A hike to St-Cergue and a shorter loop starting and ending in Le Vaud offer different experiences; Parc animalier La Garenne is also located in the village. When planning a stay, a practical first question is: should the focus be on a longer point-to-point hike, a circular route or the animal park? Details about route type and duration make the hiking options easy to compare.
Hikes with Different Routes
The hike on the Jura vaudois from Le Vaud to St-Cergue starts in the village. After a short distance, the path becomes a natural surface as it enters the forest. The route is 12.0 kilometres long and takes around 3 hours 30 minutes. It leads to the La Dunanche viewpoint, where there are several benches and a picnic table. Along the way, it also passes the Ruines du Couvent d’Oujon, considered a Cluniac site in the open countryside.
The Balade champĂŞtre au pied du Jura is a good choice for a circular hike: it starts and ends in Le Vaud, is 10.9 kilometres long and takes 2 hours 48 minutes. It is classed as easy and passes along forest edges through rolling countryside, with small villages and mountain scenery at the foot of the Jura. Compared with the hike to St-Cergue, it is 1.1 kilometres shorter; its stated duration is also less than the approximately 3 hours 30 minutes of the longer hike.
Another route, the Combe de la Valouse, also starts and ends in Le Vaud. It passes through Les Planets, La Chaumette, Les Frasses, La Bâme, Les Pralets, Crêt de Grison and La Pessette. Alongside the marked circular hike and the route to St-Cergue, this offers another named hiking option that starts and ends in the village.
La Garenne and Getting There
Parc animalier La Garenne is located in Le Vaud and covers three hectares. Animals visitors can see there include lynx, wolves, bearded vultures, marmots, ibex and vultures. The park offers unusual wildlife-viewing experiences as well as fun activities that encourage learning. The educational activities last between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours. They include a guided tour of the distinctive enclosures and an activity at Labo’Garenne.
In 2026, travellers can take bus No. 830 from Gland to the “Le Vaud, Zoo” stop, which serves La Garenne. Check the timetable before travelling.
Jura Scenery and Village Dining
Le Vaud lies on the slopes of the Jura, at an elevation of 620 to 1,421 metres. The municipality offers beautiful views of Lake Geneva and the Alpine range. Le Vaud is one of the municipalities whose territory lies within the Parc naturel régional Jura vaudois. This nature park has been recognised as being of national importance since 2013. It stretches from villages at the foot of the Jura to the Vallée de Joux, across the Jura ridges and over the three passes of La Givrine, Le Marchairuz and Le Mollendruz. Typical landscapes and preserved nature define the wider park area.
For a meal in the village, Auberge La Charrue is located in the heart of Le Vaud. It welcomes guests in a warm, convivial atmosphere. The restaurant serves traditional cuisine, homemade dishes and regional specialities; food is also available to take away.
Also an Option for Road Cycling
There are road cycling routes around Le Vaud, mostly on paved surfaces. The routes range from lakeside paths to challenging mountain passes and suit different ability levels. Spring, summer and early autumn are generally considered favourable seasons for road cycling. Check current route conditions before setting out on a specific ride.
Discover more destinations: Genolier, Rolle, Chavannes-De-Bogis, Borex, Perroy Vd, Vich, Luins, Founex.
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