The hills of the Nord Vaudois

The loop starts in Orbe and takes you on a twenty kilometre warm-up along the region’s small roads. In Baulmes, things start to get serious: the col de l’Aiguillon winds between forest and pastures for 7km at an average of nearly 9%. Statistics worthy of an alpine pass!

The descent is much gentler and takes you to Auberson before crossing the Col des Etroits, a simple formality on this side of the pass.

Take advantage of the opportunity to refuel in Sainte-Croix, a cross-country skiing paradise in winter: the optional trip to Le Chasseron is challenging. The last kilometre has several ramps of over 15% and some gravel sections that can be managed with a road bike fitted with wide tyres. The reward at the top: a panoramic view of Lake Neuchâtel, the plateau of the French-speaking part of Switzerland and, in the distance, the Alps.

The end of the loop is quieter: after a few kilometres on the Balcon du Jura to Mauborget, you plunge towards Grandson and its castle before returning to your starting point via Yverdon and the Orbe plain.