Gorges, caves and waterfalls: our finest nature walks as a family

Walkways suspended above a torrent, a cave that smells of adventure, a waterfall that cools everyone down: nothing leaves a stronger impression on a child than a walk where nature puts on the show.

Good news: French-speaking Switzerland is full of gorges and caves that families can reach without being mountaineers. Here are our favourite walks, from the easiest to the most demanding, with the small print worth knowing.

1. The mysterious Tête-Noire gorges, in Trient

A spectacular trail with walkways above the torrent and giant’s kettles polished by the glaciers. Short (1 to 1.5 hours), striking, and cool even in high summer. From age 4–5 for children who are comfortable on steps.

2. The Durnand gorges, in Bovernier

Wooden walkways, waterfalls and alpine coolness: the ideal introduction to gorges, secure and impressive in just the right measure.

3. The Areuse gorges, near Neuchâtel

A trail that follows the water, between walkways, waterfalls and the famous stone bridge at Saut de Brot, the one in all the photos. Longer than the others, but adjustable to the energy of the day.

4. The Dala gorges, in Loèche-les-Bains

A walkway above the thermal springs: short, free and full of thrills, in the heart of a mountain amphitheatre.

5. La Grotte aux Fées, in Saint-Maurice

A real cave with its lake and underground waterfall, between cliffs and abbey. Cool air is guaranteed all year round: bring a warm layer, even in August.

6. La Caverne des Géants, in Saillon

A natural cave and a spectacular viewpoint in one short, free and playful walk. Perfect for giving 5 to 12 year olds a taste for adventure.

7. The Frassenaye waterfall, in Val-d’Illiez

A pretty walk in the cool up to the waterfall, easy to reach, to introduce children to trails and the magic of water.

Even more gorges and waterfalls to explore

Want to extend the list? Here are more gems to discover as a family:

• La Tine de Conflens, between La Sarraz and Ferreyres (VD): a rocky amphitheatre where two rivers meet in two waterfalls, ten minutes’ walk away.
• The Trient gorges, in Vernayaz (VS): a spectacular canyon followed along wooden walkways, a stone’s throw from the station.
• The Pissevache waterfall, in Vernayaz (VS): a 116-metre drop at the roadside, to admire in five minutes.
• The Vièze gorges, in Monthey (VS): a wild loop with a tunnel and a suspension bridge, on the edge of town.
• The Môtiers waterfall and its cave, in the Val-de-Travers (NE): a small torchlit exploration in the footsteps of Rousseau.
• The Chauderon gorges, in Montreux (VD): the sporty option, a genuine mountain hike along a torrent full of waterfalls (from age 7).

Safety: the golden rules for gorges as a family

• Hold hands on walkways and steps, and have children walk ahead of you on the way down.
• Avoid them after heavy rain: slippery ground and swollen torrents change everything. If a storm is forecast, postpone.
• Closed shoes are essential, even in summer: flip-flops and damp walkways don’t mix.
• A warm layer in the bag: in gorges and caves, the temperature drops by several degrees.
• A baby carrier rather than a stroller: none of these trails is passable with wheels.
• Most of these sites close in winter and reopen in spring: check the opening periods and any charges on the official websites.

Looking for gentler walks? Discover our favourite themed nature trails and all our Nature & Animals activities.

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