in the region, Agiez doesn't lack character! This can be found in its wines, produced by four winemakers on a small area of 4.5 hectares.
The Agiez soil comes from moraines and is light, well-drained and stony: a terroir that is particularly good for red wines. The yellow stone that used to be extracted near the village is similar to the rocks found in Saint-Émilion, a French vineyard of world renown. This feature inspires the winemakers, who grow rare grape varieties such as Doral, Cabernet dorsa or Gewurztraminer, as well as the most famous varieties Chasselas, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Gamaret, Garanoir and Merlot.
Agiez Vignoble Le Coin (© Christophe Demont)
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Cave Mirabilis
When Pierre-Yves took over the wine cellar of his father, André, in 2013, he expanded the estate to its current 4.5 hectares. He also strengthened the reputation of Agiez wines, already well established by André Poget. The 12 wines, made from 9 grape varieties, regularly win prizes, such as the Lauriers d'Or, the Sélection des vins vaudois, the Mondial du Merlot or the Mondial du Pinot noir. Red wines benefit most from the light and very chalky soils of Agiez and Rances, while Pierre-Yves' white wines thrive on a new plot of land in the heart of Orbe.
The name "Mirabilis" conjures up a family of flowers - a nod to the profession of florist of Pierre-Yves' wife, Annick. Even though she continues the profession she is passionate about, Annick gives her husband a hand, for example on Saturday mornings from 10.00 to 12.00, when the wine cellar, which can hold 30 people, opens its doors to the public.
Agiez (© Christophe Demont)
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Agiez
With barely 300 inhabitants, Agiez is one of the 50 smallest communes in Vaud. Nevertheless it is still attractive, due to the proximity of important cultural and natural sites. Its vines, an integral part of the Côtes de l'Orbe AOC vineyard, are also famous.
Like several villages in the region, Agiez was already inhabited in Neolithic times, as certain relics such as a two-edged axe have shown. A Burgundian cemetery was also discovered in 1836. For a long time, from the Middle Ages to the Bernese occupation, Agiez was attached to the convent then to the castellany of Romainmôtier.
Agiez's economic activity, now mostly agricultural and viticultural, was once dominated by the large stone quarry, which employed 100 workers in 1888. Its closure was announced in 1914.
Agiez (© Christophe Demont)
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Hive in Agiez
Between 800 and 1000 hives are spread out over the canton of Vaud. On average, each hive is home to 40,000 bees who work tirelessly to provide us with delicious, 100% local honey. The diversity of landscapes and nature in the canton of Vaud can be found in the different pots of honey. The name "mountain honey" is regulated and can only be given to high altitude honey-producing areas. Produced from mid-June to mid-August, forest honey is recognisable due to its darker color and its more intense and woody taste. Among floral honey, you can distinguish spring honey from summer honey: the first is very pale, almost white, while the second has a more golden hue.
There is nothing sweeter than a bee, but be careful as you approach the hives!
Agiez Ruches (© Christophe Demont)
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The winemakers of Arnex-sur-Orbe
In Arnex-sur-Orbe, the following winegrowers produce their wines under the Côtes de l'Orbe AOC:
• The Cave des 13 Coteaux is a cooperative of makers of well-known wines that can be tasted in the cooperative's cellar every Wednesday evening, Saturday morning or by appointment.
• Bernard Gauthey is a winemaker who produces a dozen wines on his 3 hectare estate. Open on Saturday morning or by appointment, his welcoming wine cellar can hold up to 50 people.
• The cellar of the Lavenex family produces around ten wines, which you can discover on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings in the cellar that has space for 50 people.
• At the Cave des Murailles, Landry and Raymond Morel harvest the grapes by hand and vinify them using traditional methods. Their wide range of wines are served in the cellar every Saturday morning or by appointment.
• At Domaine de l'Orme, the welcome is as important as the wine. Two rooms, including "La Grange" for receptions of up to 200 people, store nearly 15 nectars by winemaker Frédéric Gauthey. Open on Saturday morning or by appointment.
• Yann Morel’s estate has his initials, "YM", and he uses his experience to produce seven wines that you can discover on site on Saturday morning or by appointment.
• In his small vineyard of 1.8 hectares, Nicolas Bovet offers amazing nectars, such as his sweet sparkling Gamay or his sweet apple wine. The Maison Rose wine cellar is open on Saturday morning or by appointment.
