Tour des Alpes Vaudoises
Overview
Intro
The trail links Villars and Gryon, two tradition-rich Vaud Alpine destinations, and leads to the architectural bijou of Alp Taveyanne. In Solalex, views extend across to the huge rock ledges and climbing paradise of L'Argentine.
Description
Villars-sur-Ollon extends over a beautifully situated sun terrace above the Rhone Valley. The village and its Alpine surroundings are easy to reach from Lake Geneva. Whether as a hiking region or expansive ski resort, it offers opportunities to get out in nature at all times of the year. On foot, you first leave the tourist village and head towards La Barboleuse. This is where you will start to climb. Passing first by holiday homes, the path soon branches off into the forest.
As you go further uphill, you start to leave civilisation and the steep section behind you. Proceeding along a diverse forest trail, you enjoy a pleasant hike to Taveyanne. The heritage protected hamlet with its shingle-roofed Alpine huts lies in the middle of green pastures. As it’s not connected to the electricity grid, most of the homes are only occupied in summer. Around three hours into the hike, you can stop for a break at Refuge de Taveyanne.
Having refuelled, it’s now time to continue along the gravel road up towards Les Chaux. You can enjoy amazing views of the various mountain peaks here. Once you’ve completed the ascent, the descent follows immediately. A charming path leads to Solalex. With the beautiful climbing wall of the Arête de L’Argentine constantly in view, the route almost seems effortless.
Once you reach the bottom, the pub offers an inviting spot to enjoy a Bière Romande or some fondue. But don’t stay too long – there are still around two hours until the end of the leg in Gryon. The wooded section is soon followed by an asphalt road. With its deciduous trees, this final section is particularly beautiful in autumn.
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 |
Villars-sur-Ollon
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Gryon
|
| Direction |
One way
|
| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
1700 m
|
| Ascent |
1000 m
|
| Descent |
1100 m
|
| Distance |
22 km
|
| Duration |
6 h 45 min
|
| Duration back |
7 h
|
| Technical requirements |
Medium
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Season |
May - October
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view
|
| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r... |
Quick Facts
Route number
