Le Chasseron

Le Chasseron is a 1,607 m summit in the Swiss Jura, in the commune of Bullet in the canton of Vaud. It stands about 3.5 km northeast of Sainte-Croix and about 8 km northwest of Yverdon-les-Bains, and counts among the finest viewpoints of the Vaud Jura thanks to its open, isolated position above the Swiss Plateau.

What can you see from the top?

The ground drops more than 1,100 m to the Swiss Plateau, which lies roughly 5 km away. On a clear day the horizon fills with the Savoy Alps, the Valais Alps and the Bernese Alps, reaching as far as the Säntis in eastern Switzerland. Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Geneva can also be spotted. Early mornings with crisp air, especially after a front has passed, give the sharpest views.

How do you get to Le Chasseron?

You reach the summit on foot. The trail is graded T2, an ordinary mountain path with no climbing and no special gear.

• From Les Rasses or Les Cluds (Bullet): about one hour and around 400 m of ascent. This is the quickest route and a favourite with families.
• From the Col des Étroits car park near Sainte-Croix: about 2.5 hours and roughly 450 m of climbing on a yellow-marked path. Longer loops from this trailhead take around 6 hours and 15 km.

The summit sits on the Jura Crest Trail, so it slots easily into a multi-day ridge hike.

Where can you eat and rest?

In Les Cluds, at Route du Chasseron 12 in Bullet, a café-restaurant sits at the end of the winter walking route from Les Rasses. Tourist sites also mention a hut at the summit, but its operator states that it is closed until further notice. Check current information before you set out, and carry your own food and water.

When should you go?

Summer trails are dry and well trodden, and views are best from late spring to autumn. In winter the Les Rasses area is a snowshoe and winter-walking zone. Wind on the ridge is strong and the weather turns fast, so pack a windproof layer even in July.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Le Chasseron? 1,607 m above sea level (sources give 1,606 to 1,608 m).

Can you drive or take a lift to the top? No. Access is on foot only, from the car parks at Les Rasses, Les Cluds or Col des Étroits.

How long is the climb? About one hour from Les Rasses or Les Cluds, and about 2.5 hours from Col des Étroits.

Is the hike difficult? No. It is a T2 trail, suitable for most reasonably fit walkers, including children.