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

  • Echallens Outdoor escape game in Echallens

    - Game tablet and adventure equipment- Welcome and briefing by the KeyQuest team- Private session... from CHF 99
    Offer details


    valid: 05.11.2026 - 31.12.2027

    Learn more about Outdoor escape game in Echallens
  • Lausanne Private Limoncello Workshop in Le Mont-sur-Lausanne

    Create your own handcrafted blends in this private Limoncello course. You'll visit the workshop,... from CHF 700
    Offer details


    valid: 12.11.2026 - 03.11.2027

    Learn more about Private Limoncello Workshop in Le Mont-sur-Lausanne
  • Eclépens Château d'Eclepens - Tasting bundle

    Wine tasting of 4 vintagesHomemade appetizersCastle historyEstimated duration : 1h
    Offer details


    valid: 06.11.2026 - 05.11.2027

    Learn more about Château d'Eclepens - Tasting bundle
  • Ropraz Pregnancy photoshoot in Ropraz

    Capture your pregnancy during a photo session in Ropraz. You can choose between a studio photoshoot... from CHF 350
    Offer details


    valid: 07.11.2026 - 03.11.2027

    Learn more about Pregnancy photoshoot in Ropraz
  • Cossonay-Ville Visite de la ferme de Champ Colomb

    Guided tour with a look around the farmWatching the dairy cowsExplanation of agricultural... from CHF 50
    Offer details


    valid: 11.11.2026 - 16.12.2026

    Learn more about Visite de la ferme de Champ Colomb
  • Lausanne From Lausanne: Bus tour to Interlaken

    You travel comfortably from Lausanne by bus through the Bernese Oberland to Interlaken. Here, you... from CHF 99
    Offer details


    valid: 05.11.2026 - 02.11.2027

    Learn more about From Lausanne: Bus tour to Interlaken
  • Lausanne From Lausanne: Bus tour to Interlaken and Jungfraujoch

    The bus tour to Interlaken with a trip to the Jungfraujoch starts and ends in Lausanne. You will... from CHF 339
    Offer details


    valid: 08.11.2026 - 02.11.2027

    Learn more about From Lausanne: Bus tour to Interlaken and Jungfraujoch
  • Lausanne Foxtrail GO Lausanne digital scavenger hunt

    Discover Lausanne with the interactive puzzle game on your mobile phone. Solve tasks, collect... from CHF 19
    Offer details


    valid: 05.11.2026 - 04.11.2027

    Learn more about Foxtrail GO Lausanne digital scavenger hunt
  • Lausanne Cycling holidays Lake Geneva Tour

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 1,249
    Offer details


    valid: 21.03.2027 - 17.10.2027

    Learn more about Cycling holidays Lake Geneva Tour