Saint-Cergue: Hiking and winter in the Vaud Jura

Saint-Cergue lies at an altitude of 1,041 m at the entrance to the Col de la Givrine and at the foot of La Dôle. The village is in the heart of the Jura vaudois Regional Nature Park. From its position above Lake Geneva, the views extend across the Alpine range to Mont Blanc.

Scenery and hiking trails

The Chemin de La Dôle is a panoramic hike from Saint-Cergue to La Dôle. Its summit is at 1,677 m and offers views of the Alps and Lake Geneva. On this route, short steep sections before the Barillette and beyond La Dôle help hikers gauge their progress. For a loop with information about distance and duration, the Circuit Alpages & Pâturages boisés offers another option: this easy circular trail starts and ends in Saint-Cergue, covers 12 km and takes about two hours. It passes through the sylvopastoral heritage of Parc Jura vaudois.

The easy Ballade à Béatrix is shorter: this 1.4 km circular trail starts and ends on Chemin du Vieux-Château in Saint-Cergue and takes about an hour to walk. Sixteen information panels tell the story of the final days of Saint-Cergue Castle, which was destroyed during the Burgundian Wars. The two loops therefore differ both in length and approximate walking time and in their focus: the history of the castle on one, the heritage of pastures and alpine farms on the other.

For a multi-day hike, La Grande Traversée du Parc Jura vaudois starts in Saint-Cergue and follows a three-day route to Romainmôtier. Its first stage passes through typical wooded pastures of the Vaud Jura, follows a ridge with views of the Jura massif and offers the chance to observe anthills. Saint-Cergue is also a stage stop on the Échappée Jurassienne, a cross-border hiking trail through the French-Swiss Jura. Another stage, Col du Marchairuz–Saint-Cergue, follows the Jura ridges to Crêt de la Neuve and offers views of the Lake Geneva basin, the Vaud Alps and Mont Blanc. It passes the ruins of the former Oujon Charterhouse before continuing to the centre of Saint-Cergue.

More trails and activities

The Bois et combes de Saint-Cergue mountain-bike loop leads from the village through forests and pastures to La Givrine and back via typical Jura ravines. These landscapes include a raised bog and the Gogants, multi-peaked spruce trees. The route combines a circular trail with natural features characteristic of the Jura.

In winter, three ski lifts in the village centre serve skiers; operation depends on the winter season and snow conditions. Skiing is possible during the day and at night. The ski-lift area has two runs for advanced skiers and one for beginners; the availability of the runs also depends on winter conditions. Alpine skiing is possible on La Dôle in a cross-border ski area that includes Les Tuffes in France.

The Espace Nordique Saint-Cergue–La Givrine–La Cure offers both skating and classic cross-country skiing. The Col de la Givrine valley has 80 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, which connect to the French trail network. There are also routes for winter hiking and snowshoeing. As with the ski lifts, use of the trails depends on winter conditions and snow cover.

In winter, Espace loisirs de Basseruche offers airboarding, Téléluge, skiing and snowshoeing. Summer activities include SwingGolf, long zip lines, archery, grass scooters, footgolf and a small adventure park for children. These activities are seasonal, and the options may change.

Local history and regional cuisine

The pass near Saint-Cergue was already used by the Romans. A document from 1110 mentions Saint-Cergue and confirms that Saint-Oyen de Joux Abbey owned the church of Saint Cyrique, whose name is the origin of the place name Saint-Cergue. In 1299, the Lord of Thoire-Villars had a castle built in Saint-Cergue to protect the pass. Saint-Cergue developed into an alpine resort in the mid-19th century.

The autumn Désalpe is also part of local life: decorated cattle walk through the village, with craft stalls along the route and many visitors. In the Saint-Cergue area, alpine farms have been converted into mountain inns serving refreshments to day-trippers. Mountain huts along the Jura foothills serve cheese dishes, regional products and local specialities.

A 2.5 km detour on the Circuit Alpages & Pâturages boisés leads to the Chalet des Fruitières de Nyon. In summer, visitors can watch cheese being made there; also in summer, farm products can be bought directly from producers along the loop. On the seasonally available Rando-Raclette, the hike starts in Saint-Cergue and combines the route with enjoying regional cheese outdoors using a portable raclette set. Visitors can meet local craftspeople and learn more about how alpine cheese is made.

Getting there by train

The NStCM narrow-gauge railway runs for more than 20 km from Nyon on Lake Geneva via Saint-Cergue and the Col de la Givrine to La Cure on the Swiss border. Within the municipality, the line serves five stops: Saint-Cergue, Les Cheseaux, Les Pralies, La Givrine and La Cure. La Givrine station provides access to an extensive network of cross-country ski trails and hiking paths through pastures and forests.

Discover more destinations: Tartegnin, Gland Vd, Bursinel, Founex, Chavannes-De-Bogis, Commugny, Genolier, Le Vaud

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