Vaud walks

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.

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.

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.

A lovely, easy walk along the Orbe river.

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.

After reaching Vers les Lacs, you will hike through beautiful scenery to climb to the summit of Pic Chaussy, where you can enjoy a sweeping panorama. The descent is on another slope, still in beautiful surroundings, to the lovely Lac Lioson.

This Swiss hike was done on snowshoes but could easily be done on foot, especially in autumn or spring, to enjoy the beauty of nature. The Col du Marchairuz connects the Vallée de Joux to Lake Geneva.

The Tours d'Aï and Mayen are twin peaks visible from afar. The Tour d'AÏ is slightly higher than its neighbour, and also visited more frequently. It's a progressive climb which offers an aerial tour at the very end. Amazing views of Lac Léman, le Chablais, les Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc massif from the summit.

A superb snowshoe hike takes you to the summit of Dent de Vaulion with a 360° panoramic view of the Alps. Good weather is really a must for this walk if you want to enjoy the exceptional view of the Alps in particular, not to mention the three lakes: Léman, Joux and Brenet.

The Tours d'Aï and Mayen are twin peaks visible from afar. The Tour de Mayen is slightly lower than its neighbour, not as busy and provides a more wilderness setting. The climb is progressive with two stages, the Chalets de Mayen and Segray Lake. Just beneath the summit, a very clear view of Lac Léman, les Diablerets, le Chablais, les dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc Massif.

This circular route, entirely within Switzerland, takes you through the beautiful Jura valleys near the resort of Les Rousses. After climbing up to Le Noirmont, you’ll reach Mont Sâla via the Creux du Croue. If the weather is clear, 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. This round trip, with the descent via the same route, is in fact a lovely hike in its own right (allow for an elevation gain of around 500 metres).

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 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.

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.

Start from the car park at Pont station at the far end of Lac de Joux. Mostly on small tarmac roads. There is just one slightly technical section, but it is well signposted and secured by a cable for the more cautious.

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.

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).

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.

Far less frequented than the neighbouring Rochers de Naye, the Pointe d'Aveneyre offers a magnificent panorama of Lake Geneva, the Vaud Alps and the Fribourg Alps, as well as the peaks of the Chablais.

A beautiful but long walk around Lac de Joux with no difficulty apart from a short climb to go round a small cliff plunging into the lake. You walk along exceptionally well-maintained paths, with the verges mown. You cross the protected wetlands on raised boardwalks. Benches placed at regular intervals along the path, and magnificent log-built picnic tables surrounded by barbecues, invite you to take a break and admire the view. After a short climb and a walk through a small housing estate, the scenery changes as you cross summer pastures and spruce forests, where you may encounter various groups of chamois, which are not shy provided you remain quiet and unobtrusive.

A lovely circular walk starting from the Givrine train stop on the Nyon–Saint-Cergues–Morez line. A gentle stroll through the pastures of the Swiss Jura, a stone’s throw from the French border, which presents no particular difficulty. Many sections are tarmac-surfaced, but you can walk on the short grass at the side of the path at any time.

Les Rochers de Naye overlook Lake Geneva from a height of nearly 1,700m and offer a magnificent panorama of the lake and the neighbouring Alpine peaks. This hike offers a shorter and less exposed ascent than the more common route starting from the Col de Jaman.

This route around Lake Brenet, near Lake Joux, is peaceful, presents no difficulty and is well worth a visit. It is ideal for a family walk, even with young children.

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. 

A superb hike in an iconic site in the Swiss Jura, accessible to most people. You will encounter some not-so-wild wildlife, including ibex and chamois. Magnificent flora and landscapes and superb views. Not to mention the dairy farms where you can stop for food and refreshments.

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.

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.

This walk takes you to discover Lake Lioson. The route starts from the public car park at Les Mosses. Magnificent views of the Vaud Alps. Along the way, you can also buy farm produce.

When it’s hot, the route is perfect – and you’re away from the insects! Plenty of forest paths, lovely mountain huts, drinking fountains – though not many opportunities for galloping. There’s one slightly tricky section on this route: a descent along a narrow path towards the river followed by a steep climb, but you can easily go round it.

A lovely horse ride with magnificent scenery, views of the lake, Geneva’s Jet d’Eau and the mountains. It’s breathtaking! Perfect terrain, with opportunities for trotting, galloping and plenty of options in the forest and surrounding area.

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 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.

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).

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 short hike, mostly along the mountainside, ending with a ridge that requires caution. From the summit, superb panorama, especially of Lake Geneva, which is only five kilometres away and which you overlook from a height of nearly 1,600 metres.

Departure from Rochers de Naye by rack railway with overnight stay in a bivouac just above Pertuis d'Aveneyre. The route largely follows the Via Alpina trail. Some paths are narrow, so caution is advised for those prone to vertigo.

From the start, there is a 27% slope, then 40% under the cliff, with a few passages requiring cables. A large part of the 6.9 km route is blue and white. A physically demanding hike, but what a reward at the summit! In good weather, the Peak to Peak is a bonus.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Sixth stage, from Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. From Les Rochats, the route climbs gently through pastures and wooded areas. You then arrive at the impressive Creux du Van rock cirque. From the heights, the view of Lake Neuchâtel is splendid. Then, taking the Sentier des Quatorze Contours trail, you descend towards Noiraigue, surrounded by two natural wonders: the Creux du Van rock cirque and the Areuse Gorges.

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.

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.

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

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.

A loop with a mountain atmosphere facing the imposing Diablerets massif, with a return trip to the Col de Seron. In the second part, you will have a view of the Oberland peaks in the distance. Not to mention the small Lac Rétaud in its setting, to be admired at the end of the day.

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.