In a territory where the altitude is within walking distance, the canton of Vaud in Switzerland extends from the gentle reliefs of the Jura to the fascinating Vaudois Alps along majestic lakes including the imposing Lake Geneva. Here are five suggestions for hikes offered by the Tourist Office, to be tested alone, as a couple, with friends or family.
The paths of the canton of Vaud with the bewitching scenery of the Alps, are reflected in the crystal clear waters of Lake Geneva. From the picturesque villages with typical chalets on the heights, a few steps are enough to find yourself up there in the company of marmots and chamois, and familiar with the peaks of eternal snow. Freshness of the lakes, mountains and waterfalls, singularity of the alpine fauna, fragility of the endemic flora, it is a feeling of purity and freedom that awaits the hiker at the end of these five pedestrian adventures.
1/ The most floral: in search of the “May snow” – Montreux Riviera
On the heights of Montreux, there is a flower that turns heads, a true historical and botanical heritage of the region. Delicate white petals and a luminous yellow heart: two species of narcissus cover the meadows overlooking Lake Geneva with an immaculate mantle, from the end of April until the beginning of June. To enjoy this floral spectacle and pick some of the fragile stems, head to Hauts-de-Caux, between cool clearings and shady forests, for an hour of bucolic strolls, with the spectacular Alpine panoramas reflected in the waters of the lake as a backdrop. Leman.
From the Haut-de-Caux train stop.
Four possible courses – 300 m, 2 km, 2.5 km and 3.6 km.
Respect the collection instructions in force.
More information ici.
2/ The most refreshing: dare the waterfall – Pays-d’Enhaut
From Château-d’Oex, a town adorned with its typical mountain chalets in a postcard landscape, we take the path towards the astonishing Turrian bridge, built in 1883 above the fish-filled waters of the Sarine. and the oldest suspension bridge in French-speaking Switzerland. The pleasant walk lulled by the songs of birds takes us to the unmissable curiosity of the region: the cool waterfall of Ramaclé, hurtling down the mossy rocks and projecting its spray towards the walkers installed on the wooden bridge facing it. ! In this spectacular natural site, a picnic break is essential, before perhaps continuing towards the majestic gorges of Gérignoz…
Departing from the town center of Château-d’Oex.
6.2 km – around 1h45 – easy level.
More information ici.
3/ Closest to wildlife: in the heart of the deep gorges – Yverdon-les-Bains
The green route of this hike reserved for seasoned walkers invites you to immerse yourself in the depths of Vaudois nature, along the course of the Orbe. The monumental Vallorbe viaduct, invigorating Saut du Day, astonishing glacial potholes and canopy of pine forests are the setting for this stroll through the heart of the nature reserve. As for the inhabitants of the place, they sometimes make the hiker benefit from their discreet presence: those who know how to observe can thus capture the leap of the chamois, the bluish flash of the kingfisher, the shimmer of the trout or the good-looking silhouette of the busy beaver. .
Departing from the Orbe Tourist Office.
Accessible from April to October – 17 km – around 4h30 – medium level.
More information ici.
4/ The most dizzying: at the top of the Vaudois pyramids Villars – Diablerets
It’s time to go up in altitude, to 1778 meters more precisely, to have the chance to observe one of the most unexpected geological curiosities in Switzerland. Shaped by erosion, water and wind, the gypsum has here taken the form of fascinating slender pyramids, nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of the Col de la Croix. The picture is completed by a decor made up of the summits of the Diablerets massif, which the most experienced can continue to survey towards the Lac des Chavonnes or the traditional and picturesque pastures of Ensex and Taveyanne.
From Les Diablerets.
Accessible in summer only – 6.5 km – about 2h30 – medium level.
More information ici.
5/ La plus lacustrine: trio of lacs d’altitude – Aigle Leyson – Les Mosses
The three small bodies of water drawn by the melting snow are only accessible on foot, somewhere between the village and the Col des Mosses. This is part of the attraction of this haven of peace where marmots and chamois frolic, in a setting overlooked by the summit of Pic Chaussy. Filling up on tranquility and recharging one’s batteries in the middle of nature is a whole program here, knowing that a refreshment bar also welcomes thirsty hikers. As for the more adventurous, they can jump into the water to enjoy the pleasures of swimming at altitude.
Departing from Les Mosses.
6 km – around 2h30 – medium level.
More information ici.
