Grens
Origin of the name Grens
The village is mentioned between 1160 and 1189 in the form «de Grens», around 1164 in the form «Graiens» and in 1212 in the form «Granz». The origin of the name is not explained by the sources consulted.
Founding of Grens
Roman tiles have been found at three places in the municipality, a sign of a presence in Roman times. The village, a street village in the middle of the plateau between Nyon and the foot of the Jura, appears in written records in the 12th century. The sources consulted do not say who founded it or why.
History of Grens
Roman period. Roman tiles have been found at three places on the municipal territory.
1160-1189. First mention of the village, «de Grens».
around 1164. Mention in the form «Graiens».
1212. Mention in the form «Granz».
Middle Ages. Parish church of Saint-Pierre, whose patronage is held by the abbey of Bonmont.
Reformation. The small parish of Grens is merged with that of Gingins.
17th century. The lordship passes in turn to the Quisard, Brutel and de La Fléchère families (to be cross-checked).
20th century. The construction of the Lausanne-Geneva motorway leads to land consolidation; the farming village gradually becomes residential, with a few shops and craft businesses.
2000. The municipality has 316 inhabitants.
2025. The municipality has 413 inhabitants on 31 December.
Population of Grens
| 1764 | 119 |
| 1850 | 130 |
| 1900 | 155 |
| 1950 | 149 |
| 2000 | 316 |
| 2025 | 413 |
Historic sites in Grens
Street village. Grens stretches along its main street in the middle of the plateau between Nyon and the foot of the Jura.
Former church of Saint-Pierre. Medieval parish church whose patronage belonged to the abbey of Bonmont; at the Reformation the parish was merged with that of Gingins.
Remains in Grens
Roman tiles. Tiles from the Roman period have been discovered at three places in the municipality.
Sources
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Grens » (version allemande)
- Wikipedia (EN), « Grens »
- Statistique Vaud, « Population résidante permanente au 31 décembre 2025 »
Other villages near Grens
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