Educational trail of the Arses forest in Rougemont

A corner of the forest to explore with family

Between the Vaud Alps and Pays-d’Enhaut, the educational trail of the Arses forest in Rougemont invites families to a simple and refreshing walk. You walk at your own pace, in the shade of conifers, following signs that explain the forest, trees, and animals. It’s free, calm, and very close to the village. Ideal when you want nature without embarking on a long hike.

What your children will discover

On site, children love to touch the bark, compare needles, listen to the birds, and search for animal tracks. The signs, clear and concrete, talk about the life of the forest: roles of trees, dead wood, seasons, discreet wildlife. This stimulates curiosity, vocabulary, and observation. You walk, read, look… and move forward without even realizing it. It’s also an opportunity to learn some gestures of orientation and respect for nature.

Things to know before you go

• Age: suitable from 4 years old if your child enjoys walking. The youngest can follow in a baby carrier.
• Duration: count 1 to 2 hours depending on the pace, stops, and curiosity in front of the signs.
• Atmosphere: calm, educational, and sensory. A moderate effort with some climbs in the forest.
• Reservation and price: free access, no reservation needed, free.
• Accessibility: forest path with roots and earth. Not ideal for strollers, except for all-terrain models and in dry weather. Wheelchair not suitable.
• Public transport: Rougemont is served by the MOB Montreux–Zweisimmen line. From the station, it’s easy to walk to the starting point by following local directions to the Arses forest.
• By car: parking in the village, marked. Allow a few minutes on foot to reach the start of the trail.
• Equipment: good shoes, windbreaker, water, and a small snack. A cap at the start if sunny, then enjoy the shade of the forest. In autumn, a warm layer.
• Safety: stay on the path, especially after rain (ground can be slippery). Watch young children near roots and small slopes.
• Season: ideal from spring to autumn. In winter or after snowfall, the trail may be impassable.
• Benefits: motor skills, observation, autonomy, respect for living things, and self-confidence. A true nature break.

Parents' tips

• Start early to enjoy the calm and soft light.
• Bring a lightweight magnifying glass: guaranteed success for observing mosses and insects.
• Take a photo of the favorite signs to read them at home.
• After the walk, take a break in the village for an ice cream or hot chocolate.
• In summer, anti-tick spray and sunscreen are useful, even in the underbrush.

Useful information

• Address: Arses Forest, above the village of Rougemont (VD). Starting point marked from the village.
• Hours/periods: free access; preferable from spring to autumn and in dry weather.
• Ideal weather: dry weather, avoid days of heavy rain or snow.
• Access by public transport: MOB station in Rougemont, then walk to the start of the trail (local directions).
• Access by car: municipal parking in Rougemont, marked pedestrian routes from the village.

Why we recommend it

Because it’s a simple, free walk full of meaning. Children learn without realizing it, and parents enjoy a real moment in nature. The educational trail of the Arses is an ideal gateway to discover the forest, understand how it lives, and pass on good habits of observation and respect. All just a stone's throw from the station, in a corner of Pays-d’Enhaut that breathes tranquility.

Looking for more ideas?

If this walk speaks to you, create your Kidora account or subscribe to our newsletter. You will receive more ideas for walks, museums, and family outings in French-speaking Switzerland, tested and approved by local parents.