Hint

Intro

A beautiful hiking tour in the forest along the Talent River. It is particularly well suited for families and can be done any time of the year. It offers a wide variety of flora and fauna as well as impressive structures, such as Montheron Abbey, old mills and waterwheels.

Description

Echallens extends on both sides of the Talent River on a plateau of the central Gros de Vaud district. The area in the Vaud midlands is also known as the region’s breadbasket. The “Maison du Ble et du Pain” in the centre of Echallens highlights the history of wheat and bread. The heart of the village also comprises some lovely mansions and patrician homes from the 17th to the 19th century. The walk starts on the other side of the train station, near the tennis courts, where it enters the forest.

The trail continuously follows the river after which the hike has been named. The source of the Talent River, a tributary to the Orbe, is in the Bois du Jorat forest area. The Talent and the Orbe merge into the Thielle River which flows into Lake Neuchâtel. The upper and middle parts of the Talent are largely natural or near-natural, including in the Bois de la Commune forest where the trail leads to the Malapalud farming village. The kids will enjoy the wide variety of flora and fauna along the river, especially since native animals are often spotted here. The second part of this flat and easy hike runs through the Bois aux Allemandes via Cugy to Montheron.

The distance of just under 10 km allows various side trips to nearby places of interest. Channels and waterwheels, for example, are found in Echallens, Assens, Bretigny and Cugy. Those in Echallens are now used for trout farming. In Assens, a restaurant is located next to an 18th century mill. Some of the buildings close to the route are also of interest, such as the Montheron Abbey, one of the last examples of Cistercian architecture in the Canton Vaud. The Moulin de Cugy is an old, completely renovated mill whose original condition was preserved. It houses a restaurant and an art gallery. Art is also the focus of the “L’Escpace Culturel Assens” museum. All towns and villages along the route are easy to reach with public transportation and therefore ideal for a visit.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Echallens
Destination
Montheron
Ascent
280 m
Descent
180 m
Distance
10 km
Duration
2 h 45 min
Duration back
2 h 35 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Easy
Theme
Along Water
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 137

Distance

10 km

Duration

2 h 45 min

Ascent

280 m

Travel information: Echallens

Current Offers

  • Lausanne In Lausanne: Coach tour to Interlaken and the Schilthorn

    You travel comfortably by coach through the Alpine world of the Bernese Oberland, admiring mountains... from CHF 235
    Offer details


    valid: 12.07.2026 - 08.07.2027

    Learn more about In Lausanne: Coach tour to Interlaken and the Schilthorn
  • Lausanne In Lausanne: Hop-on Hop-off Tour Montreux and Glacier 3000

    You travel comfortably by bus from Lausanne to Les Diablerets. At Glacier 3000, you can experience... from CHF 105
    Offer details


    valid: 11.07.2026 - 07.07.2027

    Learn more about In Lausanne: Hop-on Hop-off Tour Montreux and Glacier 3000
  • Lausanne Lausanne (old town) interactive scavenger hunt with smartphone

    Discover the historic old town of Lausanne with your friends or family. Solve interesting puzzles... from CHF 11
    Offer details


    valid: 12.07.2026 - 09.07.2027

    Learn more about Lausanne (old town) interactive scavenger hunt with smartphone
  • Lausanne High-altitude Hot Air Balloon Ride: Lausanne Region

    During this balloon flight, you ascend to great heights. First to 3,000 meters above sea level, then... from CHF 475
    Offer details


    valid: 15.07.2026 - 31.10.2026

    Learn more about High-altitude Hot Air Balloon Ride: Lausanne Region
  • Lausanne Cycling holidays Heart Route Lausanne - Romanshorn

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 2,485
    Offer details


    valid: 11.07.2026 - 16.10.2026

    Learn more about Cycling holidays Heart Route Lausanne - Romanshorn
  • Lausanne Cycling holidays Lake Geneva Tour

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 1,015
    Offer details


    valid: 11.07.2026 - 18.10.2026

    Learn more about Cycling holidays Lake Geneva Tour
  • Lausanne "Beat the groom" in Lausanne: action-packed stag party

    Together you will go on an action-packed city rally in Lausanne to see the groom off into marriage... from CHF 299
    Offer details


    valid: 31.07.2026 - 09.07.2027

    Learn more about "Beat the groom" in Lausanne: action-packed stag party