Montagny-le-Corbe, ruins of the medieval castle

Montagny-le-Corbe castle ruins crown a hill above the village of Montagny-près-Yverdon in the canton of Vaud, western Switzerland. What remains is a single tower from one of the oldest strongholds in the region, half swallowed by forest and ivy. The village sits roughly 2.5 km northwest of Yverdon-les-Bains, which makes the site an easy short outing from town.

What is this place?

The castle stood on a rise north of the village, overlooking the Brinaz stream. Local studies and the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland place its construction between the 10th and 11th centuries, when the area's feudal map was still taking shape. In medieval records the village appears as Montagny-le-Corbe, and that older name still clings to the ruins.

What is its history?

The first known lords were the Montfaucon family, recorded in 1149. The lordship later passed to the House of Chalon. One of its members, Louis de Chalon-Orange, paid a large sum to repair the fortress in 1450. It did not last: in 1475, during the Burgundian Wars, Confederate troops took the castle and burned it. It was never rebuilt, and the district was added to the bailiwick of Grandson.

What will you see?

The castle had at least four towers, but only one is visible today. It is a polygonal tower about 20 metres high, with walls 1.75 metres thick. Vegetation hides parts of it, so the experience is closer to finding a forgotten monument than visiting a restored attraction. The ruin is listed in the Swiss inventory of cultural property, confirming its historical value.

When should you go, and who is it for?

Visit between spring and autumn, when paths are dry and the hill is easy to reach. The site suits anyone interested in medieval history, ruin photography or quiet spots off the main routes. There is no visitor infrastructure, so bring sturdy shoes and water.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Montagny-le-Corbe castle? Only one ruined tower survives, surrounded by greenery. You view it from outside as a romantic remnant of the old fortress.

Who destroyed the castle? Confederate forces captured and burned it in 1475, during the conflict with Burgundy. It has been a ruin ever since.

How far is it from Yverdon-les-Bains? The village of Montagny-près-Yverdon lies about 2.5 km northwest of central Yverdon-les-Bains.

Why is it called Montagny-le-Corbe? That was the village's medieval name. Today the village is called Montagny-près-Yverdon, but the older name survives in the castle's title.