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

Outdoor Wheelchair accessible

Menhirs of Clendy

Yverdon-les-Bains, Vaud

Did you know that there is an alignment of standing stones by Lake Neuchâtel? In Yverdon-les-Bains, the Clendy site features 45 stones erected over 6000 years ago. A free, outdoor, and easily accessible walk to take the whole family on a journey back to prehistory.

4-12 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

Grangettes Nature Reserve

Noville, Vaud

Want a nature walk, free and easy, by Lake Geneva? At the mouth of the Rhône, the Grangettes reserve offers your children peaceful trails, a birdwatching tower, and amazing wildlife. A wild interlude just a stone's throw from Villeneuve.

2-12 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

Ranch Paradisio

Begnins, Vaud

In Begnins, on the heights of La Côte, Ranch Paradisio is a family stable where children meet ponies, horses and small farm animals. Pony rides, courses, camps and farm birthday parties for 3-12 year-olds. Booking by phone; exact address and prices to be confirmed directly with the ranch.

3-12 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.

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.

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.

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.