Fancy an active, rejuvenating weekend with friends or as a couple? Head for Vallorbe, a little jewel in the Vaud Jura, where hiking and mountain biking trails promise effort, gourmet delights and breathtaking panoramas. Between the mythical Dent de Vaulion and the Saut du Day waterfall, here’s our program for two days of sport and discovery.
Easy access :
Where to sleep?
The Dent de Vaulion (1,483 m) is the emblematic summit of the Vaud Jura, offering exceptional panoramic views of 8 lakes and the Alps. There are two ways to conquer it, depending on your preferred mount.
📊 In figures :
Itinerary:
Starting from Vallorbe, the trail climbs through the forests overlooking the village. The start is demanding, but the effort is well worth it: once at the top, the 360° panorama reveals the lakes of Neuchâtel, Morat, Biel, Joux… and even Lake Geneva on a clear day.
🧀 Gourmet reward:
Take a well-deserved break at the Buvette de la Dent de Vaulion (open in season). Home-made fondue, cheese crust and other alpine specialities will restore your strength before the descent through pastures and undergrowth.
💡 Tip:
Want to cut your trip short? Head back down to the village of Le Pont (Vallée de Joux) and take the train to Vallorbe.
📊 In figures :
Itinerary:
This signposted loop from Vallorbe takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Jura-Northern Vaud region. Between fresh forests and flower-filled mountain pastures, every pedal stroke connects you a little more with nature.
🏛️ Cultural stage – Le Belvédère de Romainmôtier (km 10.6):
A small wooden sign in the forest indicates the viewpoint. From this natural balcony, admire the Cluniac village of Romainmôtier and its Romanesque abbey church (11th century). Come down for a coffee break and a tour of this medieval gem.
🧀 Gourmet break – Chalet de La Breguettaz:
After climbing the Vallon du Nozon (400 m ascent!), Chalet de La Breguettaz welcomes you with its alpine specialities. Valaisanne, fondue or a simple plate of local charcuterie: the bucolic setting and authentic flavours will reward your efforts.
Return:
A few more false flats await you before a gentle descent to Vallorbe. It’s well worth the effort!
🚴 Good plan:
No bike? Val’Bikes in Vallorbe rents electric mountain bikes to fully enjoy this loop without getting exhausted.
👉 www.valbikes.ch
⚠️ Please note: The route is signposted in one direction only (from Vallorbe).
You can’t leave Vallorbe without discovering Saut du Day, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Canton of Vaud. Here, the Orbe plunges into a spectacular canyon, surrounded by cliffs and lush forests.
📊 In figures :
Itinerary:
From Vallorbe, the trail skirts the Orbe river and passes over the majestic Viaduc du Day, from where you have a breathtaking view of the Dent de Vaulion and the village below.
Once you’ve arrived at Saut du Day, take a seat on the small pebble beach: the setting is ideal for a picnic or a refreshing dip in the Orbe (not for the brave, the water is cool even in summer!).
💡 Long-distance option:
Want to do more? Extend your walk by covering the whole of the Gorges de l’Orbe as far as the town of Orbe (approx. 12 km more). A bus will then take you back to Vallorbe.
If your calves are crying out for help after two days of effort, take advantage of the afternoon to discover Vallorbe’s tourist attractions:
Late May to September (mountain pasture refreshment stands open, mild weather)