Bonmont Abbey in Chéserex: a free journey into the Middle Ages

The oldest Cistercian abbey in Switzerland

At the foot of the Jura, in Chéserex and just a few minutes from Nyon, Bonmont Abbey is a gem of medieval architecture. Founded in 1123 and affiliated to the Order of Cîteaux in 1131, it was the first monastery in Switzerland to join that order. Its abbey church, austere and majestic, has been listed as a historic monument since 1942 and has been carefully restored. You step inside as if into a time machine, to discover the plain, luminous art of the Cistercian monks.

What your children will discover

Children step into a real stone church that is nine centuries old: high vaults, massive columns and an impressive silence. It is the perfect chance to tell them about the life of monks in the Middle Ages, the craft of stone and the region's history. Guided tours let you learn more, and every September the abbey comes alive to the sound of the “Les Vibrations de Bonmont” concerts. The visit is short (allow about an hour), ideal for a first taste of heritage without tiring the youngest.

What you do and the atmosphere on site

You wander through the abbey church, look up at the vaults, take in the details of the stonework. The atmosphere is calm and contemplative, far from the bustle. The setting, at the foot of the Jura amid vineyards and fields, invites you to extend the outing with a short walk nearby. Good news for families: admission is free for everyone.

Before you go

• Recommended age: as a family from age 5-6 (to enjoy the story and the visit)
• Duration: about 1 hour
• Price: free admission for all (adults, children, students, seniors)
• Booking: free access during opening hours; group visits (from 15 people) on request
• Pushchair access: not specified (historic site); ask the Foundation
• Transport: a few minutes from Nyon, at the foot of the Jura
• Best season: April to October (closed in winter)

Parents' tips

• Check the opening hours and season on the official website: the abbey is closed in winter.
• Prepare a little story about monks and knights: children settle into the place more easily.
• Make the most of the foot-of-the-Jura setting to add a nature walk after the visit.
• In September, ask about the “Les Vibrations de Bonmont” concerts.
• As admission is free, it's an ideal culture outing on a small budget.

Useful information

• Address: Route de Bonmont 31, 1275 Chéserex (VD)
• Official website: bonmont.ch
• Opening hours: 2 pm–6 pm; Saturdays-Sundays from April to June, Tuesday-Sunday in July-August, Saturdays-Sundays in September-October; closed in winter (check the website)
• Getting there: at the foot of the Jura, a few minutes from Nyon; parking nearby

Why we recommend it

Because Bonmont Abbey offers a rare heritage outing: free, short, peaceful and steeped in nine centuries of history, a stone's throw from Nyon. It's a lovely way to awaken children to architecture and the past, in a splendid setting at the foot of the Jura.

In a nutshell

The oldest Cistercian abbey in Switzerland, in Chéserex: a free, soothing visit to the heart of the Middle Ages, from April to October.