Hike /Schweiz Mobil
ViaFrancigena, Stage 3/10
CossonayLausanne
- Distance
- 26.0 km
- Duration
- 6:20 h
- Ascent
- 300 m
- Descent
- 480 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Fitness
- Hard
- Route type
- One way
- Season
- April - October
01/ Overview
The route
The poet Gilles wrote descriptions of the Venoge river. This stage from Cossonay to Saint-Sulpice is high up in some parts and follows the river in others. The pilgrimage route ultimately reaches Lake Geneva and continues to Lausanne via the Roman town of Vidy.
The starting point is just a few steps from the Cossonay-Ville, centre bus stop. This long but easy hike begins on a broad, yellow-waymarked trail. The highest point, at around 570 m, is reached on the edge of the village; from there, the route descends mostly gently.
Open fields and stretches of woodland characterise the route to Vufflens-la-Ville. Between the settlements, the landscape remains rural until Bussigny is reached. Here, the route briefly follows the Venoge before heading towards Lake Geneva. At around 26 kilometres and just over six hours, the hike requires stamina, but presents no technical difficulties.
In Saint-Sulpice, the route passes the Église Romane. Shortly afterwards, Lake Geneva comes into view, and its shoreline defines the final part of the hike. The route now continues through the western outskirts of Lausanne to Ouchy. The destination lies near the Lausanne, Ouchy-Olympique stop.
02/ Along the route
What's along the way
Where the route climbs and where it descends. Hover the profile to find the spot on the map.
03/ Conditions
Current conditions
What to know before you set off. Closures and snow are re-checked every day.
Cossonay - Penthalaz
From 22 Feb 2024 – Until 27 Nov 2026
Chemin de la Venoge
From 14 Nov 2025 – Until 30 Oct 2026
Die Sicherheit des Weges entlang und oberhalb des Wasserlaufs ist beeinträchtigt. Erhöhte Erosionsgefahr. Nehmen Sie zu Ihrer Sicherheit die ausgeschilderte Umleitung.
How we check: Every night we match the route against the official closures and detours from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). Any reported closure that touches the route shows up here.
How we check: We look up a live public transport connection from your starting point to the stop closest to the trailhead. If it ends further away, the nearest stop may be a cable car or bus that isn't running right now.
How we check: Snow depth estimated daily at the lowest and the highest point of the route. Estimates: check the situation on site.
04/ Getting there
Getting there
From your door to the trailhead and home again, by train and bus or by car. Computed live from the timetable.
Or from
Outbound
Return
05/ Weather
Weather on the way
Forecast for the lowest and the highest point of the route.
Weather
06/ Trail & landscape
Trail & landscape
Which paths you walk on and the landscape they lead through.
07/ Snow
Snow on the route
Snow depths, new snow and forecast. Estimates: check the situation on site before you set off.
Snow Info
Comparative snow depth is only available from November 1 to June 30.
08/ Export
Take the route with you
Load the track onto your GPS device, print a route sheet for the trail or send the route to your hiking group.
Share
Send the link to friends or your hiking group.
Export GPX File
For hiking apps, GPS watches and navigation devices.
Print Route Sheet
A4 with map, elevation profile, waypoints and emergency numbers.
