Tour des Alpes Vaudoises

Leysin sits atop a sunny terrace above Aigle. This hike sets off from the final stop of the cog railway. If visibility is good, you will be able to make out Mont Blanc and the jagged edge of the Dents du Midi. In some parts, the hiking trail is shared with a mountain biking route, so you might get to admire some daring jumps at Tresseleire. The climb that follows to Les Plans is somewhat more leisurely. On the gravel road, which is a piste in winter, you will reach the Chalet les Fers restaurant after around an hour.

Now comes the highlight of the route: a beautiful path up to the rock face of the Tour de Famelon, along with flower-filled meadows and fantastic views. The terrain gets rougher thereafter. Below the rock face are broken rocks and a karst landscape that is over 100 million years old. The almost snow-white, furrowed limestone was formed long ago by rain and meltwater. In the Cretaceous period, oceans covered large parts of the Earth’s surface. The movement of landmasses caused the Alps to be pushed upwards out of the sea. In many places, the light-coloured limestone is at the top layer and, depending on altitude, may not have been overgrown with vegetation. As a result, erosion carved out impressive formations.

Watch your step on the first section of the way down. With the tricky bit behind you, you can savour the far-reaching views, including to the north, when you are on the gravel road. The valley is home to the Lac de l’Hongrin reservoir, although it is hard to make out. Once you are past the barracks at Pierre du Moêlle, the trail will soon get a little more shaded. Then comes the last steep ascent to the Alpine meadow at Chaudet and Le Larzey, with your destination for this leg in Les Mosses following around 45 minutes later. The village is located in the heart of the mountains of Vaud and, since 1870, has also connected Le Sépey with Château-d’Oex.