Sentier des trois tours de Leysin

If arriving by cable car to the Berneuse peak, you will be greeted by an impressive view. Weather permitting, Mont Blanc may be visible, as well as the floodplain of the Rhone, Lake Geneva with the Vaud Riviera, the Jura mountain range, the Glacier 3000 area and, of course, the twin peaks of the Tour d’Aï and Mayen, after which this route is named. The area from which you set off is also home to the Kuklos revolving restaurant which turns on its own axis over the course of 1.5 hours.

The hike starts with a steep descent towards Lac d’Aï and beautiful views of the first of the three “towers” of Leysin, the Tour d’Aï. The lake is the perfect setting for a picnic. Large rocks that once came crashing down to where they are now can be used as benches and tables.

Continuing on towards Lac de Mayen, you will arrive at the old Alpine settlement of Aï. Where cheese was once made in the cabins, there is now a cosy buvette, or tavern here. The lake is nestled among the towers and is ringed by glorious mountain scenery, while the surrounding slopes form natural tiers. If you keep nice and quiet, you might be able to spot marmots or a chamois or two.

Continuing on from the Mayen mountain cabin, there follows a brief but bracing ascent and a beautiful section crossing the area known as the Lapiaz. The name refers to the limestone rocks which have been eroded by meltwater, resulting in extraordinary formations. In summer, the clefts are green due to sediment left behind by meltwater and rain, striking a marvellous contrast.

Descend via Restaurant Les Fers, where you can take a well-earned break. Continuing on via Brion, there follows a stretch along a mountain road between Les Plans and Tresseleire. The final path leads through a meadow and along the edge of a forest. There are beautiful viewpoints of Le Chamossaire and the Diablerets massif along the way. After a short walk along the road, the tour ends at the railway station in Feydey.