Best attractions and places to see around Vugelles-La Mothe, a commune in the Jura-Nord vaudois district of Switzerland, offers a blend of historical remnants and natural landscapes. The area is characterized by its historical significance, including the site of the former Château de La Mothe and sections of an old Roman road. It is particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts, with prominent natural features such as the Chasseron Summit and the Gorges de Covatannaz. The region provides opportunities for various outdoor…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Just a few hundred meters from the edge of the village is the entrance (or, coming from the other direction, the exit) of the Poëta Raisse Gorge. It can be visited and hiked free of charge. There are a few parking spaces, a large log cabin for picnics, and a signpost.
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Easy paths lead up, the view is gigantic, all the famous Alpine peaks can be seen and in front of them Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Geneva
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Wonderful vantage point high above Lake Neuchâtel
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Beautiful view, wild atmosphere and good restaurant, what more could you want?
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The Col des Etroits offers three beautiful 3rd category climbs for cyclists. The longest starts in France, at La Gauffre - 13.8km with an average slope of 2.7% and 7.9% over the steepest 100m (at the very end of the ascent) From Butte, we are dealing with 8.8km at 4.4% on average and 11.3% on the steepest 100m. From Vuiteboeuf, it involves climbing 11.4km at an average gradient of 4.9% and 10.5% over the steepest 100m (at the start of the ascent).
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The region around Vugelles-La Mothe offers several historical insights. You can visit the remains of the Château de La Mothe, where only the defensive mound and some wall fragments are left from the original 14th-century castle. Evidence of Roman passage is also found in a section of an old Roman road known as "la Vy d'Etraz," located at the base of the rocks overlooking the village. Additionally, the nearby Yverdon-les-Bains Old Town is a historical settlement with Roman thermal bath ruins and medieval castles.
The area is rich in natural beauty. The most prominent natural landmark is the Chasseron Summit, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Geneva, and the Alps. You can also explore the impressive Gorges de Covatannaz, formed by the Arnon river, or the distinctive Aiguilles de Baulmes ridges. Another notable feature is the rocky outcrop at Le Soliat, providing magnificent views.
Yes, the region is a paradise for hikers. The Chasseron Summit is a popular destination for various hiking loops, and the Gorges de Covatannaz offer scenic walks. You can find numerous routes for all levels, including mountain hikes. For more detailed routes, explore the Mountain Hikes around Vugelles-La Mothe guide.
The area is well-suited for cycling, mountain biking, road cycling, and gravel biking. The Col des Étroits Pass is particularly known for its three distinct climbs popular with cyclists. You can find a wide range of routes in the Cycling around Vugelles-La Mothe guide.
While Vugelles-La Mothe itself is small, the surrounding region offers options. The Yverdon-les-Bains Old Town features a pedestrian zone and an unspoilt waterfront promenade with parks, which is popular for walking and relaxing. Yverdon also has wonderful sandy beaches with shallow water and large green areas, ideal for families during the warm season.
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Chasseron Summit. From its 1,607-meter height, you can see Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Geneva, and the majestic Bernese, Vaudois, and French Alps. The Aiguilles de Baulmes also provide a stunning 180° panorama, and the rocky outcrop at Le Soliat offers magnificent vistas.
Beyond hiking and cycling, the Vugelles-La Mothe area is excellent for mountain biking and mountaineering. You can explore various MTB trails, including challenging routes around the Chasseron Summit, as detailed in the MTB Trails around Vugelles-La Mothe guide. The region also offers opportunities for running and gravel biking.
Visitors highly appreciate the stunning panoramic views from places like the Chasseron Summit. The historical charm of areas like Yverdon-les-Bains Old Town, with its pedestrian zones and thermal spa tradition, is also a favorite. The natural beauty of the gorges and the extensive network of trails for various outdoor activities are frequently highlighted by the komoot community.
Yes, the Gorges de Covatannaz, formed by the Arnon river, feature impressive cliffs and offer scenic walks. Another notable natural formation is the Grotte aux Fées (Fairy Cave), which can be found along hiking trails connecting Switzerland and France, adding an element of natural wonder to your route. You can also find the Starting point of the Poëta-Raisse gorge, which is freely accessible and features a beautiful picnic area.
The region is generally appealing for outdoor activities from spring through autumn, when hiking and cycling trails are most accessible and the weather is pleasant for enjoying the panoramic views. The warm season is particularly popular for relaxing by Lake Neuchâtel or Lake Geneva. Winter offers opportunities for skiing at nearby resorts like Robella Val-de-Travers and Ste-Croix - Les Rasses.
Yes, the Thermal Center at Yverdon-les-Bains is a popular spot for relaxation and spa treatments. It combines the soothing properties of sulfur water with modern bathing facilities, drawing on a long tradition as a spa resort since Roman times. The center features multiple pools with varying temperatures, whirlpools, and massage jets.
While Vugelles-La Mothe itself is a small community, its coat of arms features a half mill wheel, reminding visitors of an old mill, and an owl, perpetuating a local nickname. The broader Jura-Nord vaudois region is rich in heritage, including ancient sites like menhirs and Roman mosaics, as well as various castles and churches. The Môtiers village center, for instance, has a rich history tied to a priory and was once home to Jean-Jacques Rousseau.


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