Nature &amp; Animals

Illustration de la cascade de Môtiers et sa grotte au Val-de-Travers : chute sur paroi calcaire, famille explorant l'entrée de la grotte

Cascade de Môtiers and its cave: an adventure in the footsteps of Rousseau

Môtiers, Neuchâtel

What if a simple walk became a real exploration? In Môtiers, in the heart of the Val-de-Travers, a waterfall tumbles down the Jura cliff and, at its foot, a natural cave opens up where Jean-Jacques Rousseau loved to take refuge. Ten minutes' walk, a lamp in your bag, and the adventure begins.

From 6 years

Illustration des Gorges du Chauderon à Montreux : sentier de montagne avec escaliers et passerelles le long du torrent à cascades, famille en randonnée

Gorges du Chauderon in Montreux: the wild hike above the lake

Montreux, Vaud

Looking for a real adventure for keen walkers, just steps from the lake? Above Montreux, the Gorges du Chauderon climb alongside a cascading torrent in an almost tropical forest setting. Be warned: this is not a stroll but a fine mountain hike, spectacular and refreshing, from age 7.

From 7 years

Illustration of the Trient Gorges in Vernayaz: wooden walkways along the wall above the torrent, family visiting, narrow canyon of Valais

Trient Gorges in Vernayaz: a canyon on walkways for the family

Vernayaz, Valais

What if you offered your children a dive into a dizzying canyon, on wooden walkways clinging to the rock? In Vernayaz, just a stone's throw from the train station, the Gorges du Trient plunge into a narrow crevice where the torrent roars. A short, refreshing, and spectacular visit, perfect in the height of summer.

From 4 years

Illustration of the Pissevache waterfall in Vernayaz: high waterfall by the roadside, family observing from a viewpoint, mountains of Valais

Pissevache Waterfall in Vernayaz: 116 meters of drop at the roadside

Vernayaz, Valais

Want to see an impressive natural spectacle without walking for hours? In Vernayaz, the Pissevache waterfall cascades from nearly 116 meters right by the road, just a stone's throw from Martigny. A refreshing and free stop, perfect for breaking up a trip in Valais and dazzling the kids.

Illustration de l'Arboretum du Vallon de l'Aubonne : un parc vallonné planté d'arbres variés, un étang qui reflète le paysage, un sentier qui serpente dans la prairie et une famille qui se promène.

Arboretum du Vallon de l'Aubonne: 200 hectares of nature to explore with the family

Aubonne, Vaud

Fancy a big breath of fresh air with the children on the Vaud part of La Côte? In Aubonne, the Arboretum du Vallon de l'Aubonne unfolds nearly 200 hectares of forest and meadows, crossed by themed trails and home to more than 3000 species of tree. A nature day to be savoured at child height.

From 2 years

Illustration of Lake Lioson, above the Col des Mosses: a mountain lake with turquoise waters surrounded by fir trees and cliffs, with a mountain chalet and a family hiking by the water.

Lioson Lake at Les Mosses: easy hike and swimming at altitude

Ormont-Dessous, Vaud

Want to take your children on their first real mountain hike? Above the Col des Mosses, Lake Lioson spreads its turquoise waters at 1850 m, in the municipality of Ormont-Dessous. A steady ascent of about 1 to 1.5 hours, a swim for the brave, and a small animal park upon arrival: the perfect alpine outing for families.

From 4 years

Illustration du parc à biches de Leysin : un troupeau de biches et un cerf en liberté sur une prairie en lisière de forêt alpine, montagnes des Alpes vaudoises en fond

Leysin Deer Park: a free-roaming herd, with free access

Leysin, Vaud

Looking for a gentle encounter with animals, with no ticket or timetable to keep an eye on? In Leysin, the deer park is home to a herd of free-roaming semi-wild deer, visible all year round, free of charge. A perfect nature stop with young children.

1-12 years