Le Jorat–Trois Lacs–Emme
Overview
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Distance 56 km
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Ascent 840 m
Intro
From lively Lausanne up into the tranquil Jorat hills, continuing into the glacier-grooved valley of the Broye. Past dreamy Moudon, rejuvenated by a refreshing sip of Henniez mineral water at the peaceful Roman Abbey of Payerne.
Description
«Lausanne Capitale Olympique» («Lausanne, Capital of the Olympics») appears in large letters on the railway station building, right underneath the Olympic rings and the station clock. Lausanne has been home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1915, and the Olympic Museum can be found in its Ouchy district. Yet Lausanne is just as well known as a beautiful city on the lake – or, equally, in the mountains. How else could one explain the steep climb right at the start of the stage?
Once the route leaves the city, it plunges into the Jorat Nature Discovery Park. Part of the hilly Molasse Basin, the heavily wooded Jorat forms the largest contiguous forest in the Swiss plateau region. It also acts as a giant reservoir, with its many marshes and wetlands retaining rainwater. In fact, if Lake Geneva ever became heavily polluted, the Jorat could even provide a substitute water supply for the region temporarily.
Now mainly flat, the cycle path wends its way through rural villages and wooded stretches of the Bois du Grand Jorat forest. When you reach Servion, the cows and horses in the meadows give way to lions, tigers and monkeys. This is because you’ve arrived at the home of the Zoo de Servion, the largest zoo in French-speaking Switzerland.
The route then carves a straight line through the Broye valley. Just beyond Seppey, it meets the Broye, the river that gives the valley its name. At almost 70 kilometres, it is one of the longest in French-speaking Switzerland. Next up as you continue to hug the river is the small town of Moudon. Shortly before you get there, however, it’s worth taking a look at the wooden panels of the «Honigpfad» («honey trail»), which have been put up with great care. Positioned right on the banks of the Broye, they explain interesting facts about pollination and how bees help the economy. Moudon itself lies halfway between the Jorat plateau and the Broye valley. As the former capital of the Vaud region in the Duchy of Savoy, Moudon boasts a wealth of historical buildings. Its well-preserved townscape is divided into two parts.
The stage leads gently uphill through fields to Lucens and then on towards Henniez on the right bank of the Broye. As many as 6,000 farmers were still growing tobacco here at the time of the Second World War, but very few of them are left today. Some time previously, back in 1766 to be exact, the first-ever water analysis was carried out at the Henniez springs, and the first factory for bottling mineral water was built in 1905. These days, Henniez mineral water is one of the best-known in Switzerland.
There is now not long to go to the end of the stage. The route follows a flat tarmac road through broad fields, still running parallel to the Broye, as far as Payerne in the Canton of Vaud, a historic town known for its impressive 11th-century abbey church.
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 |
Lausanne
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Payerne
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| Ascent |
840 m
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| Descent |
840 m
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| Distance |
56 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
52 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
4 km
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| More information | https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/veloland/etappe44.0... |
Quick Facts
Route number
