Sentier des Toblerones
Overview
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Distance 18 km
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Duration 4 h 25 min
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Ascent 160 m
Intro
The Toblerone Trail owes its name to a line of fortifications built during the 1939-45 mobilization. The population christened the anti-tank blocks «Toblerones» because their shape recalls a Swiss chocolate brand.
Description
Its name might suggest otherwise, but the Toblerone Trail will appeal more to history-lovers than those with a sweet tooth. "Toblerones" was the popular name for the tank traps set up as defensive lines between Bassins and Nyon in the second world war. Their triangular shape recalls the "peaks" of a Toblerone chocolate bar, and that explains the name given to the 3,000 or so concrete triangles – each as tall as a man. The "Toblerones" are arrayed along a stretch of about ten kilometers between the Jura foothills and Lake Geneva. An educational trail focusing on history follows the traps.
Around 1940, when German troops were attacking neutral countries such as Belgium and Norway, fears also reached very high levels in Switzerland. This prompted the start of construction work on the "Promenthouse Defence Line": chunks of concrete were set up one after another along the courses of rivers and streams. Instead of removing them again, some were restored as a reminder of the war's importance for Switzerland. But military history is only one interesting aspect of the hike along these "Toblerones". This is also a paradise for nature-lovers: the massive tank traps tend to prevent intensive cultivation of the land, so they are now wreathed in moss and ivy – a welcoming habitat for many plants and animals. Birds chirrup along the streams and above the canopy of greenery. From the fields, you can admire the views of Lake Geneva and the French Alps.
There are also some fascinating buildings along the way, such as the Villa Rose near Gland (a listed monument). This two-storey building is painted pale pink with green shutters. But Villa Rose is not a cosy home: in fact, it is an ingeniously designed fortress. The windows turn out to be fake, and even the toilet has disguised slits for shooting at the enemy! On reaching the shore of Lake Geneva, the route crosses the golf course of the Domaine Impérial club. There is an air of grandeur about the clubhouse here. No wonder: Napoleon's family once used it as a villa. The beach near Prangins brings this outing to an enchanting conclusion. A visit to the Swiss National Museum in Prangins Castle is also worthwhile – and, of course, a stroll through the pretty historic centre of Nyon, overlooked by the towers of Nyon castle.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Bassins
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Nyon
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| Ascent |
160 m
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| Descent |
520 m
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| Distance |
18 km
|
| Duration |
4 h 25 min
|
| Duration back |
4 h 45 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view
|
| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
|
Quick Facts
Route number
