Discover Le Vaud: Jura hikes, nature and La Garenne
Accommodation in Le Vaud
Le Vaud lies on the slopes of the Jura at an elevation of 620 to 1,421 metres and offers beautiful views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. The municipality is one of the municipalities within the Parc naturel régional Jura vaudois. Since 2013, the park has been recognised as being of national importance and extends from villages at the foot of the Jura to the Vallée de Joux, across the Jura ridges and the three passes of La Givrine, Le Marchairuz and Le Mollendruz. Its character is defined by typical landscapes and preserved nature.
The Jura Mountains with their gentle pastures and forests, the expansive Lake Geneva and the terraced Lavaux vineyards are among the defining landscape features in and around Le Vaud and the wider region. In the heart of the village, Auberge La Charrue welcomes guests in a warm and convivial atmosphere. Its restaurant serves traditional cuisine, homemade dishes and regional specialities, also available to take away.
Hiking
A hike through the Jura vaudois from Le Vaud to St-Cergue begins in the village of Le Vaud. After a short stretch, the 12.0-kilometre route enters the forest and follows an unpaved surface; it takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Along the way, it leads to the La Dunanche viewpoint, where there are several benches and a picnic table. It also passes the Ruines du Couvent d’Oujon, which are considered an open-air Cluniac site.
The Balade champêtre au pied du Jura is a 10.9-kilometre circular hike that starts and ends in Le Vaud. It takes 2 hours and 48 minutes and is classified as easy. The route follows forest edges through hilly countryside with small villages and mountain landscapes at the foot of the Jura. Another route is the Combe de la Valouse: it starts and ends in Le Vaud and passes through Les Planets, La Chaumette, Les Frasses, La Bâme, Les Pralets, Crêt de Grison and La Pessette.
Wildlife
Le Vaud is home to the La Garenne animal park. The park covers 3 hectares and offers unusual wildlife-watching experiences as well as playful activities that encourage learning. Visitors can observe lynx, wolves, bearded vultures, marmots, ibex and vultures, among other animals. The educational programmes last between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours; they include a guided tour around the park’s characteristic enclosures and an activity in the Labo’Garenne. Bus no. 830 runs from Gland to the “Le Vaud, Zoo” stop, which serves La Garenne.
Cycling
There are road-cycling routes around Le Vaud, with predominantly paved surfaces. They range from lakeside roads to challenging mountain passes and are suitable for different ability levels. Spring, summer and early autumn are generally considered favourable seasons for road cycling around Le Vaud.
If you would like to discover more destinations afterwards, you can also explore Bogis-Bossey, Rolle, Essertines-Sur-Rolle, Commugny, Gland Vd, Prangins, Coppet and Begnins.
For the higher-level travel overview: Nyon.
