Tour du Vallon des Vaux
Overview
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Distance 14 km
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Duration 3 h 40 min
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Ascent 360 m
Intro
The Vallon des Vaux path takes walkers through the trees up to Tour St-Martin, the only trace of the existence of an important village in the Middle Ages. The path offers a view of countless landscapes as well as a stunning panorama of the lake and the Jura.
Description
Yvonand, located on Lake Neuchatel, is a popular summer destination thanks to its fine sandy beaches, otherwise rarely found in Switzerland. Fortunately, a strip of forest separates the village from the beach, making it a bit easier to resist the temptation of a refreshing dip. With the lake at the back, the start of this hike is rather unspectacular, leading on asphalt through residential areas. After the massive motorway viaduct, the surroundings begin to show their scenic side: an attractive trail winds along the Ruisseau des Vaux brook, lined with steep sandstone cliffs. Situated in a canyon, the nature reserve boasts a rugged beauty both on top of the cliffs and down in the gorge. With a bit of luck, you might even encounter native chamois. Whereas the Vallon des Vaux was covered mainly by oaks in the past, a tree revered by the Celts, beech trees and conifers are widespread today.
After following a short section along the Flonzel – the second brook that formed this untouched valley – you come to a fork. The described route branches off to the left toward the tower of St-Martin. These ruins were part of the fortification, the only indication of a significant medieval settlement that has completely disappeared in the meantime. Built around the year 1240 and renovated in the 20th century, the tower once served as the residence of the lords. Today, an iron staircase leads to the top of the building, where stunning views over the Jura with its pastures and farmsteads await visitors.
The following section leads slightly uphill to Chêne-Paquier. The local church, built in 1667, is one of the oldest witnesses of Protestant architecture in Switzerland. Its layout is remarkable: a conical roof with turrets rises above the church's elliptical shape. Before you head back, a visit to the lovely village with its farmhouses and the Hôtel de Ville is worthwhile. Continuing across cultivated land with sweeping views over the Jura and the lake, your hike ends at the Yvonand railway station.
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 |
Yvonand
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Yvonand
|
| Ascent |
360 m
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| Descent |
360 m
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| Distance |
14 km
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| Duration |
3 h 40 min
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| Duration back |
3 h 40 min
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view
|
| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
|
Quick Facts
Route number
