Saint-Cergue and the Jura vaudois with children: a big breath of fresh air

Thirty minutes from Nyon on the little red train, the Jura vaudois unfolds its pastures, its spruce forests and its villages where children can breathe. Saint-Cergue is the ideal gateway: here is our family guide to the balcony above Lake Geneva.

Saint-Cergue, the base village

• The NStCM train: it starts with the journey, already an adventure. The little red train climbs from Nyon to Saint-Cergue in 40 minutes of bends and forests.
• Espace Loisirs Basse-Ruche: outdoor games and relaxation, from age 4.
• La Ballade à Béatrix: a storytelling trail where the tale moves along with the children, from age 4. A lovely way of getting reluctant walkers moving.
• The La Dôle gondola and its toboggan run: up by gondola and down by toboggan, from age 3 depending on the facilities.
• The Barilette refuge: a family walk with a spectacular view over Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, from age 5.
• PPP Rando: dog trekking in summer, sled dogs in winter — walking with a dog changes everything for a child, from age 5.

See all the activities in Saint-Cergue.

In Saint-George, adventure in the trees

• Parc Aventure de Saint-George: treetop adventure from age 4 in a beautiful Jura forest.
• In winter, the Marchairuz toboggan run and the nordic centre take over.

In Bassins and Genolier, nature and alpine pastures

• The alpine pasture trail in Bassins: the family hike in the heart of the Parc Jura vaudois, from age 5.
• The Bois de Chênes reserve in Genolier: a nature reserve rich in things to spot, from age 3 for the short loops.

And the famous neighbour

On the way back down to the plain, the La Garenne wildlife park in Le Vaud presents the wildlife of the Alps and the Jura — wolves, birds of prey, foxes. The perfect stop for putting faces to the tracks spotted in the forest that morning.

Our Jura tips with children

• It is always a few degrees cooler than down in the plain: an extra layer is compulsory, even in summer.
• Storms build quickly in the afternoon in the warm season: set off early and check the forecast.
• The winning combo: up on the NStCM, a walk in the morning, a picnic, an activity in the afternoon and the train back down — no car, no stress.

Explore all our activities in the canton of Vaud, sorted by age and season, and join the Kidora newsletter for our next great outdoors ideas.