Discover Vallorbe

Vallorbe lies on the Orbe in a valley between the Dent de Vaulion range and the Mont d’Or range; to the south, the valley ends at Mont d’Orzeires. The area’s distinctive features range from an underground river landscape to the history of ironworking and railways. If you are looking for a hotel in Vallorbe, you can plan your stay around these interests: nature and trails, industrial history or other activities in the area.

Caves, gorge and themed trails

The Grottes de Vallorbe were formed by an underground river. Their geological features include cascades and lakes, as well as stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and columns. The Sentier des Grottes is a 350-metre footpath from the arrival car park to the cave entrance; the walk is estimated to take around five to ten minutes. Admission to the Musée des Minéraux «Trésor des Fées» is included in the cave admission price. Check this ticket arrangement before your visit.

Another cave is the prehistoric Grotte aux fées, about a 20-minute walk from the Grottes de Vallorbe. Access is steep, and the cave is unlit—important differences to bear in mind when planning your visit. In the Orbe Gorge, a longer route complements the shorter themed trails: the 17-kilometre hike starts in Vallorbe, passes through the gorge to Orbe and takes about four and a half hours. The gorge has been a nature reserve since 1970. Check route conditions and seasonal access before setting out. With a little luck, you may spot kingfishers, grey herons, chamois and beavers near the river; sightings are not guaranteed.

The Sentier des planètes illustrates the distances in the solar system: one human step of about 60 centimetres represents 2,755,000 kilometres there. A footpath near the start of the Piste vita leads to this themed trail. The Sentier didactique du Grand Morcel starts behind the Frézillon site, near the Patinoire des 3 Vallons. Its path follows the Orbe uphill to several information points about the area’s fauna and flora. Follow the local signs to find your way around.

Ironworking and railway history

The Musée du fer et du chemin de fer is dedicated to the history of ironworking in Vallorbe and traditional local crafts. Audiovisual presentations and collections bring these subjects to life. The museum has six waterwheels that power machinery, as well as a working forge. The historical background goes back to the 16th century: at that time, Vallorbe was an industrial centre with three ironworks, where dozens of blacksmiths worked. Traditional blacksmithing has been listed in the cantonal inventory of intangible cultural heritage of the Canton of Vaud since 2023.

Railway history is also part of the museum. Visitors can operate historic trains on a 0-gauge model railway with 277 metres of track. A multimedia presentation tells the story of the Simplon railway in French, German and English. Visitor arrangements and presentation formats may change; check in advance to find out what is currently available.

Fort 39-45 Vallorbe is a military museum about soldiers’ lives during the mobilisation from 1939 to 1945. Weapons, equipment from the period and 80 mannequins recreate everyday life at the time. An audio guide is available at the kiosk in French, German, English, Spanish and Italian; as a visitor service, its availability may change. Another trail leads through the forests of Vallorbe to Fort de Pré-Giroud, a military fort and an authentic site of Swiss defence during the Second World War.

Wildlife and outdoor activities

At Juraparc, you can observe bison, brown bears and wolves in large areas designed to reflect their natural way of life. The park also has deer, a mini-farm and a children’s playground. At the mini-farm, visitors can observe and touch various farm animals. Guided educational tours cover the animals, their environment and their way of life; reservations may be required. Groups can enjoy a special aperitif at the Grottes de Vallorbe, including a tasting of products aged there, such as wine and Valgrotte cheese. Check the booking details in advance.

On the banks of the Orbe is a heated outdoor swimming pool at 25°C, with a large slide, paddling pool and snack bar. The covered Patinoire des 3 Vallons is open to the public from mid-September to the end of March; check the dates of public skating sessions before travelling. Fishing is possible along the Orbe and in the northern part of the fishable Étang du Grand Morcel. Check the applicable permits and local regulations in advance.

Getting there and finding your way around

Vallorbe is a border point for railway lines and road connections. Train services run to Paris Gare de Lyon, to Milan via Lausanne, and to Le Brassus; a bus network connects the municipality with Orbe, Yverdon-les-Bains and Pontarlier. Check the current timetable when planning your journey. Discover more destinations: Ballaigues, Montagny-Près-Yverdon, L’abbaye, Orbe Vd, Concise, Yvonand, Grandson, Onnens.

For the regional travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.