Juraparc

Bears and wolves at the top of the Mont d'Orzeires

Perched on the pass of the Mont d'Orzeires, between Vallorbe and the Vallée de Joux, Juraparc is an open-air wildlife park set deep in the Jura forest. You come across the three great emblems of the region: brown bears, a pack of wolves and a herd of bison, watched from walkways and prepared paths. Further on, a mini-farm gathers goats, ponies, alpacas and other animals to approach up close. With its large playground and its restaurant, the place lends itself to a half-day outing where you alternate discovery, cuddles with the animals and a snack break, all in the fresh air at over 1,000 metres of altitude.

What your children will discover

Your children will watch real wild animals of our forests: the calm gait of the bears, the silhouette of the wolves between the trees, the power of the American bison. At the mini-farm, it is time for direct contact: you reach out to the curious goats, approach the soft-fleeced alpacas, meet ponies and donkeys. It is a fine chance to learn to recognise animals, to respect them and to understand how they live.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

The visit is on foot, at your own pace, along a route that links the large enclosures then the contact area. The atmosphere is family-friendly and laid-back: you take the time to observe, the children then let off steam at the large playground, and you can sit down at the restaurant, which offers daily specials and bison specialities. Allow about 1h30 to enjoy the park at a leisurely pace. Note: dogs are not allowed in the wildlife park.

Before you go

• Recommended age: for everyone, from toddlers to teens; the mini-farm particularly delights the youngest
• Duration: about 1h30
• Price: adult from CHF 12 in season, child aged 5 to 14 from CHF 8, free for accompanied under-5s (reduced rates off-season; check on the official website)
• Booking: not necessary, tickets on sale on site at the shop or the restaurant
• Pushchair accessibility: open-air paths are passable; a wheelchair is lent free of charge to people with reduced mobility
• Transport: from Vallorbe CFF station; check the official website for the bus service
• What to bring: good shoes, a jacket (it is cooler at altitude) and something to snack on or a meal at the restaurant
• Best season: open all year round; each season offers a different atmosphere in the forest

Tips from parents

• Dress the children a little more warmly than in the lowlands; you are at over 1,000 metres of altitude.
• Allow time at the mini-farm: contact with the goats and alpacas is often the favourite moment of the youngest.
• Plan the playground at the end of the visit, so the children can burn off energy after the observation.
• As dogs are not allowed, plan your day accordingly.
• Combine it with the nearby Grottes de Vallorbe for a lovely day in the region.

Useful information

• Address: Route de la Vallée de Joux 3, Mont d'Orzeires, 1337 Vallorbe (canton of Vaud)
• Official website: https://www.juraparc.ch
• Opening hours: open every day, from 9am until nightfall (last entry in the late afternoon); restaurant with extended hours at the weekend; check on the official website
• Access: Vallorbe CFF station, then the road over the Mont d'Orzeires pass towards the Vallée de Joux; parking on site

Why we recommend it

Few places let you show children bears, wolves and bison then pet goats and alpacas in the same morning, in the open air and without any hassle. With its playground and its restaurant, Juraparc offers a complete, affordable nature outing, accessible all year round in the heart of the Jura vaudois.

In a nutshell

A wildlife park deep in the forest where you watch bears, wolves and bison before cuddling the farm animals, a stone's throw from Vallorbe.