Notre-Dame-de-Bonmont Abbey in Chéserex is the first monastery in Switzerland affiliated with the Cistercian order. Founded in 1123 at the foot of the Vaud Jura, it is worth visiting for its abbey church, consecrated in 1214, and the remains of its chapter house.
Religious buildings
Main highlights
- Switzerland’s first Cistercian monastery, which became the eighth daughter house of Clairvaux in 1131
- Abbey church consecrated in 1214, with white walls and clean Cistercian lines
- Remains of the chapter house uncovered during excavations begun in 1952
Overview
Founded in 1123, Notre-Dame-de-Bonmont Abbey became the eighth daughter house of Clairvaux in 1131, marking the arrival of the Cistercian order in Switzerland. It stands in Chéserex, 8 km northwest of Nyon, at the foot of the Vaud Jura.
Secularised in 1536 during the Bernese conquest of the Pays de Vaud, the abbey was later used as a barn, a hospice and then a private property. The church was listed as a historic monument in 1942 and became the property of the Canton of Vaud in 1982. The Fondation de l’Abbaye de Bonmont oversees its restoration and cultural programme.
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What to see and do
The visit focuses on the abbey church, consecrated in 1214 and dedicated to Our Lady. Its bright white walls reflect the Cistercian aesthetic, rooted in simplicity and austerity. The building was meant to appear immaculate, like the Virgin whose name it bears.
Excavations begun in 1952 uncovered part of the chapter house, offering insight into how a medieval monastery was organised. Most of the monastic buildings have disappeared, but the structures preserved underground give a sense of the scale of the original complex.
In the 12th and 13th centuries, the abbey served as a burial place for noble families, notably the Lords of Gex. The excavations revealed three funerary slabs and the skeletons of five abbots. The Foundation also hosts concerts that showcase the church’s acoustics.
Practical information
Access : the abbey is in Chéserex, reachable from Nyon via the cantonal road.
On site : a car park is available near the abbey church.
Guided tours : available on request for groups, covering Cistercian history and the monument’s architecture.
Ideal for : lovers of history, religious architecture and music.
Visiting tips
Ideally, come between spring and autumn, when the church’s surroundings are at their most pleasant. Check visiting conditions before you go, especially with a group.
You can extend your outing on the walking trails that start from the abbey and wind along the foot of the Jura, or attend one of the Foundation’s concerts.
Nearby attractions
- Nyon Castle, built in the 12th century, houses one of the oldest history museums in Switzerland.
- The Roman Museum of Nyon occupies the foundations of the forum basilica of Colonia Iulia Equestris.
- La Garenne Zoo showcases European wildlife and works to protect local species.
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