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Site du Cul du Nozon walks
Le Cul, the Nozon Valley and the Source of the Diaz
Set off to explore the “Cul du Nozon” site towards Vaulion. There are no signposts, which is a shame, as the spot is superb. There are small bridges, a path along the rock face and a waterfall. It is a truly wild and stunning place. Then head for the former Cluniac Abbey (fortified priory) of Romainmôtier, which is now a Protestant church. It is the oldest monastery in Switzerland. It was founded in the mid-5th century by the Fathers of the Jura, Saint Romain and his brother Saint Lupicin. The door is always open and entry is free. Next comes a visit to the Source de la Diaz and, to finish, the Vallon du Nozon: this site has also remained very unspoilt and is a magnificent place. There are several bridges, waterfalls and information boards about the area.
Walks near Site du Cul du Nozon
Vallorbe - Les Charbonnières: Lakes Joux and Brenet
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.
Le Pont - Ballaigues
Stage 3: From Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. From the beach at Lake Joux to Le Pont, you reach Vallorbe via the Dent de Vaulion (1,483 m) before following and crossing the River Orbe. Since the Middle Ages, Vallorbe has been an important centre for the iron industry thanks to its iron ore deposits and wood reserves. At the Vallorbe Iron and Railway Museum, you leave the town following the shore of Lake Day. The route then passes close to the Day Viaduct, a beautiful arch bridge built in 1925, before arriving at the Day Dam, which holds back the waters of the Orbe, and then Ballaigues, located on the southern slope of the knoll, above the course of the Orbe
The Orbe Gorges from Le Day to Orbe via Les Clées
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.
Les Charbonnières - Col du Machairuz
On this fifth stage, you will reach the highest point of the Swiss Jura and also of this 6-day route: Mont Tendre. This summit offers a splendid view of the canton of Vaud, Lake Geneva and the Alps.You’ll also see the numerous piles of stone gathered from fields stretching for kilometres. These are stone walls built to mark out plots of land or enclose areas for grazing livestock.
Ballaigues - Sainte-Croix
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.
Chez Liadet - CAF Gros Morond Refuge
This third stage leads to Mont d'Or, from where the view stretches across the French and Swiss Alps. The route passes by the source of the Doubs, winds through forests and mountain pastures, and climbs to the summit of Mont d'Or before descending to the CAF refuge at Gros Morond.
Col du Marchairuz - Le Pont
Second stage From Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. Mont Tendre, at an altitude of 1,679 metres, dominates the peaks of the Vaud Jura. The climb from Col du Marchairuz to Col du Mont Tendre crosses a landscape that resembles a park. From the summit of Mont Tendre, the view is stunning. Discover Savoie, the Bernese Alps, the Vosges and La Dôle. Shortly after the summit is the Chalet du Mont Tendre. From the terrace, the panoramic view of Lake Geneva and the Alps is magnificent. The food here is delicious. Then the descent begins to the shores of Lake Joux. To reach the lake, there are a few descents to conquer. The portions are rustic, varied and very generous.
Col du Marchairuz - Saint Cergue
This last stage also offers a panoramic viewpoint at Crêt de la Neuve (1,493 m). At your feet, you can admire Lake Geneva, Geneva, the Alps and even Mont Blanc. On the way down, stop off at the ruins of the Oujon convent, a former Carthusian monastery.
Sainte-Croix - Vallorbe
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.
Sainte-Croix - Les Rochats
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.