Bottens walks

Some lovely gallops, beautiful woodland (Bois du Jorat), more tarmac roads at the start but a magnificent route with a lovely shelter by the river halfway along for a picnic. Be careful to adjust your route and avoid riding along the edges of forests or fields if they haven’t been mowed!

A short circular loop of about 1½ hours, or a return trip with the option to stop and visit Sarraz Castle (Horse Museum). Start behind Saint-Loup Hospital or from its upper car park. From the top of Sarraz, simply follow the orange sign for the footpath. You can return via the same path as the outward route to avoid walking alongside the road; please note that the road has a footpath from Sarraz to Pompaples.

Visit to the Dard waterfall starting from the Diaconat de Saint-Loup, with the option of returning via a short detour above the cliff. No major difficulty apart from the climb when taking the detour. It takes less than an hour at a normal walking pace to reach the waterfall and return via the same route, or 1½ hours via the detour (significant elevation gain at the start of the detour over about 100 m, but accessible to all walkers). You can park either at the Saint-Loup hospital car park or in the village of Pompaples. If parking in the village, you can park above the cemetery (Rue du Four) and join the path that follows the Nozon stream directly below the cemetery (staircase alongside the cemetery).

Setting off from Croy, you follow the Nozon, a charming river through its gorges and past the Dard waterfall. You will pass through the pretty village of La Sarraz and its castle before heading to the former abbey church of Romainmôtier, which was founded in the mid-5th century.

A beautiful walk along the shores of Lake Geneva, passing through the historic centre of Morges in the canton of Vaud. You will discover its magnificent castle and cross the Parc de l'Indépendance, which hosts the Tulip Festival in spring. In good weather, you can also admire the peaks of the French Alps.

A beautiful walk through the vineyards of Lavaux, discovering the different appellations. Lovely views of the lake and the Alps. Local wines can be tasted throughout the hike. N.B. Contrary to what is automatically indicated on the hike information sheet, the Lavaux terraces are located in the canton of Vaud and not in Valais.

A lovely, easy walk along the Orbe river.

Views of Moléson, the Alps and Mont Blanc on a clear day. Mostly shaded hike, sheltered from the wind. If you look closely, you may spot wildlife along the path, which is closed to vehicles. The hike is ideal for walking with your dog, but watch out for horse riders on the path.

Stage 4 From Les Rousses to Lake Constance, via the Jura ridges. From the southern slopes of the Knoll, above L'Orbe, the climb to the ridge offers a magnificent panorama: Lake Neuchâtel, the plain and the Alps in the background. The trail crosses the peaceful pastures of the Jura before reaching the Col de l'Aiguillon, close to the French border, marked by anti-tank obstacles and bunkers. The hike continues along the Crête des Aiguilles de Baulmes, lined with 80-metre cliffs, with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva, La Dôle and Chasseral. The descent leads to Sainte-Croix, renowned for its music boxes and automatons.

Exploited since the 18th century, the Meillerie quarries provided the stone used to construct many buildings in Geneva and Lausanne. Today, only one quarry is still in operation, but it is not open to the public. This hike, which requires sure-footedness, first takes you to two old quarries, La Balme and La Balle, and offers superb panoramic views of Lake Geneva. The return journey is along a lakeside path.

This short hike follows a path that runs continuously along Lake Geneva, which is an exception for this lake, whose shores are mostly located on private property. On one side, you can enjoy beautiful views of the opposite shore of the lake and the Vaud Alps, and on the other side, a view of the cliffs overlooking the lake.

A linear hike, which requires careful planning, connecting two landing stages on Lake Geneva at a higher altitude. An often shaded route that nevertheless offers beautiful views of the lake. Oratories, chapels and churches are also along the way.

A boat trip along the shores of Lake Geneva, where the landscape is at its wildest and the mountains drop most steeply. Beautiful panoramic views and several lovely lakeside houses await.

From the "sea" to the mountains: a long hike with some steep sections, rewarded by superb panoramic views of Lake Geneva. The route takes you through a variety of environments: villages, cultivated countryside, forest, grassy plateaus, high-altitude pastures and ridges. You climb to the summit of Pic des Mémises, where you can enjoy extensive panoramic views of the lake.

The Gorges de l’Orbe offer magnificent scenery in all seasons. This route, on the left bank, is better suited to the wetter months than the one on the right bank. There are no major difficulties, but some downhill sections can be tricky if you’re walking after rain, with mud and a risk of slipping. Walking poles are not a bad idea, which is why I’ve classified the route as of medium difficulty This route partly overlaps with the Gorges de l'Orbe route featured on the website.

