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.

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.

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.

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.

The Dent de Vaulion, the iconic mountain of the Vallée de Joux and Vallorbe. A majestic peak overlooking the village of Le Pont, it rises to an altitude of 1,482 metres. A 360° panorama unfolds before you once you reach the summit. On a clear day, you can admire up to eight distinct lakes: the lakes of Neuchâtel, Biel and Murten, Lake Geneva, Lakes Brenet and Ter, Lake Joux and Lake Rousses. The Alps, and in particular the Mont Blanc massif, complete this idyllic landscape.

Winter backcountry ski route, half on groomed trails and half off-piste in remote countryside. Also suitable for snowshoeing.

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.

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).

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 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 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.

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.

La Dent de Vaulion is the iconic mountain of the Vallée de Joux and Vallorbe, offering a magnificent 360° panorama. A majestic peak overlooking the village of Le Pont, it rises to an altitude of 1,483 metres. Its distinctive shape and location at the far end of Lake Joux earn it a prominent place in many photographs of the region. On a clear day, it is possible to see up to eight distinct lakes: the lakes of Neuchâtel, Biel and Murten, Lake Geneva, Lakes Brenet and Ter, Lake Joux and Lake des Rousses in neighbouring France. The Alps, and in particular the Mont Blanc massif, complete this idyllic landscape.

The Famelon Tower is the little sister of the more majestic towers of Aï and Mayen. Although about 200 m lower than its neighbours, it is nonetheless a beautiful, wilder summit, offering a lovely 360° panorama of the Vaud Pre-Alps, the Diablerets massif, the Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc massif. Much of the route follows paths and small alpine roads, but the upper section of the route takes you along steep paths that should not be underestimated.

The start is steep and difficult for over 3 km. After that, it’s easy and the view from the top is stunning. Bovonne Farm is no longer of any interest in itself – the refreshment bar and warm welcome are a thing of the past. However, you can still buy cheese there (make sure you have Swiss francs in cash).

Mont Tendre is the highest peak in the Swiss Jura, in the canton of Vaud, at an altitude of 1,679 m. It is situated within the municipality of Montricher.From its summit, you can enjoy a magnificent 360-degree panorama. You can admire the Alps from the Eiger to Mont Pourri (the Vanoise massif), Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel, as well as the majestic Mont Blanc massif. A leisurely return via Lake Joux.

The Aiguilles de Baulmes form a range of ridges over 4 km long, running generally north-east to south-west between Mont de Baulmes and the Col de l’Aiguillon. The French-Swiss border runs 700 metres to the west of the western end of the Aiguilles. The altitude of the ridge varies between 1,080 and 1,560 metres. A wooden cross has stood on the summit since 1935. From there, one can enjoy a magnificent panorama stretching out to the south: Baulmes, the Swiss Plateau, Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps. This hike offers the opportunity to explore the ‘Cave Noire’ cave. Access is secured by chains (a head torch is essential).

Les Rochers de Naye (2,042 m): A unique panoramic view of the Swiss and French Alps, from the Eiger to Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. In particular, you can see the neighbouring peaks of the Dent de Jaman and Cape aux Moines, the French-speaking Jura, much of the Fribourg Pre-Alps and the Vaud Alps, including the Diablerets massif; the Bernese Oberland with the Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau trio; as well as Mont Dolent and the Aiguille Verte in the Mont Blanc massif.

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.

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.