Château Etoy

In 1177, Pope Alexander confirmed in a bull the ownership of the Congregation of Saint Bernard, including the "Priory of Stoi". In 1206, the Knight of Hauteville enlarged the property. The priory consisted of two nearby buildings, which, however, had different functions. The original priory, always located at the church, had its facade rebuilt in the Renaissance style at the end of the 17th century. The priory gained considerable importance. Its prior, Jean de Duyn, was appointed high commander. The current castle was then built as the residence of the priors. It was a fortified country house, flanked by two turrets framing its south facade.

In 1542, the State of Bern sold all the priory's assets for 1000 guilders to J. de Pontet. In 1578, the son-in-law of the lord of the castle de Pontey, Wilhelm de Vullermin, Lord of Monnaz, took over the property of Etoy. Later, the lordship passed to Pierre and Jacques von Coucault. The daughter of the latter, Judith, married Paul de Loriol in 1662, from whom the State of Bern bought the manorial rights in 1772, leaving the "useful domain" to the Loriol family. They remained lords of the places until 1807. On August 28, 1807, an exchange took place between Charles de Loriol and Armand Louis Henri de Mestral, of Saint-Saphorin-sur-Morges, between their castles and territories of Etoy and Coinsins. The castle has remained in the de Mestral family to this day.

From 1920 to 1941, Guy de Pourtalès lived in the castle. He hosted André Gide, André Maurois, François Mauriac, Jacques Copeau, Carl Burckhardt, Alfred Cortot...