What to do in the Vallée de Joux?
Activities, sightseeing and hiking in summer and winter
The Vallée de Joux is one of the Vaud Jura's most striking destinations. Between Lake Joux, the Jura ridges, the vast Risoud forest, cross-country ski trails and remarkable heritage sites, discover experiences easily reached from Hôtel de la Truite in Le Pont.
Four seasons of discovery
Snowy scenery, hiking, lake activities and local heritage. Discover the Vallée de Joux throughout the seasons.
Winter activities in the Vallée de Joux: snow and alpine adventures
Extensive Nordic ski trails and the magic of the frozen lake.
Cross-country skiing: over 200 km of trails
The Vallée de Joux is home to one of Switzerland's largest Nordic skiing areas.
- ✓ Skating and classic cross-country trails
- ✓ Routes for beginners and experienced skiers
- ✓ Easy access from Le Pont and L'Abbaye
- ✓ Snow-covered forests and frozen lakes
Downhill skiing, snowshoeing and winter trails
The region offers a wide variety of accessible winter activities.
- ✓ Family-friendly ski resorts for beginners
- ✓ Marked snowshoe routes in the Risoud forest
- ✓ Safe walking trails through nature
- ✓ Wide-open views across the ridges
Natural ice skating on Lake Joux
When conditions allow the lake to freeze, it becomes a vast natural ice rink, a remarkable sight in Europe.
- ✓ Expansive space for outdoor skating
- ✓ Ice conditions subject to official monitoring
- ✓ Spectacular mountain views
- ✓ Ice sailing and a Nordic atmosphere
Summer activities in the Vallée de Joux: lake and outdoors
Swimming, ridge hikes, mountain biking and summer cruises.
Hiking: Dent de Vaulion and the Risoud forest
Some of the finest hiking trails in the Swiss Jura begin just a short walk from the hotel.
- ✓ Dent de Vaulion: panoramic 360° views
- ✓ Risoud forest: extensive shaded paths
- ✓ Views towards the Jura ridges and Alps
- ✓ Family-friendly walks around the lake
Lake Joux: swimming, paddleboarding and Caprice II
A beautiful natural setting for watersports in the Vaud Jura.
- ✓ Natural beaches and refreshing swims
- ✓ Paddleboards, pedal boats and sailing
- ✓ Scenic cruises aboard Caprice II
- ✓ Boat departures from the village landing stage
Cycling, mountain biking, gravel and trail running
An exceptional playground for cyclists and outdoor runners.
- ✓ Lake circuit: a pleasant, accessible loop
- ✓ Technical forest singletrack trails
- ✓ Unspoilt Jura gravel routes
- ✓ Routes starting directly in Le Pont
Heritage and cultural attractions in the Vallée de Joux
Exceptional watchmaking, medieval fortresses and ancient caves.
Espace Horloger watchmaking museum
A world-renowned centre for fine watchmaking (Audemars Piguet, Breguet and Jaeger-LeCoultre).
- ✓ Intricate mechanical watch movements
- ✓ Interactive exhibition in Le Sentier
- ✓ Centuries of watchmaking craftsmanship
Château de Joux and its fortifications
A historic fortress perched high above the Jura mountain pass and surrounding valleys.
- ✓ Medieval military and Vauban architecture
- ✓ Spectacular views over the ridges
- ✓ Guided tours and exhibitions
Romainmôtier Abbey
Around 30 minutes from the Vallée de Joux, this gem of Cluniac Romanesque architecture sits within a picturesque medieval village.
- ✓ Switzerland's oldest surviving Cluniac building
- ✓ Walks along cobbled streets and the Nozon
- ✓ An unforgettable cultural and spiritual stop
Family activities: nature, wildlife and discoveries
Memorable outdoor moments for the whole family.
JuraParc: wolves, bears and bison
A renowned wildlife park with European wolves, brown bears and bison in spacious enclosures.
- ✓ Raised walkways for safe wildlife viewing
- ✓ Children's playground and restaurant
- ✓ A favourite outing for families in the Jura
Vallorbe Caves
Spectacular underground rock formations carved by the River Orbe over millions of years.
- ✓ Monumental stalactites and stalagmites
- ✓ Underground river and atmospheric lighting
- ✓ Fairy Treasure Room with minerals from around the world
Little tourist train, pedal boats and short walks
Easy activities for younger children and a relaxing day outdoors.
- ✓ Seasonal little tourist train
- ✓ Flat lakeside paths suitable for pushchairs
- ✓ Educational trails alongside the water
The valley through the seasons
Snow, fresh air and Lake Joux: our activities in photographs.
Discover the area around the hotel
Places, heritage and memories of the Vallée de Joux.
Activities within walking distance of Hôtel de la Truite
Set in the heart of Le Pont, our hotel lets you head out and explore without needing a car.
Hiking trailheads
Lakeside paths, walks up Dent de Vaulion and direct access to the shaded Risoud forest.
Activities in every season
Nordic ski trails and skating in winter, swimming and cycle paths in summer, all close by.
Caprice II landing stage
Sightseeing cruises on Lake Joux depart just a short walk from our terrace.
Need help planning your excursion? Our team will be happy to advise you.