Col de Chaude walks

A beautiful hike in the Vaud Alps. This route offers a wide variety of landscapes. You will discover the Tours d'Aï, Mayen and Famelon. From the Col de la Pierre du Moëllé, you can enjoy a view of Lake Hongrin. Along the route, there are numerous panoramic viewpoints over the Diablerets Massif, the Chablais, the Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc Massif.

This first stage will take you from Leysin, at the foot of the famous Aï, Mayen and Famelon towers, to the Col des Mosses. From the Col de la Pierre du Moëllé, you can enjoy a view of Lake Hongrin. Along the route, there are numerous panoramic viewpoints over the Diablerets Massif, the Chablais, the Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc Massif.

This second stage will take you from the Col des Mosses to the renowned resort of Les Diablerets. The Aï, Mayen and Famelon towers will accompany you for much of the way and you will see them from different angles. The route also offers numerous panoramic views of the Diablerets Massif, the Chablais, the Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc Massif.

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.

The aim of this hike is to be able to walk without the risk of falling on steep, slippery slopes after heavy rain. Once you have completed the initial climb, it is all downhill. The starting point can be reached on foot from La Barboleuse or, more conveniently, by bus from Villars sur Ollon or La Barboleuse. The bus stop is called Les Fracherets. You can even go to the bus terminus, which saves you a few dozen metres of elevation gain.

From Gruyères, you will have your eyes fixed on the imposing Moléson. As you make your way towards the summit, the village of Gruyères will remain behind you until you reach Plan Francey. You will temporarily leave trail no. 3, the Alpenpanorama Weg, to climb the Moléson, the highest point of this trek. Back on trail no. 3, at Villard Dessus, you will reach Les Paccots via a descent through the forest.

A pleasant walk along the border ridge from the Morclan chair lift. Variations are possible (and described) to give more ascent. Opportunities for great views across the mountains in the Chatel Area and into Switzerland, including the Montreaux end of Lac Leman.