Hôtel de Ville et grenette

The Town Hall and Market Hall in Aubonne are two neighbouring buildings in the old town of Aubonne, in the Swiss canton of Vaud. The market hall, known locally as the Maison de Ville, stands right next to the Hôtel de Ville and is one of the finest neoclassical buildings in the village.

What is this place?

Aubonne is a medieval small town that received town status in 1234. In the 18th century it was reshaped by patrician town houses, among them the Hôtel de Ville, the town hall. Beside it stands the covered market building, recorded in heritage inventories as the Maison de Ville.

How did the hall come about?

The site was once occupied by the town's butchers' stalls, which appear in a depiction dated 1729. They were replaced by a new building erected in 1802-1803 to plans by François Jaunin, probably an engineer and a member of the town council. Some accounts date the start of work to 1801-02.

What will you see?

The building is classical in style, with arcades and Ionic pilasters. The ground floor works as a covered market, and an upper floor was reserved for the authorities. The facade is clad in Jura limestone. Upstairs is the former council chamber, a popular venue for civil weddings, while guests gather beneath the arches before and after ceremonies.

Is it a protected monument?

Yes. It holds the top rating, note 1, in the Vaud architectural survey and has been listed since 15 April 1955. It is classed as nationally important, and any alteration has to preserve its form and substance. In 2017 the municipality proposed a restoration of the hall, with a natural-stone floor, better lighting and a bar area, developed in consultation with the cantonal heritage service.

How is the hall used today?

The arcades host the Aubonn'apéro gatherings, organised by the local business association. Market stalls once stood here. The hall is a living meeting place for residents, not just a facade to admire.

How to visit

See the town hall and market hall on a stroll through the old town. Nearby is rue Tavernier, named after Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, the traveller and diamond dealer who owned the barony of Aubonne in the 17th century. Further on are the castle and the church of St Stephen, begun in 1306. The whole walk takes well under an hour.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside the hall? The hall is open on the arcade side and serves as a gathering place, so you can normally walk in. Official rooms are open during office hours or for weddings and events.

Who designed the market hall? The plans are credited to François Jaunin, in the early 19th century.

Is the market hall the same as the town hall? No. They are two separate buildings side by side. The hall, or Maison de Ville, replaced the old butchers' stalls, while the Hôtel de Ville is an older 18th-century town hall.

How long does a visit take? About 15 minutes for both buildings, or around an hour for the whole old town.