Chemin du Vallon de l'Aubonne

This hike is a must-do for botany enthusiasts. In addition to fields, the forests along the Aubonne river and the vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva, the National Arboretum can also be explored on the way. The vast parkland houses more than 3,000 plant species from around the world.

The hike starts at the Bière stop, which is also its highest point at just under 700 m. The waymarked hiking trail leaves the village and continues across open meadows and pastures, gently undulating but descending overall. Stretches of woodland add variety and accompany the trail as far as the Bassin du barrage de l’Aubonne. Around the halfway point, the route runs directly alongside the small reservoir.

The scenery then alternates once again between woodland and open farmland. Just over two-thirds of the way into the hike, the route reaches St-Livres, where the Auberge communale stands directly on the route. The final section continues through the gently rolling countryside to Yens. In the village, the trail passes the Auberge de la Croix d’Or before descending to the destination at Yens Gare. The Yens, route de l’Etraz stop is only a few steps away. Just under three hours should be allowed for the approximately eleven-kilometre hike.