Essertines-Sur-Rolle: Vineyards, Bugnaux and Cultural Heritage

Essertines-Sur-Rolle is a municipality in the Nyon District in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It consists of the village of Essertines-Sur-Rolle and the hamlet of Bugnaux. When choosing a destination, it is worth keeping both place names in mind: Bugnaux has its own landscape and cultural heritage character within the municipality.

Rural landscape and Bugnaux

The municipality brings together forests, vineyards, orchards and fields, with scattered farms and typical winegrowers’ houses. The landscape therefore encompasses more than vineyards alone: forests, fruit growing and other agricultural land are also part of it. As of 2009, 70.2 percent of the municipal area was used for agriculture and 22.9 percent was forested. This comparison shows a considerably larger share of agricultural land, while forests also account for a clearly defined part of the municipal area.

Bugnaux lies between vineyards and forests and offers views of the lake. This view of the hamlet is more specific than the municipality’s broader landscape diversity; Bugnaux is also classified as cantonal cultural heritage.

Castle and church: historical landmarks

The ruins of the medieval Mont-le-Vieux Castle are located in Bugnaux. As of 1 January 2025, they are listed as a Category B property in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property Protection. Remains of the castle walls have survived; the site overlooks the villages of La Côte. In the autumn of 1475, the castle was set on fire during the Swiss troops’ invasion of Vaud.

Another historical reference point is the municipality’s first recorded mention: in 1152, it was named Essartinis. The Church of Saint-André is dedicated to Saint Andrew. Historically, its ownership was disputed between Ainay Abbey near Lyon and Saint-Jean in Geneva; it subsequently remained in the possession of Saint-Jean.

Exploring on foot and on horseback

The Vieux Sapin is a 48-metre-tall fir tree. A footpath leads from the shooting range in the direction of Burtigny; after a few hundred metres, you reach the tree away from the road. Thus, alongside the historical traces of Mont-le-Vieux, there is also a distinct natural landmark to visit along a trail.

The Centre Les Dudes in Essertines-Sur-Rolle offers comprehensive basic riding instruction in all equestrian disciplines. The centre also offers a group activity involving observing and interacting with horses. Those interested in horses can choose between basic riding instruction and an activity that includes observing and interacting with horses.

Bus and dining

Two stops serve the municipality on the Rolle–Gimel bus route: one is on the village square in Essertines-Sur-Rolle, and the other is below the village at Pontet. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Auberge du Chasseur is a traditional restaurant specialising in regional dishes and wines. Check the opening details before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Coppet, Arzier, Rolle, Tartegnin, Begnins, Gilly, Vich, Duillier.

Back to the main travel overview: Nyon.