The commune of Lugrin stretches from the shores of Lake Geneva (375 m) to the Plateau de Gavot (900 m) and the northern summit of Mont Bénand (1,240 m). This hike begins with a climb to the hilltop village of Les Combes (570 m) with its beautiful old houses, passing by the venerable chestnut tree of Troubois. Next, a balcony trail and a descent lead to the old church of Lugrin, before returning to the main village. A bucolic hike where heritage is very much in evidence.

This hike involves a climb up steep paths to a unique viewpoint offering a breathtaking panorama of Lake Geneva.

A classic destination in the region offering magnificent views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains. The route is particularly recommended in spring and autumn. In summer, this largely shaded route limits excessive exposure to the sun. The hike is ideal for family activities, including a visit to the AstroPléiades educational site.

From bright, flower-filled mountain pastures, you will climb towards the ridges through the silent Bataillards forest, skirting its steep limestone cliffs, the first slopes of the Jura, cut into needles that offer views of the Alps, Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel. On the other side, the panorama stretches from La Dôle to Chasseral, via the Knoll and the Dent de Vaulion.

Discover the countryside and woods that stretch along the slopes bordering Lake Geneva. Take small roads, good paths and trails, playing leapfrog with two streams rushing down from the Plateau de Gavot and the old disused railway line known as the Tonkin Line.

For this fourth stage, after a good hour's walk, you will reach the highest point of the day: the Dent de Vaulion. The lakes of Joux and Brenet will be at your feet. The water from these two lakes flows underground, shaping the karst cave of the Orbe, near Vallorbe. On a clear day, you can see up to eight lakes.

This last stage will take you to the shores of Lake Geneva in Vevey. From Les Paccots, a forest trail will lead you to the Fégire footbridge, where the Veveyse de Fégire marks the border between the cantons of Fribourg and Vaud. When you arrive at Laly and from the Pléiades trail, you can admire Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alpine peaks. You will pass through a few vineyards before arriving in Vevey.

At the foot of Montagne des Mémises, a short walk takes you up to a unique viewpoint offering breathtaking views of Lake Geneva.

A mid-season hike, while waiting for the snow to melt from the peaks. Beautiful panoramic views of Lake Geneva. Beautiful views of the Mémises cliff.

A circular that allows you to climb the Mémises via their northern slope. Splendid panoramic views of Lake Geneva and beautiful views of the northern faces of the Dent d'Oche and Pic de Borée await you.

A hike at medium altitude, on a route that is often shaded. A flower-covered summit offering superb views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding peaks. Beautiful views of the lake along the way.

A short hike but with some elevation! Starting from Parc de Neuvecelle, a natural area of ecological interest, you climb to the foot of Saint-Paul-en-Chablais for a route through the meadows. The return journey is mainly through pretty chestnut woods. There are several superb views of Lake Geneva along the way.

A lovely French-Swiss walk with magnificent views of the Alps and Lake Geneva.

Starting from the ski car park at Entre-les-Fourgs. A beautiful hike towards the Knoll, opening up to 360° views.

Hike around Chasseron with a direct and sustained climb to the summit, offering beautiful panoramic views. The descent is then a gentle and pleasant walk along the ridge line back to the car park. Accessible route.

A walk along the Arnon, a river that, over time, has carved out the Covatannaz Gorges and its impressive cliffs. Passing through the village of Baulmes and following the Baumine river upstream towards the Aiguilles de Baulmes, a series of peaks rising to 1,560 m. The path along the ridge offers a magnificent 180° panorama of the Alps, Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Geneva and the Vaud plateau.

A circular hike that follows the ridge of the Aiguilles de Baulmes. Magnificent views all along the way of the Alps, which seem very close, and, at both ends, of some of the peaks of the Jura. It is not guaranteed that you will be able to follow the tracks all along the route.

The highlight of this third stage will be the Suchet. At your feet, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Neuchâtel. You will also be very close to the French-Swiss border. In Vallorbe, you will notice the presence of old railway crafts.

Discover two glacial lakes: Lac Noir, nestled in lush greenery, and Lac de la Beunaz, which is also a popular summer leisure destination. This hike follows paths through forests and meadows, as well as small roads with very little traffic. It offers superb panoramic views of Lake Geneva to the north and the surrounding peaks to the south.

A hike in a very rural setting that follows paths or small roads with very little traffic. There are some beautiful views: on the way up, of the Dent d'Oche and the surrounding peaks, and on the way down, of the Jura Mountains and, in places, Lake Geneva. There are also two oratories to visit.

