Tour des Alpes Vaudoises, Stage 1/8

This hike starts in Aigle, with its picturesque old town, crooked streets and 12th century castle. Nestled in the mountain foothills, the route heads towards Leysin and features a steep climb. Most of the way is shaded and the views become progressively more far-reaching as you go on.

The ascent to Leysin begins directly at Aigle railway station. Initially, the yellow-marked hiking trail leads through the town before climbing via Drapel and Fontanney. The houses gradually fall away, and open meadows alternate with wooded sections. With almost no descents, the route gains nearly 1,000 metres in elevation over a distance of only around seven kilometres.

On the upper section, the trail maintains its clear direction: ever upwards, until open slopes reappear between the trees and the first houses of Leysin come into view. The village is reached after a little over three hours. The route passes the village chapel and climbs a short distance further to Leysin-Feydey. The hike ends at the railway station, which is also its highest point at just under 1,400 m. The route thus links two well-connected places by a direct path – a compact, sustained ascent from the valley into the Vaud Prealps.