Nature &amp; Animals in Canton Vaud

Vallorbe Caves

Vallorbe, Vaud

Indoor

And what if you took your children to explore an underground river and a stalactite forest in the heart of Vaud Jura? At the Grottes de Vallorbe, you descend underground at your own pace, flashlight and app in hand, to discover one of the most beautiful underground networks in Switzerland.

5-15 years

Illustration plate of the AstroPléiades trail at the summit of the Pléiades: spheres of planets (Saturn, Earth, Mars) along a path in a meadow of white daffodils, with a view of Lake Geneva and families strolling.

Blonay - Saint-Légier, Vaud

Les Pléiades and the AstroPléiades trail

Want a trip that combines mountain trains, stars, and flower-filled meadows? At Les Pléiades, above Blonay, your children take the train from Vevey, walk along a path dedicated to the solar system, and discover a 360-degree panorama of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

5-14 years

Outdoor Indoor Wheelchair accessible

Pro Natura Center of Champ-Pittet and the Grande Cariçaie

Cheseaux-Noréaz, Vaud

What if your children set off to explore the largest lake marsh in Switzerland? At the Pro Natura Center of Champ-Pittet, wooden walkways delve into the reeds of the Grande Cariçaie, leading to a birdwatching tower. An unforgettable nature outing by Lake Neuchâtel.

3-14 years

Illustration des ruines de la Chartreuse d'Oujon au-dessus d'Arzier : murs de pierres sèches du monastère médiéval dans une clairière forestière, avec une famille qui explore

Oujon Spiritual Trail (Chartreuse d'Oujon)

Arzier-Le Muids, Vaud

Above Arzier, the Oujon spiritual trail is a flat, signposted loop of about an hour that leads to the ruins of the oldest charterhouse in Switzerland. Around fifteen information panels, a large picnic area nearby: a free family walk blending nature and history.

5-17 years

Illustration of the summit of La Barillette above Saint-Cergue: antenna, Jura pastures, mountain hut, and view of Lake Geneva and the Alps, with a family on a walk.

Walk to the Refuge de la Barilette

Saint-Cergue, Vaud

Above Saint-Cergue, an unpretentious family walk takes you through pastures and fir trees to the Barilette refuge and the ruins of the old castle. A simple, free nature outing, perfect for taking a deep breath with the family in the Vaud Jura.

5-17 years

Illustration of the Ballade trail to Béatrix above Saint-Cergue: forest path under a rocky overhang and panorama of Lake Geneva, with a family admiring the view.

The Ballad to Béatrix (told path)

Saint-Cergue, Vaud

In the forest above Saint-Cergue, La Ballade à Béatrix is a narrated trail that tells children the story of the village's castle, all while walking. A free stroll that ends with a beautiful panorama of Lake Geneva: the ideal walk when you want to mix nature, history, and imagination.

4-17 years

Illustration of the alpine pasture trail in Bassins: stone alpine chalet, cows grazing, dry stone walls, and a view of Lake Geneva and the Alps, with a family strolling.

Alpage Trail

Bassins, Vaud

Above Bassins, the Alpage Trail is an educational loop through the pastures and forests of the Vaud Jura. Picnic areas, mountain huts, and panoramas over the Lake Geneva basin: a free family walk that smells of mountain air and AOP cheese.

5-17 years

Illustration of the Bas des Côtes Trail between Genolier and Givrins: forest path with a small wooden bridge and educational sign, in a lush undergrowth, a family on a walk.

Path of the Lower Slopes

Genolier, Vaud

In the forests of Genolier and Givrins, the Sentier du Bas des Côtes was conceived with local schoolchildren. Along the path, panels tell the story of the forest and its ecosystems. A nature walk, educational and free, in the heart of the Parc Jura vaudois.

Picnic area of Creux des Abériaux

Arzier-Le Muids, Vaud

At the exit of Arzier, the Creux des Abériaux picnic area is a large relaxation space nestled under tall trees. Tables, tranquility, and nature: the ideal spot for a family meal, and the perfect starting point for the spiritual path of Oujon. Free.

Until 17 years

Illustration of the Chestnut Trail above Bursins: forest path rising under the chestnut trees and picnic area with wooden table, a family on a walk.

Chestnut Trail (Bursins-Vinzel-Luins Loop)

Bursins, Vaud

On the heights of La Côte, the Chestnut Trail connects the wine villages of Bursins, Vinzel, and Luins through forests and vineyards. Views of the lake and the Alps, picnic area at the start: a lovely family loop, free and beautiful in autumn.

6-17 years

Outdoor Wheelchair accessible

Toblerone Trail in Prangins

Prangins, Vaud

A walk that tells a story: the Toblerone Trail follows the former line of anti-tank fortifications from 1940, these concrete blocks lined up like chocolate bars. Forts camouflaged as villas, educational panels, and arrival at the edge of the lake: a free and exciting nature outing.

4-17 years