Bullet Vd: Chasseron, panoramas and cultural heritage

From Bullet, enjoy a panorama of the Alpine range and the plain, as well as Lakes Neuchâtel and Geneva; the Chasseron above Bullet offers a 360-degree panorama across the Swiss Plateau, neighbouring France and the Val-de-Travers. The viewpoints, protected landscapes and activities each offer a different focus for your stay.

Panoramas and viewpoints

From Bullet, enjoy a panorama of the Alpine range and the plain, as well as Lakes Neuchâtel and Geneva. The Chasseron above Bullet offers a 360-degree view across the Swiss Plateau, neighbouring France and the Val-de-Travers. The view from the summit also takes in regions not explicitly mentioned in the view from Bullet.

The Grand’Vy observation tower provides a landmark of its own: it is nine metres high and offers a panorama spanning more than 250 kilometres across the Alpine range and the plain. From the entrance to the village of Bullet, the tower is 100 metres towards Les Cluds. It is open year-round; its balcony is accessible from spring to autumn. If you plan to visit the balcony, take this seasonal access period into account.

Archaeological history at the Chasseron

The summit of the Chasseron, in the municipality of Bullet, is considered an ancient place of worship and has been known since the 18th century. The sanctuary was frequented from Celtic times until the end of the Roman era. It includes a temple with a central plan: the surrounding walkway measures 16 × 15 metres, and the cella measures 10 × 9 metres. The temple is one of the largest central-plan structures in Helvetia.

The Balade archéologique du Chasseron follows a 2.3-kilometre circular route past information panels in French and German. Audio descriptions in French are available via QR codes. The route starts at the car park below the Chasseron pastures, at an altitude of 1,437 metres, and follows existing footpaths, roads or tracks. As route details may change when the installation is updated, it is worth checking the latest information before setting out.

Forest reserve and protected landscapes

The Denériaz-Tempêteries-Noirvaux forest reserve comprises four protected woodland areas in the municipality of Bullet. It lies between 1,000 and 1,600 metres above sea level and features steep slopes, karst formations and subalpine vegetation. The reserve alternates with dry grasslands of national importance, including Les Illars, Le Chasseron and Crêt des Gouilles.

From the Chasseron, the reserve can be visited via a marked hiking trail. Possible routes pass through Merlaz, Dénériaz Dessous, Dénériaz Dessus or Chalet des Roches Eboulées. Conditions on the access routes may vary by season; take this into account when planning your visit.

Skiing and cross-country skiing

Bullet has a family-friendly ski area. The Sainte-Croix / Les Rasses ski area lies at an altitude of 1,150 to 1,580 metres and includes 20 kilometres of groomed pistes and nine lifts, two of which are for beginners. The facilities may change and depend on operating conditions; check the latest conditions before planning your winter visit.

Nearby, the short, sunny and easy Les Rasses–Les Cluds cross-country ski trail lies at the foot of the Chasseron. It is illuminated and, when conditions are suitable, open until 10 pm. For a wider regional perspective: the Sainte-Croix / Les Rasses area has more than 100 kilometres of marked cross-country ski trails. The Centre Nordique des Rasses has 65 kilometres of trails for two cross-country skiing styles. The short loop and the larger trail network therefore cover different areas and do not describe the same route.

Cycling routes and getting there

The Chasseron Bike route is a mountain-bike loop leading to the summit of the Chasseron and is signposted as SuisseMobile route number 987. Near the summit, it offers views of the Swiss Plateau, Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Geneva and the Alpine range, which stretches for more than 250 kilometres. Another cycling tour, the SuisseMobile Jura Bike 3 route, passes through Bullet and Les Rasses. You can take a break there between stages 7 and 8; the route may be updated.

Travys operates regular bus services along the Balcon du Jura Vaudois, from L’Auberson via Bullet to Mauborget. Routes and timetables may change, so it is advisable to check the latest timetable before travelling. The Yverdon–Sainte-Croix railway line, opened in 1893, provides access from the plain to the Balcon du Jura.

Discover more destinations: Le Lieu, Giez Vd, Grandson, Yverdon-Les-Bains, Villars-Burquin, L’abbaye, Orbe Vd, Vuiteboeuf.

For the broader travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.