Toblerone Trail in Prangins

A walk along the traces of the 1940 fortifications

The Toblerone Trail runs alongside an old anti-tank defense line built in 1940, over 17 km from Bassins to Nyon, down to the lake. Its nickname comes from the shape of the concrete blocks arranged in a zigzag, which resemble giant Toblerone bars. Today, it is an educational and nature trail, perfect for a family outing that combines fresh air, history, and observation. And it's free.

What your children will discover

Children love the mysterious aspect of the places: these large concrete blocks that emerge in nature, these military forts disguised as fake houses. The Villa Rose, in particular, is a real fort disguised as a pretty pink villa – sure to pique curiosity. Educational panels line the route and simply explain why all this was built.

Among the blocks, one can also observe nature: the watercourse, the trees, the birds. It's a hands-on history lesson, without screens or music, just by walking.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

You walk, climb on a block (with caution), look for the next camouflaged fort, read a panel, spot the Villa Rose. The atmosphere is peaceful and bucolic, far from noise. The trail gently descends towards the lake, on the side of Promenthoux, and you can extend the walk to the beach and towards the Château de Prangins.

For families, the recommended section goes from Gland to Nyon: it takes 2 hours and is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The complete trail is 17 km from Bassins, about 5 hours of walking; it's up to you to adapt the distance to the age and energy of your children.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 4 years old for the family section, up to teenagers for the complete route.
• Duration: 2 hours from Gland to Nyon, 5 hours for the full 17 km route from Bassins.
• Price: free, open access all day.
• Stroller accessibility: the Gland-Nyon section is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs; the rest of the trail is more rugged.
• Transport: accessible from Gland or Nyon (CFF stations), then on foot; possibility to reach the lake at Promenthoux.
• What to bring: good shoes, water, snacks, and sun protection for the open sections.
• Ideal season: from spring to autumn, in dry weather.

Parents' tips

• Turn the walk into a treasure hunt: “who spots the next camouflaged fort?”
• With a stroller, stick to the Gland-Nyon section, the easiest to navigate.
• Read the panels aloud to the younger ones: the story of the “Toblerones” quickly captures their attention.
• Extend to the lake at Promenthoux to end with a break by the water.
• Bring snacks: there are no shops along the entire route.

Useful information

• Address: from Bassins to Nyon, passing through Gland and the lake at Promenthoux (Prangins).
• Hours: outdoor trail, open access all year round.
• Access: from the CFF stations of Gland or Nyon, then on foot; possible arrival at the edge of the lake at Promenthoux, near the beach and the Château de Prangins.

Why we recommend it

Because it's a walk with a soul: you walk through history, marvel at the disguised forts, and end with your feet by the shores of Lake Geneva. Free, outdoors, and adaptable to all ages thanks to the family section, it’s one of our favorite nature outings on La Côte.

In two words

An educational trail along the 1940 anti-tank fortifications, with its “Toblerone” blocks and forts camouflaged as villas. Free, natural, and historical, up to the edge of the lake at Prangins.