Nyon walks

A lovely route to explore the peaceful town of Nyon on the shores of Lake Geneva. You’ll wander the streets of the old walled town surrounding its castle. You’ll stay in touch with nature as you pass through the many parks that border the town. And of course, you’ll also enjoy the beautifully landscaped shores of Lake Geneva.

Horse riding excursion starting at Bonmont Golf Club and ending at Sauverny.

A public footpath along the lake shore, the Léman footpath winds its way between beaches, reed beds, boat launches and small ports on one side and summer villas on the other, offering beautiful lake views and the chance to discover these dream homes. It can also be done in the opposite direction (from the Port of Tougues). Please note some guidelines for proper use in the practical information section. Moderator's note added on 18/10/2021 A section of the trail is closed (temporarily?). See the notices at the bottom of this page.

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, Yvoire and Nernier are two medieval villages that can be visited on foot. This hike offers the opportunity to discover these two superb sites by walking between them. The route described here is a short round trip, but in summer it can be done as a one-way trip with a return by boat.

Circular route from the village of Saint-Cergue to La Dôle, 1,677m, the second highest peak in the Swiss Jura. Ascent via the summit of La Barillette then the Col de Porte. Descent via the Chalet de la Dôle and the Le Vuarne valley. There are numerous options to shorten the entire circular loop, as it consists of three separate circular loops. Can be done in summer or winter (snowshoes).

Panoramic view of Lake Geneva, the Alps, the high Jura mountains and the Pays de Gex

Open from 16 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. A challenging and immersive hike to the summit of La Dôle (1,677 m). From Le Fleutron, the route alternates between deep forests, open ridges and high-altitude pastures. After crossing the French-Swiss border, you will reach one of the iconic peaks of the Swiss Jura, offering a 360° panorama of Lake Geneva, the Alps and Mont Blanc. This demanding but spectacular route crosses unspoilt natural areas in the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment (see the practical information section).

An easy walk offering beautiful views of the Alps and the Jura. Border crossing, so please bring your ID card.

This accessible, family-friendly hike through forests and panoramic views offers a splendid 360° view of both the Alps and the Jura from Mont Mourex. The trail passes through a pleasant forest before reaching the open heights, offering an exceptional panorama of the Alps and the Jura. A landscape information table allows you to identify the surrounding peaks. An intriguing circle of stones, approximately 45 metres in diameter, is believed to have been used for sun worship. In its centre is a block of stone that is thought to have been deposited there by the Rhône glaciers during an ice age. It adds to the enigmatic nature of the place. The descent is gentle, through meadows.

Walk in the woods of Versoix. Very pleasant in the undergrowth and on the galloping tracks.

From the old fortified house of Chilly, the route starts in the middle of the vineyards and then climbs through woods to reach a plateau offering extensive views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding peaks. After passing Notre-Dame des Vignes, you can see a geological curiosity, the Pierre à Martin. After a stretch through the forest, you descend, enjoying beautiful views. The hike ends through the vineyard.

A walk through unspoilt nature, across meadows, woods and scree slopes, following beautiful valleys with views of the Alps. The highlight of this walk is, of course, the Creux du Croue, a deep and magnificent depression.

This beautiful hike will take you to the summit of La Dôle at an altitude of 1,677 metres, where you can enjoy breathtaking views. A steep path through the mountain pastures will lead you to this unmistakable peak with its dome housing the Geneva airport radar. On the descent, you will no doubt see herds of chamois frolicking in the scree below the summit ridge. The rest of the route takes you along dirt tracks, roads and grassy paths over much less rugged terrain, but often offering magnificent views.

Without doubt, the shortest path up to the summit of La Dôle (1677m altitude) from the French side of the border. In good weather, the views are breathtaking and go on for over 250km: from the Swiss Alps to Mont Blanc and on to the Vanoise and the Ecrins, all of this with plunging views down over Geneva and its lake.

Much of the walk takes place in the coolness of the forest and the Versoix river, ideal for hot summer days. When you leave the woods, in good weather, there are magnificent views of the Jura mountain range (the Aiguille de la Faucille and the Boule Blanc de la Dole are easily recognisable) and the Alps (Mont Blanc).

One of many routes to reach this distinctive summit with its radar station visible from anywhere in the Lake Geneva basin. Magnificent panorama from the Eiger to the Écrins, via Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva (orientation table). Chamois galore for early risers, rarer during the day due to high visitor numbers. Marked route, also accessible in winter with snowshoes or cross-country skis, with a few variations.

In the vicinity of La Greffière, I suggest you climb to the summit of La Dôle and walk around it. Along the way, there are magnificent landscapes to discover, and with a bit of luck, you may even spot some chamois.

