Vaulion between the Nozon, hiking trails and Dent de Vaulion

Vaulion combines routes through the Nozon landscape with a village history shaped by fountains, rural buildings and former quarries. It also offers views from Dent de Vaulion and a range of hiking options. You can plan your trip around what interests you most: a longer hike, a walking trail in the municipality, winter activities or a closer look at the village’s architectural history.

Landscape between the Nozon and Dent de Vaulion

Vaulion has been part of Parc Jura Vaudois since 2010. The landscape includes a partly marshy plateau covered with meadows, crossed by the Nozon, as well as an evenly wooded slope opposite. You can experience this landscape on walking trails and hikes. From the summit of Dent de Vaulion, the panorama stretches across up to eight lakes, the Alps and Mont Blanc.

The municipality’s seven walking trails start at Place de la Cantine and lead back to Vaulion. They pass through the municipality’s natural areas, vary in difficulty and are marked in different colors. Walking times range from 45 minutes to more than four hours. This lets you compare the planned walking time with the time you have available; the actual duration depends on trail conditions and your pace. Check the latest trail information and markings before setting out, as route arrangements may change.

Water trails and quarry history

The Sentier de l'eau et du Vallon du Nozon starts in Nidau, a locality in Vaulion, and links Vaulion with Croy via Romainmôtier, following the Nozon. Twelve stops explain the importance of water; the trail also includes interactive activities. Route information published in 2026 describes it as accessible by public transport. Check timetables and the latest access information before travelling. The interactive activities may also be updated.

Another way to explore the village’s history is via the Sentier des Carriers. It runs through the Ramelet forest to former quarries where troughs were extracted. Ten information boards tell the story of the hard work of Vaulion’s quarry workers. The route, documented in 2024, is 6.5 kilometers long, with a stated walking time of two and a half to three hours. The trail is one of the municipality’s seven marked walking trails. Check local route information before setting out, as trail conditions and the availability of the information boards may change.

Further hikes are also possible from Vaulion or Vallorbe, including a stage of the national SwitzerlandMobility Route 5, “Chemin des Crêtes du Jura.” Winter activities at Dent de Vaulion include a ski lift, snowshoeing and ski touring. A dead-end road leads to Dent de Vaulion, passing the Auberge du Morez, which is open year-round, and ending at the Buvette de la Dent de Vaulion. Walks and nature experiences with llamas are also offered; confirm availability before booking.

Village street, fountains and architectural history

The village street lies at the bottom of the valley crossed by the Nozon. Residential buildings, farms and factories often stand side by side there, with fountains regularly breaking up the row of buildings. The architectural history combines rural buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries with industrial buildings constructed mainly around the turn of the 20th century. The Reformed church dates from 1753 to 1755. The “Pierres fines” factory and its associated residential building were built around 1910 and expanded in 1954/55.

Vaulion is associated with the history of Vaud’s fountains and a tradition of quarrying. There are eight fountains in the village, one in Plâne, three towards Vineuves and Busine, and one in Nidau. Since 1997, a fountain commemorating the 900th anniversary and a bronze bust of C.-F. Ramuz have stood in the squares in front of the Hôtel-de-Ville and the church. The bust is a copy of a work by Casimir Reymond.

An arts and crafts market has been held at Place de la Cantine for more than 15 years. More than 30 exhibitors from Vaulion and the surrounding area sell products including cheese, meat and wine. Alongside hiking trails, local produce and crafts therefore offer other themes to consider when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Le Chenit, Donneloye, L'abbaye, Romainmôtier-Envy, L'auberson, Grandson, Baulmes, Bonvillars.

Go to the regional travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.