Villars-sous-Yens
Origin of the name Villars-sous-Yens
First mentioned in 1177 as «Vilars», then as «Villar subtus Yens» in 1349, meaning «Villars below Yens», in relation to the neighbouring village of Yens. The origin of «Villars» is not explained in the sources consulted.
Founding of Villars-sous-Yens
No founder is known. A 3rd-century coin hoard found in the municipality bears witness to an early presence. The village appears in 1177, with a chapel belonging to the hospice of the Great St Bernard. The community is attested by a delegation in 1356.
History of Villars-sous-Yens
3rd century. Date of the hundred or so coins of a hoard discovered in 1823.
1177. First mention, as «Vilars»; the chapel belongs to the hospice of the Great St Bernard.
1349. Form «Villar subtus Yens»; a confraternity of the Holy Spirit is mentioned.
1356. First mention of a delegation of the community.
15th century. The Saint-Bernard chapel is a daughter church of the parish of Denens.
1527. Two syndics are attested.
1536. Bernese conquest; at the Reformation the chapel becomes an annex of the parish of Lussy-sur-Morges.
1796. Restoration and enlargement of the Saint-Bernard chapel.
1804. Construction of the first municipal house.
1823. Discovery of a hoard of about a hundred 3rd-century coins.
1838. Construction of a school building (rebuilt in 1956).
1969. Closure of the tile works.
1975. The Boiron mill stops working.
2008. The new Vaud districts come into force; Villars-sous-Yens remains in the district of Morges.
Population of Villars-sous-Yens
| 1764 | 216 |
| 1798 | 285 |
| 1850 | 341 |
| 1900 | 318 |
| 1950 | 251 |
| 1990 | 279 |
| 2000 | 560 |
| 2025 | 603 |
Historic sites in Villars-sous-Yens
Saint-Bernard chapel. Chapel belonging to the hospice of the Great St Bernard in 1177, a daughter church of Denens in the 15th century, then an annex of Lussy-sur-Morges from the Reformation; restored and enlarged in 1796.
Boiron mill. Mill on the Boiron, in operation until 1975.
Remains in Villars-sous-Yens
Coin hoard. In 1823 a hoard of about a hundred 3rd-century coins was discovered, a witness to the Roman period.
Legends of Villars-sous-Yens
The «Sécherons». The inhabitants are nicknamed «Sécherons», in reference to the dried apples and pears that were kept for times of scarcity in winter.
Sources
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Villars-sous-Yens »
- Wikipédia, « Villars-sous-Yens »
- Wikipédia, « Districts du canton de Vaud »
- Statistique Vaud, « Population résidante permanente au 31 décembre 2025 »
Other villages near Villars-sous-Yens
Missing information, or do you have a source? Suggest a correction or addition. Every submission is checked before it's published.
Suggest a change