Tour des Alpes Vaudoises
Overview
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Distance 22 km
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Duration 7 h 20 min
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Ascent 1250 m
Intro
The route climbs gently, touching on the Canton Bern region. Views sweep to Scex Rouge and the Diablerets Glacier. The language border is passed on the Col de Voré, where a small stone wall also marks the spot.
Description
Expansive Alpine meadows surround the area around L’Etivaz. The bounteous Alpine flora give the milk from the 2,800 or so cattle here its particularly fine flavour, which is also used to produce the famous L’Etivaz AOP Alpine cheese. Alpine dairies use the unpasteurised milk to make cheese by hand over open fires.
This hiking route follows the La Torneresse stream, remaining within or near the La Pierreuse nature conservation area. At 34 square kilometres, it is the largest area of its kind in the Lake Geneva region. From Pâquier Mottier onwards, you will switch from the gravel road to a path that winds uphill steeply to Grand Clé. The view back to the precipitous limestone rock faces of the Gummfluh massif is fantastic. A short distance further, after around three hours, you will arrive at the first pass at Fenêtre d’Arnon, where the imposing massif surrounding the pyramid peak of the Oldehorn comes into view.
Then follows the descent covering a good 300 metres of altitude to the Arnesee reservoir, which harbours around 12 million cubic metres of dammed up water and is nestled beautifully between the mountains. Initially hugging the shore, you will then climb 400 metres in altitude. The higher you climb, the more beautiful the view back to Arnesee – the perfect photo opportunity! Then comes the Col de Voré, the second pass of this route, where the Diablerets massif seems within reach.
After crossing the language border, you will begin the descent to Lac Retaud. Although you have already been walking a good five-and-a-half-hours or so, there are still another two hours to go. If so inclined, stop by the restaurant with beautiful views. Since it is also accessible by car, there are often many other diners there.
With your energy refreshed, the route climbs up to the third pass, the Col du Pillon. The final stretch follows the Le Dar stream and passes by the Cascade du Dar waterfall. Across undulating terrain, the varied and shaded path comes to an end in Les Diablerets, your destination for this very long leg.
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 |
L’Etivaz
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Les Diablerets
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| Direction |
One way
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| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
1500 m
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| Ascent |
1250 m
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| Descent |
1250 m
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| Distance |
22 km
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| Duration |
7 h 20 min
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| Duration back |
7 h 15 min
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| Technical requirements |
Medium
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Season |
May - October
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| Theme |
With panoramic view, Along a glacier
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Quick Facts
Route number
