View of the Crêtes du Jura © ADNV – Lionel Bourgeois
A native of the region, Yvan will take you on a tour of his favorite spots in the Balcon du Jura. Authenticity, sport and rejuvenation are the watchwords of this itinerary. A true local, Yvan has lived and breathed his native region, and knows it like the back of his hand. Can’t wait to discover his favorite places? Follow the guide!
The first place Yvan wants us to discover is the summit of the Chasseron, which is easy to understand when the panorama unfolds beneath our feet. Accessible in winter and summer alike, by bike, sealskin or on foot, the Chasseron is a hiking destination in its own right.
The landscape changes with the seasons, giving the area a unique ambience.
P.S.: if you’re looking for an idyllic spot for a marriage proposal, Yvan can only recommend it!
Strolling along the crests of the Jura, we enter the Dénériaz valley. Along the way, if you’re lucky like us, it’s not uncommon to come across chamois. Yvan explains that they come to take refuge in the forest to cool off a bit. The unspoilt nature that surrounds us guides us to this small valley offering a new perspective on the Chasseron.
Below us, we see the Chalet des Roches Eboulées and the famous boulders that give the chalet its name. On closer inspection, we spot a marmot nestling on a boulder. It’s not uncommon to come across one on your way up here.
Arriving at the chalet, which is a communal refuge, Yvan takes the notebook and finds a note from his family, during a meal in April 2020.
📍 To see the Google location of Chalet des Roches Eboulées
Yvan then guides us to the Saut de l’Eau to continue our up-and-down stroll. Small wooden pontoons give the trail a certain cachet, as do the narrower paths we have to take, where chains allow us to walk serenely while holding onto them.
The waterfall’s flow varies according to rainfall and season, but you can always enjoy a picnic or barbecue below the waterfall, as the area is so nice and pleasant.
We won’t be stopping there this time, but it is possible to extend the hike to reach the alpine chalet on the Mont de la Mayaz.
Our adventure continues towards L’Auberson, in particular towards the Haute-Joux forest, with its centuries-old trees. The Gare d’Olten refuge is ideally situated for a break: it’s right next to the mountain bike route, the cross-country ski trail and a snowshoe trail.
Forestry is above all a vocation for Yvan. His father was a lumberjack by trade, and Yvan also pursued this career path. For him, trees and forest walks are a way of staying firmly rooted to the land, both literally and figuratively.
To round off the walk, Yvan takes us to the Chalet de Grange Neuve. He used to come here as a child with his parents, and now it’s with his wife and children that he shares a meal or a plate of cold meat.
Yvan sums up that in the Nord Vaud region, almost every hike leads to an alpine chalet. The perfect way to combine the great outdoors and fine dining.
P.S. Enjoy a cheese crust, the chalet specialty!
📍 For more information on the Chalet de Grange-Neuve
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a fan of new walks or simply curious to see the Balcon du Jura from a new angle, En balade avec Yvan invites you to explore Northern Vaud with an authentic eye.
Agence ADNV / Office du tourisme du Nord vaudois
Avenue de la Gare 2
1400 Yverdon-les-Bains
T +41 24 423 03 13
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