• Plant Robert isn’t just drunk in Lavaux! This grape, made famous by its rarity, is also grown by Jean-Jacques and Catherine Monnier, together with around 10 other types of grape, in their Domaine du Pontet. The cellar is open on appointment.
A list of all the Côtes de l'Orbe AOC winemakers, together with the opening hours of their wine cellars, can be found on the website www.cotes-de-lorbe.ch.
A special tasting package (6 wines for 15.- swiss francs) is offered by some winemakers. Information is available from the Tourist Office.
Arnex-sur-Orbe (© Christophe Demont)
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Arnex-sur-Orbe
Archaeological remains found in Arnex-sur-Orbe prove that the place was already inhabited in 750 BC. Other objects dating from Roman times and the Middle Ages show that the region was always an attraction for man, who saw it as a welcoming place.
In the Middle Ages, Arnex-sur-Orbe depended on the Romainmôtier convent. Artefacts belonging to the monks at that time show that vines already covered Arnex-sur-Orbe back then.
Like the rest of the canton of Vaud, Arnex-sur-Orbe passed into Bernese hands in 1536. The vineyard played another important role in the history of the village, since grapes and wine were used as currency to pay the taxes to the lords of Berne. At that time some Bernese bailiffs already recognised the qualities of Arnex-sur-Orbe and settled there. This was the case of Hans Rudolf Horn, who bought a mansion known today as Arnex Castle.
Arnex-sur-Orbe (© Christophe Demont)
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Arnex-sur-Orbe vineyard
In Arnex-sur-Orbe, no less than 20 winemakers work on an area of 45 hectares shared between six places: Mandrollaire, Les Vaux, Malessert, Grèpes, Lyonnes and la Gentille Femme. They are part of a long wine-growing tradition, dating back to the Middle Ages, with the wine-making monks of Romainmôtier. The vines also played an important role in the 16th century when the Bernese occupied the canton of Vaud as the grapes and wine were used as currency to pay taxes to the lords.
Much later, from 1968, a reorganisation saw the number of plots in Arnex-sur-Orbe go from 660 to 175! During this period, which lasted 13 years, the paths were improved. Designed to make it easier for the winemaker to work, these repairs also made the vineyard more accessible to the numerous walkers who take part in the famous gourmet walk organised by the winemakers every year during the holiday called “Jeûne Federal” on a Sunday.
Vignoble d'Arnex-sur-Orbe (© Christophe Demont)
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Lavaux Vully vineyard
As it faces the south east, the Lavaux Vully vineyard, farmed by the winemakers of Arnex-sur-Orbe, stores up the sun's rays. Its 3.5 hectares of vines, on a soil of chalky clay marlstone, provide the nourishing earth for five different grape varieties.
These include the Pinot Noir, the most common red wine in Switzerland and in the canton of Vaud, but also the Garanoir and the Gamaret. These two grape varieties came from a plant breeder from the Agroscope de Changins, a viticulture and oenology school near Nyon. They were created in 1970 by crossing Gamay (a red grape variety) and Reichensteiner (a white grape variety). More typical than its "little brother", the Gamaret is also more popular.
Vignoble de La Vaux Vully (© Christophe Demont)
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Creux de Villars vineyard
Just like its Lavaux Vully "twin", the Creux de Villars vineyard is in the commune of Orbe and is looked after by the winemakers of Arnex-sur-Orbe. Today, 25 hectares of vines remain in the town of Orbe, whereas there were 185 hectares in 1886! This huge difference is due to the arrival of phylloxera, an insect that attacks the grapes, spreading a disease called "phylloxera" by proximity.
Larger than the Lavaux Vully, the Creux de Villars is an estate covering 16.5 hectares of chalky clay mudstone. Facing south-south east, the conditions are ideal for growing Riesling-Sylvaner, Pinot Noir, Gamaret, Garanoir, Gamay and of course Chasselas, the king of grapes in the canton de Vaud.
Creux de Villars (© Christophe Demont)
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Côtes de l'Orbe AOC
The Côtes de l’Orbe wine-making area in the Yverdon-les-Bains region is exceptional by its long history and its wines. Clinging to the slopes around the Orbe valley, surrounded by beautiful countryside and pretty villages, the vines are blessed with a dry climate, ideal for growing red grape varieties, like Gamay and Pinot noir.
