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View from the summit of the Chasseron © Vincent Bourrut www.vincentbourrut.ch
View of the Chalet des Cernys © ADNV – Lionel Bourgeois
Not much, I’d like to say.
With the arrival of spring, one reopening after another brings a touch of excitement to the gourmet in me.
The first was at the Chalet des Auges, the second at Mont de Baulmes and the third at Les Cernys above Ballaigues, all of which add up to an attractive mosaic of establishments and owners to visit during the summer months.
Chalet du Mont du Baulmes © Justine Paillard
Quite simply, because mountain chalets are all about taking your time. On a sunny day, for example, you can climb to the summit of the Dent de Vaulion from Vallorbe, stopping at the refreshment bar at the foot of the summit for a drink and a bite to eat after contemplating the view over Joux lake.
It’s also a weekday evening when, after a day’s work, you hop on your mountain bike with friends and let yourself be guided by the region’s itineraries to find a place where you can have an aperitif and eat a fondue, for example at the Mont de la Mayaz,where you’ll find the region’s most beautiful sunset.
A visit to a chalet is also an opportunity to spend time with your family in a natural, open-air setting.
It’s that little patch of grass with a swing and a slide where the kids have fun while the parents enjoy unwinding to the gentle melody of grazing cattle bells in the background. As you can see, there are many ways to take your time in a chalet.
Larded tomme-cheese from La Thiolle © ADNV – Lionel Bourgeois
The chalet is also one of the best ways to discover the region.
On the way, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes and enjoy breathtaking views over the plain and the rest of the region. As soon as you’re seated at the table, you’ll be offered an aperitif, where a planchette and a glass of Chasselas will get you into the mood. The cheese and charcuterie from regional artisans are simply mouth-watering.
This will be followed by a convivial meal, where a fondue will delight everyone around the table, or a larded tomme accompanied by a salad will delight your taste buds. I’m thinking here of tommes lardées from La Thiolle or La Mathoulazand as I can’t decide between them, I recommend you try both.
Finally, a dessert is the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note. Homemade cottage pies recall the comfort of grandma’s kitchen, or, as is often the case for me, try an ice cream sundae with a seasonal fruit coulis.
Whatever your preference, wherever you are, on whatever day and at whatever time, the mountain chalets of the Northern Vaud will enable you to discover magnificent corners of the region.
The region’s emblematic peaks, such as Le Chasseron (1608m), Les Aiguilles de Baulmes (1560m), Le Suchet (1588m) and La Dent de Vaulion (1483m), make excellent hiking destinations before a refreshing break in a chalet. Personally, I can’t tell you which one I prefer, so magical are the views from each of them.
Cycling under the Suchet summit © ADNV – Yanick Turin
Aiguilles de Baulmes © Lionel Bourgeois
View from Le Suchet © Lionel Bourgeois
View of the Chasseron © Vincent Bourrut – www.vincentbourrut.ch
Great hall of the Chalet des Cernys © ADNV – Lionel Bourgeois
In the end, leaving a chalet means a sunny afternoon when you continue your hike and decide to take a little walk to digest. It’s admiring a magnificent sunset while strolling a little longer before getting back on the road. But above all, it means promising to come back, so good was the time spent around the table.
Discover the different chalets in the region below and plan your next gourmet outing.
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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