Visit Switzerland : mountain holidays in the Canton of Vaud
Villars and Les Diablerets were our second stop during our trip in Switzerland! In summer, many activities are proposed in these two resorts. We suggest you to discover with us the mountains of the Canton of Vaud. A stay in the heart of the Swiss nature…
The Free Access Card, free activities !
We loved the concept of the Free Access Card. From June 2nd to October 28th, you will have free access to activities: tennis, golf, guided walks, climbing, paddle, scooter and many more! This card is free if you stay in a hotel or apartment in Villars, Gryon or Les Diablerets. Otherwise, if you are just passing through, it costs CHF 12.00 per day (free for children aged 9 and under).
To read our first article on Leysin and Les Mosses in Switzerland, click here !
What to do in Les Diablerets in summer ?
The Retaud Lake
First spot not to be missed: the Retaud lake. This lake is perched at an altitude of 1685 meters, with a breathtaking view on the surrounding summits. We enjoyed taking pictures by walking around the lake in about 20 minutes. For nice pictures, go there around 11 am, the sun will be right over the lake: it will have a more beautiful color ?. At this place, there is an activity available with the Free Access Card: paddle. Every Tuesday, enjoy 30 minutes of paddling on this mountain lake.
Being the slackers that we are, we went to Lac Retaud by car. It is very easy to find a place to park on the parking lot (free).
To get there on foot, there are several hiking trails: one from Les Diablerets and one from the Col du Pillon. From the Pillon pass, it takes about an hour to walk 2 km and 150 meters of positive difference in altitude.
The pretty reflections of the mountain
For lunch, you can try the Restaurant du Lac Retaud without hesitation. It is an excellent address, you can eat very well and the view from the terrace is magnificent!
La Cascade du Dar
5 minutes from Lac Retaud, park at the Col du Pillon parking lot. From there, count 15 minutes of walking to reach the Dar waterfall!
Its height is really impressive, we only regret not being able to swim there.
The Passerelle du Léderrey
We loved the Holzarté footbridge in the Pyrenees (see our article here). So, we absolutely wanted to go on the Léderrey footbridge, surrounded by mountains and a river.
A little further on, continue for about 20 minutes to reach the Creux de Champs. Here you will have a magnificent view of the 28 waterfalls from Glacier 3000. We advise you to park your car at this place to reach quickly and easily the Passerelle du Léderrey and the Creux de Champs.
Where to sleep in Les Diablerets ?
We slept and dined at the Hotel du Pillon. This charming establishment is the oldest in Les Diablerets and has one of the most beautiful views.
Price: double room from CHF 120.00 with breakfast.
Reservation: Hotel du Pillon
What to do in Villars in summer ?
Visit and breakfast at the mountain pasture
When we woke up, we had a unique experience: a breakfast at the Alpage du Col de la Croix, a dairy products specialist!
This mountain pasture produces Etivaz, an AOC cheese from the Swiss Alps, using ancestral techniques. After the demonstration, sit down and taste the fresh products of the farm.
Reservation: Alpage du Col de la Croix from mid-June to end of August. The price is CHF 15 per person for an unlimited tasting of the farm’s products. Book the day before at 6 pm at the latest.
The magnificent landscape of the Col de La Croix mountain pasture
The Lake of Chavonnes
The color of the lake of Chavonnes is magnificent. Moreover, it has the chance to be surrounded by mountains, which gives it a very intimate side. It’s in places like this that we realize that nature offers us such beautiful landscapes! Below, you will find information about the hike to get there and pictures of the nice trail!
We advise you to go there at the end of the morning to enjoy a lunch by the lake. You can book at the restaurant of the Lac des Chavonnes, the food and the service are of high quality and the view on the lake is very soothing.
Access : from the Col de la Croix, a 14 km trail (4h). Beautiful walk in the heart of nature.
Less tiring alternative: from Villars, you can get closer to the lake by taking a mountain train to Bretaye. It is an old rack train, a rather unusual means of transport in our time. Once you arrive at the station, you will only have to walk 30 minutes to reach the lake.
The Baths of Villars
After a good day of activity, you can relax at the Villars Spa. The space is brand new and modern! There are several pools, a wellness area with hammams, saunas and an outdoor pool. The swimming pool is free with the Free Access Card, from May to October.
Where to sleep in Villars ?
We had the chance to end our stay in Switzerland on a very luxurious note at the Chalet Royalp Hotel and Spa *****. It is a refined establishment, with a beautiful decoration in the chalet spirit. You will find a large indoor swimming pool, a magnificent spa and two restaurants, one of which has a Michelin star. This establishment is in adequacy with the family spirit of the Villars resort. We did not have time, but as big kids we would have liked to try the playrooms!
We tested the restaurant Le Rochegrise which serves simple and delicious dishes! Special note for the warm decoration which reminds us of mountain chalets. This is exactly the kind of atmosphere we are looking for in the mountains.
Reservation: official website
Wake up with this view…
Find all the information about Villars and Les Diablerets on the website of the tourist office
This article is the result of a collaboration with the Office du tourisme du Canton de Vaud, which does not change our opinions and experiences shared with you!
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