Lake Geneva region / Vaud
Your excursion to the Col du Marchairuz
Welcome to the Col du Marchairuz! The Col du Marchairuz is located at the heart of the Jura Vaudois Nature Park, and is a true link between regions and people. The Jura Vaudois Nature Park is one of Switzerland’s regional nature parks, and extends over 531 km2 from the top of La Dôle to the market town of Romainmôtier.
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Take the PostBus route 720, which offers six return trips on Saturdays and Sundays as well as public holidays, allowing you to reach the Col du Marchairuz from Allaman, Gimel or Le Brassus all year round.
Gaia, the wood ant
Explore the red wood ant trail with Gaia. Formica rufa, known as the red wood ant for its colour, plays an essential role in our forests. So much so that in 1966, it became the first insect in Switzerland to be given protected status. There are ten points along the red wood ant trail presenting these likeable insects and their specific features. An educational and fun attraction to discover with family or friends.
Espace découvertes
The Jura Vaudois Park’s first public information center, the “Espace découvertes”, is located in the east wing of the Hôtel-Restaurant du Marchairuz. It is open at the same times as the restaurant, and admission is free. It houses a permanent exhibition detailing the tasks the Confederation has entrusted to Swiss regional nature parks.
It presents the park’s projects linked to the landscape, biodiversity, sustainable tourism, the promotion of local produce and the local economy, and increased awareness of sustainable development.
On foot or by bike
The Jura Vaudois Nature Park has selected itineraries of varying length and difficulty for outdoor and hiking enthusiasts. They are all marked and have public transport connections.
By bicycle, mountain bike or e-bike, you can discover unique and preserved landscapes, which also have public transport connections.
Take advantage of discounted tickets on this route.
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Other activities in the Jura Vaudois Nature Park
Sapin de Siméon trail
On sunny days, you can also enjoy a walk along the Sapin de Siméon trail, which has been renovated. Ten information points detail the richness of the nature surrounding you and tell you all about the history of the park’s forestry and eco-system.
Cross-country skiing
In winter, you can explore the vast snowy expanses of the Jura Vaudois Nature Park. Enjoy the spruce forests and snow-covered valleys for cross-country skiing or sledging. The more adventurous can set off across the cross-country ski park, stretching from the Col du Mollendruz to La Givrine, passing the Col du Marchairuz.
Sledging
Do you like sledging? Go sledging on the northern slope of the Marchairuz Pass down to the Vallée de Joux Nordic Center. Excitement guaranteed!
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Route 10.720 Allaman – Aubonne – Gimel - St-George- Le Marchairuz – Le Brassus takes you to the Col du Marchairuz on weekends and public holidays all year round.
The red wood ant trail
Duration |
< 2 hrs. min. |
Difficulty |
easy |
Distance |
0.9 km |
Altitude |
+ 0 m / - m |
Outbound |
PostBus stop: Le Marchairuz (Saturday and Sunday) |
Return |
PostBus stop: Le Marchairuz (Saturday and Sunday) |