Clarens (Vich)

Origin of the name Clarens (Vich)

Name origin: the hamlet is mentioned in 1164 in the form « Clareins ». No source consulted explains its etymology. Not to be confused with Clarens in the municipality of Montreux.

Founding of Clarens (Vich)

Clarens is a hamlet of the municipality of Vich, in the district of Nyon, located on the route de l'Etraz. No source consulted describes its founding. Owned by the Cistercian abbey of Bonmont from the 12th century, it later became an autonomous community, before being united with Vich in 1764 and becoming one of its hamlets.

History of Clarens (Vich)

1164. First written mention of the hamlet in the form « Clareins ».

12th century. Clarens is owned by Bonmont Abbey.

1174. The site of the Moulin en Clarens is donated to the monks of Bonmont (to be cross-checked).

1591. A paper mill opens in Clarens.

1764. Clarens, which had meanwhile become an autonomous community, is united with Vich and becomes one of its hamlets.

1874. Closure of the paper mill, described as the oldest in the canton of Vaud (to be cross-checked).

Historic sites in Clarens (Vich)

Moulin en Clarens. Former mill at 62 route de l'Etraz, linked to the Clarens paper mill; today a venue devoted to music and the arts, with period instruments (fortepiano, harpsichord, clavichord) (to be cross-checked).

Sources

• Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Vich » (version italienne)
• Live the World, « Moulin en Clarens »
• Wikipédia, « Vich »
• Statistique Vaud, « Population résidante permanente au 31 décembre 2025 »

Other villages near Clarens (Vich)

• Vich (VD)
• Gland (VD)
• Duillier (VD)
• Coinsins (VD)
• Bénex (VD)