Saint-Saturnin Reformed Church

Saint-Saturnin Reformed Church (Temple de Saint-Saturnin) in Villette is the village church of Villette, in the Lavaux wine region on Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud. It rises among UNESCO-listed vineyard terraces and ranks among the oldest religious buildings in the area.

What is the history of Saint-Saturnin?

The church is first recorded in 1134 and is described as a parish church by 1228, at which point it answered to the priory of Lutry. Villette was one of four great parishes of Lavaux, all within the secular domain of the bishops of Lausanne. In 1824 the large parish was divided into six communes, and since 2011 Villette has belonged to Bourg-en-Lavaux together with Cully, Epesses, Grandvaux and Riex.

Remains of Roman buildings were found beneath the church, so people lived on this spot long before the Middle Ages. In the 15th century the tower was crowned with a stone spire, which still stands out against the vineyard slopes.

What else is there to see nearby?

The church makes a good starting point for a walk through Lavaux. Villette is mostly winegrowers' houses, with terraced vineyards and retaining walls stepping down towards the lake. UNESCO inscribed the region in 2007. The landscape-protection movement began here in 1972, when a plan allowing villas led to the founding of the Sauver Lavaux association.

The Lavaux UNESCO association runs guided heritage walks through the village during the year, and the old Saint-Saturnin church features in them.

How do you get to Villette?

Villette sits on the lakeside railway line (the Simplon route), opened in 1861, so you can arrive by train from Lausanne or Vevey. The church is at 46.49366 N, 6.71047 E. Footpaths through the vineyards link the village with Cully and Grandvaux.

When should you visit?

Late summer and autumn are the most striking, with the grape harvest under way and the vineyards changing colour. In spring and summer the terraces are green, and views over the lake to the Savoy Alps are best on clear days. The building is an active parish church, so check opening times with the local parish.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a Catholic church? No. In French-speaking Switzerland a "temple" is a Reformed Protestant church, and Saint-Saturnin is part of that tradition today.

How old is the church? It is first mentioned in 1134, and sources confirm parish status in 1228.

Are there Roman remains under it? Yes, archaeologists found traces of Roman buildings beneath the church.

Can I combine a visit with a vineyard walk? Yes. Villette lies in the heart of the UNESCO area, and trails lead to Cully, Grandvaux and the lakeshore.