Aclens: Village History and Heritage

Aclens combines village life today with several clearly dated milestones in its history. For travelers looking for a hotel in the municipality, the chapel, protected heritage sites, vineyards and recurring events offer practical points of reference for planning. Your plans may depend on whether you want to explore local history or arrange your stay around an event or transport connection.

Chapel and Protected Heritage Sites

The chapel in Aclens was built around 1740. It was expanded and fitted with a bell tower in 1828, and has been protected as a historic monument since 1955. Its development can be traced through several milestones, from its construction and structural changes to its protection.

Another protected heritage item is the sign of the Café de la Charrue at Rue du Village 2. It has been protected as a historic monument since March 15, 1963. The Moulin du Choc, in the lower part of Aclens on the banks of the Venoge, is another historic landmark. It was mentioned as early as the beginning of the 17th century. These heritage sites connect local history with different buildings and the riverside landscape.

Traces from Different Eras

The main settlement appears to have been established before the 14th century. At the end of the 14th century, Aclens was separated from the large Barony of Cossonay and initially became a lordship of Challant, and later one of Colombier. A major fire broke out in Aclens in 1416. The municipality had been inhabited since Roman times.

In the Middle Ages, the village of Chibi was part of the territory of Aclens, and its parish church was located there. Chibi was abandoned due to a lack of water. Saint-Christophe, another medieval village, was also destroyed by fire. These local histories complement the architectural heritage with accounts of earlier settlements and changes in the municipality.

Village Life, Events and Bread

The Fanfare L’Avenir regularly puts on concerts and other events in Aclens. One recurring event is the Vide-Greniers, held every two years at the beginning of autumn on Rue du Village, accompanied by music from the fanfare. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check the date for the relevant year in advance.

Bread and local specialties are also part of village life. The Les Z’Amis du Fournil association offers bread and other specialties several times a year; pizza and other specialties are also available at the Vide-Greniers. Aclens is also home to the largest communal bread oven in the Canton of Vaud that is still in operation. Its use is restricted to residents of Aclens, and the fee is CHF 100. Bear this restriction in mind if you are planning to use it, and confirm the terms on site in advance.

The Venoge, Vineyards and Getting There

Most of the municipality lies on a plateau west of the Gros de Vaud and the Venoge. The river forms part of the eastern municipal boundary and, at 406 meters, marks the lowest point in Aclens. At the same time, the village has retained its rural character, with agriculture and vineyards still prominent.

A walk through the vineyards is suggested as a way to discover Aclens. You can then continue your outing in the cellars of local winegrowers; arrange a visit directly with the relevant winery. This lets you include viticulture as part of the local landscape without assuming that a visit is always possible.

For getting there, the MBC connects Morges via Aclens with Cossonay-Ville or Bussigny, gare sud. Postbuses also serve Aclens regularly. The village is also close to several motorway and railway connections. As timetables can change, check the specific connections for your travel dates.

When choosing a hotel in Aclens, you can weigh up two planning questions: Should your stay focus mainly on local history and vineyards, or does your trip coincide with the Vide-Greniers? If it does, check the date; if you are traveling by MBC or Postbus, also check the timetable for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Chigny Vd, Clarmont, Montherod, Lavigny, Saint-Livres, Préverenges, Cuarnens, Tolochenaz.

See the overview of destinations: Morges.