Open from 1 December to 30 March - subject to the opening of the Vattay Nordic Centre A beautiful route in the Vattay area, crossing the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve (you must comply with the regulations in force). There is an admission charge to access the Vattay site. This route is groomed and marked in purple. It is accessible with children.

Open from 1 December to 30 March - subject to the opening of the Vattay Nordic Centre A beautiful route in the Vattay area, on a groomed and marked purple trail, accessible with children and crossing the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve (you must comply with the regulations in force). There is a charge to access the Vattay site.

Open from 1 December to 30 March - subject to the opening of the Vattay Nordic Centre This hike on the Jura plateau, in a vast area dedicated to Nordic activities, takes us to the summit of La Gélinotte, where the view of the Alps and Mont Blanc is absolutely superb. The signage (purple stakes and signposts) is very well done.A very beautiful route in the Vattay area, crossing the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve (you must comply with the regulations in force). There is an admission charge to access the Vattay site.

Horse riding excursion departing from Versoix and arriving at Bonmont Golf Club.

Hike accessible from 17 April to 30 November. Set off on a hike to Colomby de Gex (1,682 metres above sea level), with superb views of Mont Blanc and the Geneva basin. This circuit, emblematic of the Grande Marche Populaire de Gex, follows the ridges of the Haute Chaîne before descending into the forest along the Journans. The route passes through varied landscapes: mountain pastures, deciduous and coniferous forests. It runs through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and, in part, the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, a protected area that must be treated with respect. Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment.

Hike accessible from 16 May to 30 November. Set off from Gex on a loop to the Col de Branveau, passing through the Platières mountain pastures. Formerly part of the Petite Marche Populaire de Gex, this varied circuit offers beautiful views of the Haute Chaîne du Jura and the Alps. It passes through forests of deciduous and coniferous trees before a refreshing descent along the Journans. An accessible and enjoyable hike between ridges, mountain pastures and undergrowth.Part of the route is located in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: dogs are not permitted, even on a lead. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment.

This circular route, entirely in Switzerland, takes you through the beautiful valleys of the Jura, near the resort of Les Rousses. After climbing Le Noirmont, you will reach Mont Sâla via Creux du Croue. In clear weather, there are magnificent views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. The route is not particularly difficult, but the climb up to Le Noirmont is quite steep and quite long.

Fifteenth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. In the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, this stage will quickly take you to the highest point, the Belvédère des Dappes. This is followed by a crossing of the Forêt du Massacre, rich in exceptional flora and fauna, with varied landscapes alternating between thick forests and open valleys. You will also discover some curiosities and pretty summer chalets. Enjoy this beautiful forest, taking care not to stray from the marked paths and trails to preserve the tranquillity of the area! From the Combe à la Chèvre and its tall gentians, you will reach the village of Lajoux, home to the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park.

Mont Sala offers remarkable views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, particularly its highest peak.Important note mentioned by a hiker: this route is located in an area regulated by the Federal District of Le Noirmont; in winter, only marked trails are authorised in order to preserve wildlife, so access to Crêt des Danses and summit 1515 is prohibited.

First stage: From Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. After passing through La Cure, you will enter Switzerland and reach Saint-Cergue. A road will take you through the Jura pastures to the ruins of the Oujon convent. From Les Frasses, a steep forest path leads to a panoramic viewpoint. The climb continues through enchanting scenery, between flower-filled meadows and chalets, towards Crêt de la Neuve, the highest point of the stage. Here you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Geneva, the Vaud Alps and Mont Blanc. The hike ends in the Vaud Jura Park, along a pretty forest path leading to the Col de Marchairuz (1,446 m).

This exceptional hike links Les Rousses, in the heart of the French Haut-Jura, to the city of Constance (Konstanz), on the shores of the lake of the same name, following the ridges of the Swiss Jura. A demanding but magnificent 405 km route that crosses the most iconic landscapes of the Jura mountains: high-altitude pastures, deep forests, alpine viewpoints, villages steeped in history and forgotten military ruins.

A family trail starting from Les Rousses, offering views over the peat bog on the edge of Lac des Rousses.

A family hike around Les Rousses will take you to the Fort des Rousses, the old redoubt, the waterfall and the leat de la Chaille valley.

This short route allows you to discover Lac des Rousses, the only lake in Franche-Comté located in the basin that flows towards Switzerland and the Rhine. It is surrounded by peat bogs and you can discover remarkable flora and fauna . In summer, you can swim in its clear, shallow waters, enjoy the water sports centre or contemplate the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, and in winter, watch the skaters and iceboats when the lake is frozen .

Surrounded by Sala and Noiremont summits, this hike that allows you to explore Swiss forests and pastures. You'll need two cars for this straight route hike.

Starting from the isolated bell tower in Brenthonne, this short hike leads to a beautiful waterfall in the forest. The route offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Geneva. Along the way, you can admire the Château d'Avully, which is open to visitors.