From Palézieux to Chardonne via Mont Pèlerin

The walk starts at Palézieux station (Swissrando marker).

(S) Head south and follow the tarmac road running alongside the railway line (towards Lausanne).

(1) After about 1 km, turn right to stay alongside the railway line.

(2) After about 400 m, turn left onto a grassy path that climbs towards La Cuvigne. Pass the Grands Champs farm on your left and continue uphill until you reach the tarmac road. Follow this road to the right, cross the Chemin de Puidoux on your right, carry on straight ahead and you’ll come to a junction.

(3) Turn right onto the Route de la Léchère, which climbs quite steeply. Carry on straight ahead until you reach the edge of the forest. The tarmac ends; continue along a track that enters the forest. After about a hundred metres, turn left onto the track and climb up to a clearing at a place called La Grangette.

(4) The track turns into a footpath and climbs to the right, more or less following the edge of the forest. It opens out onto a meadow, in the middle of which stands a magnificent oak tree several hundred years old. Walk up through the meadow, keeping to the left, and cross a small, unnamed pass. Descend to the Chesau mountain pasture (refreshment kiosk).

(5) Continue straight ahead (south) towards Mont Pèlerin. Reach the Mollie mountain pasture.

(6) Turn right (south-west) onto a pleasant path for a short climb. Enter the forest and descend slightly towards Chardonne.

(7) Just before leaving the forest, take a sharp left turn (be careful not to miss this turn-off). The path, which is quite steep, climbs towards Mont Pèlerin. After about 400 m heading north-east, turn right (south; follow the yellow markings carefully). This will take you to the “Mont Pèlerin” signpost.

(8) Turn left towards Mont Pèlerin Station, leaving the Mont Pèlerin tower on your right (yellow markings). Heading south-east, the path crosses a beautiful forest before joining a tarmac road (beautiful view over Lake Geneva).

(9) Follow the road to the left (Chemin de la Maison Jean) and go round an underground cistern on the left. Immediately afterwards, turn right onto a winding path, carefully following the yellow markings. After a dizzying descent (metal steps), you’ll emerge into meadows above the Mont Pèlerin resort.

(10) Follow the tarmac road to the right (Chemin du Pèlerin) to the upper station of the funicular (terminus of the Vevey–Mont-Pèlerin line) (E).

We recommend taking the train there and the funicular back. Alternatively, arrange to use at least two vehicles for this round-trip hike.

The Chesau mountain pasture (5) serves as a mountain refreshment stop where you can have a bite to eat, have a drink and top up your water supplies if necessary.