Over an area of 170 ha, about twenty villages continue to apply their wine-making traditions. To them, wine is about sharing and they are passionate about applying this code, warmly welcoming wine enthusiasts for wine tastings in their cellars or at village events.
The Arnex Gourmet Trail or the Côtes de l’Orbe Half-marathon, inspired by the Médoc Marathon, are an opportunity to sample this appellation, characterised by the high quality of its wines, the innovative spirit and the enthusiasm of its producers.
Vignoble Rances (www.vincentbourrut.ch)
Vignoble Arnex (www.vincentbourrut.ch)
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The Winegrower's Hut
The Swiss word “capite” defines a little isolated house or a guard house. In the vines, the “capite” is a hut wherein the winegrowers take a break and put away their equipment The picturesque capites seduce the passers-by. Some winegrowers have understood this and warmly welcome their customers in the converted huts for the aperitif or even for the night !
The State of Vaud has recently changed one of its laws to allow the winegrowers to serve a glass of wine or sell some bottles during the tastings in the huts.
Capite vigneronne (© Christophe Demont)
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Camping TCS Le Signal
In its green setting, the camp site is a haven of peace and relaxation. Residents have free access to the piscine and its waterslide. Numerous events are organised during the high season: card games, mini-golf and pétanque tournaments for old and young, concerts and themed evenings are only some examples.
Open from April to October, the camping disposes of individual shower cubicles with free hot water, washing machines and driers, wheelchair access and a baby changing room. There is also a bar and a small shop.
Orbe township offers varied activities: Roman mosaics, Rod flourmills, the Orbe gorge, etc. In summer, the tourist office organises free guided tours.
Camping Le Signal
Camping Le Signal
Camping Le Signal
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Rue du Moulinet, Orbe
Walking through Orbe, you pass by the Rue du Moulinet, in the lower part of the town.
The Pont du Moulinet, a symbol of this street, is considered the oldest stone bridge in Switzerland, dating from 1421.
The Rod mills, in Rue du Moulinet, have hosted the "Patrimoine au fil de l'eau" project for several years. This museum site allows visitors to visit these 15th century artisanal mills and learn more about the history of hydraulic energy, closely linked to the development of the region. You can see three impressive turbines, which produce two million kWh per year. Temporary exhibitions, fun and educational workshops also attract visitors of all ages.
Orbe Quartier du Moulinet (© Christophe Demont)
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Hôtel de Ville d’Orbe (Orbe Town Hall)
Orbe Town Hall was built in the town centre in 1786, on the site of an old covered market. We owe this remarkable building to the representative of the Bernese bailiff, Jeanneret de Grandson, who installed the municipal institutions there. The town hall still houses administrative offices today.
The architectural interest of this Swiss cultural property of national importance lies in its beautiful yellow Valangin stone facade, similar to that of the Yverdon-les-Bains Town Hall.
In order to increase its capacity to provide administrative services, the Town Hall underwent a major restoration between 2005 and 2012.
Orbe Place du Village (© Christophe Demont)
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Former Church of Our Lady
After a first fire that destroyed the town and the chapel in 1407, a new church was built. Unfortunately, a few years later, during the Burgundian War, the church found itself ablaze a second time. The rebuilding work lasted until 1525. In 1554, after a long period of religious conflict, Protestantism was imposed as the religion for the majority of inhabitants. Guillaume Farel and Pierre Viret, two natives from Orbe, then came to preach.
In 1688, major works were interrupted by a third fire, after which Bern and Fribourg helped with reconstruction work. Today, in spite of its tumultuous history, the church at Orbe presents a harmonious unity of style.
Orbe Church (© Cecile Magnenat)
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Esplanade of the Castle and Round Tower
The lords of Montfaucon owned the town of Orbe from 1168 to the end of the 16th century. They built the castle with three towers and a circular keep, the present round tower. The city also retained their coat of arms “Gules, two bends sinister addorsed Or”
In 1835 the town ordered the demolition of the two square towers in order to fill the moats and to extend the terrace. The ancient perimeter walls were lowered in order not to block the view.
Today, the round Tower and a square tower are the sole remains of this fortress. The esplanade shaded by the tall chestnut trees has become a much-loved recreational area.
The round Tower is open to the public all year round. Explanatory panels at the foot of the edifice and inside provide information on the structure.
Round Tower (claudejaccard.com)
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