Stage 5 From Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. From Sainte-Croix, the birthplace of music boxes and automatons, you set off across the vast pastures of the Vaud Jura towards La Casba and Les Avattes. The path then winds its way to Les Petites Roches before reaching the mysterious Pierre de la Paix, a place full of energy and serenity. One last effort takes you to the summit of Chasseron, at an altitude of 1,608 metres, where a magnificent panorama opens up over Switzerland and France. At your feet lie Lake Neuchâtel and, further south, the majestic Lake Geneva. Nearly 250 kilometres of Alpine ridges stretch out on the horizon, creating a breathtaking natural fresco. The descent is gentle to the hamlet of Les Rochats, at the start of the Les Cluds cross-country ski trail, where an old military barracks remains, a discreet witness to a forgotten past.

The Mémises mountain and its two peaks offer ridge trails with beautiful views of Lake Geneva. This hike starts at the Thollon cable car station, which avoids the steep slopes of the usual ascent routes (described elsewhere). This hike is therefore designed to introduce young children or inexperienced walkers to the mountains.

A summit offering superb panoramic views of both Lake Geneva and the Chablais massif. This route via the north face is shorter than the one via the south face and runs through the Thollon-les-Mémises ski resort.

This first stage of the Grande Traversée des Alpes (GTA), from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, takes place in the Chablais massif. The path climbs up the Novel valley on the left bank of the Morge, below the hamlet of La Meurtaz, then follows the D30 road, which it overlooks after the hamlet of Jordy. On leaving Novel, the path winds its way above the hairpin bends of the D30 to La Planche. There, it leaves the main valley route to climb due south towards the chalets of Neuteu and on to the Col de Bise, before descending to the Chalets de Bise.

Formed by the confluence of the Dranse d'Abondance, the Dranse de Morzine and the Brevon, the Dranse flows into Lake Geneva at the border between the municipalities of Thonon-les-Bains and Publier. A nature reserve has been created around the small delta it forms, which is home to many birds and a diverse range of flora. This short walk takes you through the reserve to the mouth of the Dranse.

Starting from La Cergniaulaz towards Le Molard, this is a beautiful route that runs along the peaks of Cape au Moine. It can be extended via La Pierra Perchia (to be avoided in bad weather) and descends via the Col de Jaman and La Planiaz.

A magnificent hike starting from the Auberge de la Cergniaulaz restaurant with free parking. Accessible in summer with the chance to see fields full of daffodils in early May, and in winter on snowshoes or touring skis. It's quite a climb at the start, but the surrounding mountain scenery and the beauty of the forests and wildlife make you forget the effort. The view of the lake on the descent from the summit of Folly is breathtaking, and if you're there around August, you can refuel with thousands of wild blueberries on the way down from Molard. The Cergniaulaz restaurant offers semi-gourmet dishes but is very hiker-friendly, and you can also enjoy some typical dishes such as planchette, fondue or rösti. Their tart of the day was to die for. 

The Château de Ripaille, former residence of the Dukes of Savoy, is well worth a visit. This short hike offers an original way to get there, following the shores of Lake Geneva as closely as possible. It's a great way to combine the pleasure of walking with that of culture and heritage!

A beautiful hike through woods and pastures with stunning views, including a 360° view of Chasseron (1,606 m) on the French side and the Swiss side with the Romandy lakes of Neuchâtel and Geneva. Depending on the weather conditions, you can see and admire the Bernese, Vaud and French Alps.

This is a fairly challenging hike with some wild sections and steep climbs, between forest and pastureland. There is a magnificent 360° view of Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Geneva from the Chasseron (altitude 1,607 m). You can also discover the Pierre de Paix (energy stone). There arefootbridges and steps at the Saut de l'Eau.

A pleasant, fairly short hike in relatively wild countryside with exceptional views (Jura, Lake Geneva basin, Chablais massif).

The Balcon des Mémises is a magnificent hike alternating between forest trails and walks along the ridges, with spectacular views of Lake Geneva, the Chablais and the Jura mountains throughout the return journey. This hike does not take the Passage de l'Échelle.

A three-loop circuit: one around Mont César, and two on the ridges via the eastern summit of Les Mémises and then via Pic des Mémises (western summit). The length of the route can be adjusted depending on weather conditions, fitness level or the time at which you start the hike. Splendid panoramic views of Lake Geneva and beautiful views of the north faces of the Dent d'Oche and Pic de Borée.

