Tine de Conflens: waterfalls and rocky amphitheatre between La Sarraz and Ferreyres

A rocky amphitheatre where two rivers meet

Deep in a wooded valley between La Sarraz and Ferreyres, the Tine de Conflens hides one of the prettiest secrets of the Gros-de-Vaud. This is where two rivers, the Venoge and the Veyron, meet in a limestone amphitheatre, each via its own little waterfall. The water has carved the stone into pools and potholes, moss lines the walls, and the whole forms a surprisingly wild setting less than half an hour from Lausanne. A short descent leads into the heart of the amphitheatre: a change of scenery guaranteed, without a big hike.

What your children will discover

Children love arriving in the amphitheatre: the two waterfalls, the clear water, the pebbles and the rocky nooks to explore. You watch how the rivers meet, look for the potholes hollowed out by the water, and spot a small natural cave near one of the falls. It is a gentle adventure playground where the imagination quickly runs wild, as long as you keep children close by at the water's edge.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

From the small La Tine car park, about ten minutes' walk is enough to reach the site. The end of the descent is along a steep path fitted with steps and a handrail: short but to be taken seriously, especially in wet weather. At the bottom, you set down your things on the small pebble beaches, picnic and listen to the waterfalls. The atmosphere is calm and natural. Good to know: swimming is neither supervised nor recommended (current, slippery rocks, possible floods); enjoy the water with caution and do not venture beyond the marked areas.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 3, holding children firmly on the descent and at the water's edge.
• Duration: about 10 min walk from the car park, plus time on site; allow 1 to 2 h.
• Price: free, open access.
• Booking: none.
• Stroller/wheelchair accessibility: no (steep path, steps, handrail).
• Transport: La Sarraz CFF station (~30-40 min on foot) or bus (“Ferreyres, La Tine” stop, then ~20 min on foot); by car, small “La Tine” car park beside the La Sarraz–Ferreyres road, which fills up very quickly (overflow parking near the La Sarraz sports centre).
• What to bring: good grippy shoes, a picnic, water; caution with younger ones near the water.
• Best season: from spring to autumn, in dry weather; the steps are slippery after rain.

Tips from parents

• Wear good shoes: the final descent is steep and often slippery.
• Hold young children by the hand on the steps and at the riverbanks.
• Avoid after heavy rain: the water rises fast and the rocks become dangerous.
• Arrive early on fine weekends: the small car park fills up very quickly.
• Stay on the platforms and marked areas: beyond them, there is a risk of rockfalls and floods.

Useful information

• Address: La Tine locality, between La Sarraz and Ferreyres (Vaud), beside the La Sarraz–Chevilly road.
• Official website: information on Morges Région Tourisme (morges-tourisme.ch).
• Opening times: natural site with open access.
• Access: La Sarraz CFF station then ~30-40 min on foot, or bus to the “Ferreyres, La Tine” stop; small “La Tine” car park beside the road.

Want other outings? Find all our activities in La Sarraz.

Why we recommend it

Because it is a wild, free escape just steps from Lausanne: in ten minutes' walk, you plunge into an amphitheatre of rock and water that amazes children, far from any infrastructure. A real nature getaway, provided you follow a few safety rules.

In a nutshell

A rocky amphitheatre where two rivers meet via two waterfalls, ten minutes' walk between La Sarraz and Ferreyres: a free, wild nature escape, from age 3 with caution.