Vuiteboeuf: Gorges, Beech Trees and History

Vuiteboeuf is in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland. The destination offers different points of interest to help you choose a place to stay: forests, gorges, trails and traces of local and transport history. You can include nature and culture in your plans, choosing between short trail options, a trail course and longer routes in the surrounding area. You can search for hotels in Vuiteboeuf for your stay.

Forest landscapes and gorges

The Rapilles-Covatannaz forest reserve is characterised by steep slopes, rocky outcrops and large limestone scree slopes. Dry beech forests dominate its specialised forest communities. A short hike at the foot of the Rapilles passes a group of very old beech trees, following the road between Baulmes and Vuiteboeuf. The short route description therefore takes you past a specific natural feature; the forest reserve also encompasses steep slopes, rocky outcrops and limestone scree.

Near Vuiteboeuf are the Gorges de Covatannaz, Le Chasseron and the Aiguilles de Baulmes. The Gorges de Covatannaz feature rock formations and the Cascades du Covatanne waterfalls. When choosing between landscapes, you can compare dry beech forests and limestone scree slopes with rock formations and waterfalls.

Hikes and trail course

The La Boulatannaz hike can also be done uphill from Vuiteboeuf to Sainte-Croix. La Boulatannaz is also a fun trail course with ten stations in the Gorges de Covatannaz. It starts at the Arnon River and covers approximately 2 km. Its approximate length and number of stations are two specific features to consider when planning; the route and individual installations may change. Check the current route before your visit.

Hikers taking the trail up the wooded slopes of the Côte de Vuiteboeuf can see impressive sunken lanes, wheel tracks cut into the rock and retaining walls. These visible features point to the archaeological and landscape heritage. Trail conditions can vary, so take this into account when planning your hike.

A challenging circular hike to the summit of Chasseron is listed in the surrounding area. It is 15.2 km long and involves more than 1,000 metres of elevation gain. Compared with the approximately 2 km trail course, it is a significantly longer route; the stated elevation gain is another factor to consider when planning the circular hike.

Local history and getting here

In the village, 21 scattered medallions tell the story of Vuiteboeuf. Five explanatory panels along the hiking trail, by contrast, highlight the development of transport at an important crossing over the Jura range. The medallions and panels therefore focus on different subjects: local history and transport history. The installations may change. When the Church of Saint-Pierre was demolished in 1907, only its bell tower remained.

A Travys panoramic train takes you from Yverdon to Vuiteboeuf or Sainte-Croix. Check the timetable before travelling. This lets you coordinate your journey with the trails and history that interest you, without assuming a specific travel time. You can plan at different scales: the trail course of approximately two kilometres, the elevation gain of the challenging circular hike to Chasseron, and the distinct themes of the village medallions and transport panels.

Discover more destinations: L'abbaye, L'abbaye, Concise, L'auberson, Donneloye, Giez Vd, Vugelles-La Mothe, Sainte-Croix.

Go to the main travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.