Commugny: Roman traces, sacred architecture and wine

Commugny brings together Roman history, sacred architecture and wine-making traditions. If you are looking for a destination with cultural and historical attractions and specific wine experiences, you can take these highlights into account when making your choice. The village’s history ranges from the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa to the Reformed Church of Saint-Christophe; at Cave de la Charrue, wines and a variety of activities take centre stage.

Roman traces and how they are presented

Commugny is associated with the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa. They were discovered in 1904 during earthworks at the cemetery of the Protestant Temple and lie beneath and around the present-day church. The remains are not accessible. The villa’s wall paintings are considered rare and are evidence of a Roman presence in the area around the 1st century BC. Archaeological finds from Commugny are kept and displayed at the Musée romain de Nyon; the wall paintings can also be seen there. This distinguishes the site of the find in Commugny from the presentation of the paintings in the museum.

The Gallo-Roman villa and the Reformed Church of Saint-Christophe are listed in Category B in the PBC inventory of the Canton of Vaud. The Maison gothique, also known as the Maison Jean-Pierre Steffen, is likewise listed in Category B. Saint-Christophe Church was largely rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. This building history adds a later chapter to the village’s Roman heritage.

Church, architecture and events

The Temple de Commugny is used for quiet prayer, music and weddings. It is known for its architecture, intimate vaulted spaces and excellent acoustics. If you are interested in music or ecclesiastical spaces, these features are among the defining aspects of the village. The parish provides reservation information for weddings and concerts. Check this information in advance if you would like to include a specific date in your travel plans.

Wine experiences at Cave de la Charrue

The Hermanjat family has been producing and tasting its wines at Cave de la Charrue since 1872. The range includes at least a dozen different wines. The WINEscape Game takes you behind the scenes of winemaking, includes wine tastings and invites participants to solve a fictional crime involving the Fée Verte. It combines insights into winemaking with a playful mystery.

For groups, Cave de la Charrue designs bespoke activities on request. These include discovery workshops, wine and cheese tastings, and painting with wine. The activities therefore differ both in subject and in how participants take part; group activities are available on request. The venue also has an estaminet serving homemade regional products, including confectionery made with flour from the estate. At the shop and winery, you can discover wines and other products from the farm: rapeseed oil, flours, jams, spirits, breads and homemade baked goods.

Pilgrimage route and getting around the village

The Via Jacobi pilgrimage route between Nyon and Versoix passes through Commugny. The Via Jacobi stage from Rolle to Commugny is 28 kilometres long and takes seven hours. If you are planning this stage, check the current route conditions in advance, as conditions may affect availability. Another specific local point of reference is Avenue George de Mestral: it runs through the municipal forest from Route de la Branvaude to Chemin du Stand, a distance of 700 metres.

Parc Marguerite may also be relevant to your travel plans. A municipal notice from 2019 stated that two of the three playgrounds had been made accessible to people with reduced mobility. Since this information relates to the facilities at that time, check their current condition before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Saint-George, Arzier, Founex, Duillier, Genolier, Bogis-Bossey, Vinzel, Borex.

For the broader travel overview: Nyon.