Things to see and do LE MASSIF JURASSIEN

Septmoncel is an old commune in the Jura department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. With a surface area of 19.4 km² and a population of 839 in 2015, Septmoncel offers an exceptional natural setting with altitudes ranging from 448 meters to 1,281 meters. The commune is renowned for its heritage, including the Chapeau de Gendarme, Désiré Dalloz, the Lapidary and the Blue. Visitors can also enjoy tourist attractions such as the Belvédère de Cernaise, Gorges du Flumen, Lacets de Septmoncel and Grès. For hiking enthusiasts, the Sentiers des Diots and Sentiers des Lapidaires offer interesting routes through the region.

How did people live in Colonia Lulia Equestris? Housed in the foundations of the basilica dating from the 1st century AD, this museum reminds us that Nyon was the capital of an imperial territory. It presents evidence of life in the ancient city: archaeological objects from the Roman period unearthed on the territory of the colony of Nyon (amphorae, jewellery, coins, cult objects), a model of the centre of the ancient city and an exhibition of the results of the latest excavations. An interesting visit for history buffs and neophytes alike.

The Lake Geneva Museum presents the culture and nature of the lake in a fun and interactive way. Take a trip to an authentic fishing hut, aboard a lifeboat or on a steamboat. Relive the adventures of the Piccard family with the submarines and balloons that made them famous. Meet the people of the lake through a collection of model boats. Follow the adventures of a drop of water to discover the flora and fauna of the lake. Dream in front of the giant aquariums and the ballet of the fish of this region.

Situated between Lake Geneva and the Jura mountains, the Nyon region is an attractive tourist destination in more ways than one. There's a wealth of things to discover, not only thanks to its renowned vineyards, but also to its history, which is sometimes closely linked to neighboring Franche-Comté. The region's heritage is evident in its castles, museums and vibrant cultural life. Nyon Région Tourisme will provide you with all the information you need to organize your stay in Switzerland. Of course, a gourmet stopover by the lake to taste the perch fillets is a must.

The zoo's first task is to care for young, injured or weakened wild animals and then release them back into the wild. Its second mission is to reintroduce endangered species such as the bearded vulture and black vultures. Finally, the zoo introduces children to European and Swiss wildlife. Film screenings on animal care and husbandry raise awareness of biodiversity. There's also a large area dedicated to relaxation, with games for children and an attractive lounge offering drinks and snacks.

La Garenne's goal is to care for and present animals while making us aware of nature. Here we discover unique species of Switzerland, because it is so important to know the environment that surrounds us! Thus, we have the chance to observe mammals like the lynx, the badger, the raccoon and - new in 2022 - a male otter, impressive birds of prey like the bearded vulture. You can also enjoy the Ekocook certified restaurant.

This leisure area offers outdoor activities all year round. In summer, it's zip-lining, footgolf or "trottinherbe", while in winter, it's snowshoeing or ski lessons. But it's the après-ski that interests us most! The restaurant is housed in an old stable and serves fondues by the fireplace. The place is pure authenticity, with a rich, woody decor: mountain chalet atmosphere guaranteed.

This structure brings together the tourist offices of the Yverdon-les-Bains Jura-Lac region. In addition to Yverdon, these include Vallorbe, Grandson, Orbe, Yvonand, Romainmôtier and Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses. A charming tourist region, with its spa, lake and magnificent natural surroundings. The regional tourist office organizes guided tours of the region. Take, for example, the historical tour of the town of Yverdon-les-Bains in song.

Many guided tours are organised in the region around the most important tourist sites and some are very original. For example, there is the historical walk through the town of Yverdon-les-Bains in song, the stories of stone and water in a solar boat, the geological excursion in the Vallon de Vaux in Yvonand, the visit of the menhirs of Clendy and many others. A recommended experience to discover everything about the city!

The tourist routes passing through Yverdon:

The Via Francigena (literally the "Way of the French") is a network of roads and paths used by pilgrims to get to Rome. Opened 2,000 years ago, the Via Francigena became one of the main European pilgrimage routes in the Middle Ages. It crosses the canton of Vaud from Auberson to Bex. Crossing the Jura, skirting the Venoge and venturing into the Lavaux region offer superb panoramas and a variety of cultural visits.

The Via Romana follows part of the route which, in ancient times, linked Rome to what was then Germania, via Geneva, Orbe, Avenches and Augst. It allows you to visit numerous ruins as well as the museums where the main remains of the Roman Empire discovered in Switzerland are kept. The canton of Vaud has many sites from the Roman period, and thanks to this route, all the main sites can be visited easily from the gates of Geneva to Avenches.

The Via Salina. At the time, the Salt Route was particularly important for Berne, which had to seek this precious commodity from Franche-Comté until 1830. It follows the salt route (carried by mules) from the famous former royal salt works of Arc-et-Senans to Bern, passing through Yverdon-les-Bains and the surrounding area in a disconcerting setting, with its many discoveries such as fortresses, customs posts, old salt deposits, etc. There are several successive routes, such as Berne - Yverdon-les-Bains or Yverdon-les-Bains - Vuiteboeuf Sainte-Croix.

The mines of La Presta were exploited from 1711 to extract asphalt, initially for the medical sector. It was not until 1812 that the industrial exploitation, with more than 100 km of galleries, allowed the ore to be exported for the construction of roads all over the world. The mines closed in 1986. The deposit was the largest in Europe. The visit shows how the water was evacuated from the depths and the asphalt brought to the surface by horses, replaced in the 20th century by electric locomotives.

The Musée de la Tournérie is a family-run workshop in La-Tour-Du-Meix, Jura. This artisan workshop specializing in horn has been in existence since 1934. The horns used come exclusively from farm animals. Visitors can discover the craftsmen's skills free of charge during visits and demonstrations in the workshop. In addition, a store sells regional products, as well as wooden and horn items, charcuterie and honey.