Chêne Oak Nature Reserve

A great forest to explore with family, on the heights of Nyon

There are outings that require almost nothing: no ticket, no reservation, just good shoes and the desire to breathe. The Bois de Chênes is one of those. This natural reserve of about 130 hectares stretches between Genolier and Duillier, on the heights of Nyon, and offers families a large open-air discovery area. You come for half a day and leave with rosy cheeks and pockets full of collected leaves.

What your children will discover

The Bois de Chênes is several natural environments gathered in one place. An ancient oak grove, some trees impress with their trunk and age, dry meadows buzzing with insects in summer, and wetlands with ponds where aquatic life can be observed throughout the seasons.

For children, it’s a life-sized picture book: frogs by the water, birds in the foliage, animal tracks in the soft earth. Each season changes the scenery. In spring, everything turns green and sings; in summer, the meadows are covered with flowers; in autumn, the oaks provide a carpet of leaves and acorns to collect.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The main activity is walking. An educational loop of about 6 kilometers winds through the reserve: expect about 1h40 of walking on an easy route (distance and duration to be confirmed on site). The pace naturally adjusts to that of the children, with observations, breaks, and small discoveries.

The atmosphere is peaceful and friendly. Vast picnic and grilling areas allow you to set down your bags and extend the outing around a meal. Families cross paths without bothering each other as the site is large. To go further, guided tours are offered upon request: a great option to understand the environments and their inhabitants.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 3 years for a quiet walk, up to 17 years for longer explorations.
• Duration: plan for half a day to enjoy the loop and a picnic.
• Price: free.
• Stroller accessibility: uneven forest terrain, not very suitable for strollers; prefer a baby carrier with little ones.
• Transport: train to Genolier station (NStCM line) or bus to Vich, then a few minutes of walking.
• What to bring: closed shoes, water, snacks, and grilling equipment if you plan to picnic.
• Ideal season: pleasant from spring to autumn; autumn is particularly beautiful in the oak grove.

Parents' tips

• Start a little nature treasure hunt: acorns, feathers, leaves of different shapes.
• Spot the educational signs along the loop to turn the walk into a quiz game.
• Bring all your essentials: the site is in the middle of nature, no shops on site.
• With young children, shorten the loop and focus on the ponds, often their favorite part.
• Take your waste with you: it’s a natural reserve, we leave it intact for others.

Useful information

• Address: Bois de Chênes, between Genolier and Duillier (district of Nyon).
• Official website: https://boisdechenes.ch/
• Hours: freely accessible; for guided tours and events, check the official website.
• Access: Genolier station (NStCM) or bus to Vich; access is also possible by car with parking nearby.

Why we recommend it

Because it’s the ideal nature outing: free, easily accessible by train, and spacious enough for every family to find their spot. We love this mix of forest, meadows, and water that changes with each season, and the idea that you can come for an hour or for a whole day. A big breath of fresh air within reach of Nyon.

In two words

A large forest reserve between Genolier and Duillier, with an educational loop, ponds, and picnic areas. Free, accessible by train, perfect for reconnecting children with nature throughout the seasons.