In the course of the Reform, the monastery was secularized in 1536, and the monks were asked to leave. In the 16th and 17th century, the Abbey Church served as a bell foundry. The three bells of the church itself as well as the small bell in the Regents’ house (ancient school) were very likely produced on site.
During the 17th century, the Bernese transformed the Abbey Church by installing intermediary floors. It was then used as a depot.
Fonds Louis Bosset
© Archives communales de Payerne
Site de l’Abbatiale de Payerne
Place du Marché 3
Case Postale 23
CH-1530 Payerne
January and February :
Tuesday to Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
March to June :
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., as well as bank holidays
July and August :
Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
September and October :
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., as well as bank holidays
November and December:
Tuesday to Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Red Pigs Festival (19–21 June): Special closing time of the Abbey Church and the discovery tour at 5:00 p.m.