Château

Château de Bioley-Magnoux is a medieval castle in the Swiss canton of Vaud, standing above the small village of Bioley-Magnoux in the Jura-Nord Vaudois district. The village sits at about 573 m above sea level, roughly 10 km east of Yverdon-les-Bains. Older literature often calls the building simply "Château de Bioley".

What is the history of the castle?

English Wikipedia dates the castle's origins to 1105. The firmer record comes from the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (HLS): a lordship centred on the village split off from the Saint-Martin estate around 1225. Ownership then passed through several noble hands: the Corbières (recorded 1311), the Goumoëns family (from 1359), and from 1608 the Erlach family of Fribourg. Later holders included Jacques Guy d'Haudanger, Jean d'Osterwald and the Comte family of Moudon, whose estate was wound up between 1791 and 1804.

The Goumoëns are thought to have rebuilt the castle extensively in the second half of the 15th century. Its most recent major restoration ran from 1972 to 1975.

Did Charles the Bold really stay here?

According to Wikipedia, the Duke of Burgundy lodged at the castle in early June 1476 while marching towards Murten (Morat). Weeks later his army was defeated there by the Swiss Confederates, so the building has a small footnote in the story of the Burgundian Wars.

Where is Bioley-Magnoux and how do you get there?

The village lies on a hillside plateau above the Mentue river, where the Gros-de-Vaud meets the Nord vaudois. It is a farming commune of about 230 people (2020) covering 4.27 km², with French spoken by over 90% of residents. Yverdon-les-Bains is the nearest town, a short drive away. Neighbouring communes include Chanéaz, Correvon, Donneloye, Ogens, Orzens and Prahins.

Can you visit the castle?

The building is home to the Jonas Foundation, so it is not a conventional attraction with a ticket desk and set opening hours. Check with the commune or the foundation before planning to go inside. The castle can be seen from the village, and a short walk through Bioley-Magnoux fits easily into a day around Yverdon and Lake Neuchâtel.

Who is it for?

Travellers who like Swiss castles and Vaud history and prefer quiet places off the main routes. It works as a stop on the road between Yverdon and Moudon or Payerne. The village is agricultural with few visitor services, so plan meals and accommodation in Yverdon-les-Bains.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the castle? In the village of Bioley-Magnoux, canton of Vaud, about 10 km east of Yverdon-les-Bains (around 46.724 N, 6.709 E).

How old is it? It is medieval. Wikipedia gives 1105 for its origins, while HLS sources show the lordship around 1225. A major remodelling probably took place in the 15th century.

When was it last restored? Between 1972 and 1975.

Did Charles the Bold stay here? Wikipedia says so, in June 1476, on his way to the battle of Murten.

Is the castle open to the public? It houses the Jonas Foundation, so confirm access with the commune first.