A tour of the main peaks of the Mémises massif. A long and beautiful route, where you have time to enjoy the mountains. Splendid panoramic views of Lake Geneva, the Chablais and the Vaud Pre-Alps.

A family walk through pastures with beautiful views of the Mémises, Mont César and Dent d'Oche, as well as Lake Geneva. This hike can be done in its entirety or in a shorter version.

A short walk that begins in the very shady forest of Larringes and continues along quiet roads and good paths through the meadows. A chapel, a cup-marked stone, several drinking fountains and beautiful views of Lake Geneva and the neighbouring peaks await you.

A walk mainly through pastures with a few sections through woodland. There are superb views of the neighbouring peaks, dominated by the Dent d’Oche.

A short, picturesque walk leading to the Champeillant Chapel, from where you can enjoy sweeping views over Lake Geneva, the neighbouring mountain ranges and Mont Blanc.

The Perron oratory was built on a hillock that is the highest point of the Plateau de Gavot (910 m). From this small summit, as well as from much of the route, you can enjoy extensive views of the northernmost peaks of the Chablais (Mémises, drystone shelter, Oche, Ouzon, Billiat). A family hike that follows paths or small roads with very little traffic.

A walk on the Gavot plateau, along paths and roads with very little traffic. Beautiful panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Chablais massif as far as Mont Blanc. Small chapel in Champeillant and oratories along the way.

A short walk, the first half of which takes place on quiet roads and the second on pleasantly shaded paths. Two churches, a medieval castle, a few wayside shrines and several beautiful drinking fountains await you.

A varied hike that combines peaceful paths through meadows with trails with a slight incline. You will pass through a heavily wooded area where old water mills once stood, the remains of which are now difficult to make out. Extensive panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains punctuate this route.

Coming from the north, Morond is the first iconic peak in the Jura to be reached. It rises to an altitude of 1,419 metres. The summit can be reached in half a day from Métabief or Les Hôpitaux-Neufs. The climb offers remarkable views of the region and Switzerland, including Lake Geneva. You can combine this walk with the Métabief summer toboggan run or the tourist train ride starting in Les Hôpitaux-Neufs.

Set off to explore the two wind farm sites in Sainte-Croix, passing through hamlets, pastures, undergrowth and forest. You will pass Mont de la Chèvre, Mont des Cerfs (1,280 m) and its rural lodge, then make a round trip to see the Creux des Neiges chasm. The return journey is via the Sentier des Bornes trail.

The Marin vineyard is one of three vineyards on the French shore of Lake Geneva. This hike takes you through the vineyards, along the Dranse river and up to higher ground to enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Lake Geneva.

This walk begins with a pleasant route along the lakeside. You then head uphill to explore the rich architectural heritage of old Thonon. The return journey follows the lakeside once more.

A themed trail that will take you on a journey across the Doubs region whilst following the border and its boundary markers.

A French-Swiss walk through the pastures of the "Toit du Doubs" towards these old alpine farms where the cowherd-cheesemaker stayed in the summer to look after the cattle and make cheese. Beautiful views of the Swiss mountains: the Chasseron, the Petites Roches, the Cochet and the Montagne de Baulmes.

A cross-country ski tour that allows you to explore areas rarely visited in winter and enjoy a sense of freedom on the descent.

A pleasant walk along the "Riviera of Lake Geneva", with superb panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks, the grand residences of Montreux and the famous Château de Chillon. This walk is proposed as a one-way trip with the option of returning either by boat or on foot.

Typical farms, a chapel covered in wooden shingles, two superb viewpoints over La Cluse de Joux and its castle, a glimpse of Chasseron and the Aiguilles de Baulmes, fir trees and the invigorating air of the Haut-Doubs.

An invigorating walk at an altitude of 1,000 metres, through pastures and forests with lovely landscapes typical of the Haut-Doubs. The stop at the biathlon centre (La Seigne) adds a touch of ‘discovery’ before the climb of around 2.5 km up to Mont de L’Herba.

This route takes you to the Belvédère de la Roche Sarrasine viewpoint through woodland and back along a small road to the village of Les Fourgs.

A very pleasant, peaceful walk, the first half of which takes you through beautiful coniferous woods to this magnificent viewpoint over the Château de Joux and La Cluse, before returning in the sunshine with a beautiful unobstructed view of the plateau.

A short route in the heart of the Haut-Doubs that will let you discover Château de Joux from an unusual angle.

This is a well-marked mountain bike trail. Number 80.A very varied and technical circuit, very interesting from a mountain biking point of view.