Saint-Maurice (Champagne)

Origin of the name Saint-Maurice (Champagne)

First mentioned in 1228 in the form « Sanctus Mauricius », in connection with the parish church. The origin of the name is not explained in the sources consulted. Not to be confused with the town of Saint-Maurice in Valais.

Founding of Saint-Maurice (Champagne)

Saint-Maurice is a hamlet in the municipality of Champagne, in the Jura-Nord vaudois district. The site was already occupied in Roman times, as shown by the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa; no source consulted names a founder of the medieval village. Champagne and Saint-Maurice, where the church stands, were two separate villages that now form one. In the Middle Ages Saint-Maurice belonged to the lordship of Grandson, and the prior of Saint-Jean de Grandson held the right to present the priest. In the Bernese period it formed a single community with Champagne.

History of Saint-Maurice (Champagne)

Roman period. A Gallo-Roman villa occupies the site.

1228. First mention, « Sanctus Mauricius »; the parish church is recorded. The place belongs to the lordship of Grandson and the prior of Saint-Jean de Grandson presents the priest.

15th century. Construction of the church porch.

1476-1798. Saint-Maurice, now forming a single community with Champagne, belongs to the mayoralty of Bonvillars in the common bailiwick of Grandson.

1532. Saint-Maurice becomes one of the four Reformed parishes of the bailiwick of Grandson and the seat of a consistory. A general council of the parish, made up of representatives of Champagne, Romairon, Fontanezier and Saint-Maurice, manages the undivided property.

1904. Restoration of the church.

1910. The parish, officially called Saint-Maurice until the end of the 19th century, takes the name of the parish of Champagne.

Historic sites in Saint-Maurice (Champagne)

Church of Saint-Maurice. Parish church recorded in 1228, with a 15th-century porch; restored in 1904. From 1532 the seat of one of the four Reformed parishes of the bailiwick of Grandson and of a consistory, serving Champagne, Romairon, Fontanezier and Saint-Maurice. The parish has been called Champagne since 1910.

Remains in Saint-Maurice (Champagne)

Gallo-Roman villa. Remains of a Gallo-Roman villa bear witness to the occupation of the Saint-Maurice site in Roman times.

Sources

• Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Saint-Maurice (VD) »
• Commune de Champagne, « Portrait »
• Statistique Vaud, « Population résidante permanente au 31 décembre 2025 »

Other villages near Saint-Maurice (Champagne)

• Champagne (VD)
• Bonvillars (VD)
• Vaugondry (VD)
• Fontanezier (VD)
• Romairon (VD)