Bullet Vd brings together mountain panoramas, archaeological heritage and trails through a landscape that ranges from forest reserves to winter sports. The village is in the Balcon du Jura, which stretches from L’Auberson via Sainte-Croix and Bullet to Mauborget. When planning your trip, it is worth considering these different aspects separately: Chasseron offers views and history, the forests provide a distinctive natural setting, and the surrounding area offers seasonal activities.
Panoramic views from Chasseron and Grand’Vy
Above Bullet, Chasseron offers 360-degree views across the Swiss Plateau, neighbouring France and the Val-de-Travers. The Grand’Vy observation tower also offers a vantage point of its own: it is located 100 metres from the village entrance in the direction of Les Cluds. The tower’s nine-metre-high balcony offers panoramic views stretching more than 250 kilometres. The observation tower is open year-round, but its balcony is accessible from spring to autumn.
The viewpoints therefore also differ in when they can be visited: the tower is open all year, while access to the balcony is seasonal. If you plan to visit both, you can take this difference into account and check the balcony’s current access arrangements before your visit.
Archaeological traces on Chasseron
The summit of Chasseron, in the municipality of Bullet, is considered an ancient place of worship and has been known since the 18th century. The sanctuary was frequented from Celtic times until the end of the Roman period. It includes a temple with a central layout: the ambulatory measures 16 Ă— 15 metres and the cella 10 Ă— 9 metres. The temple is one of the largest of its kind with a central layout in Helvetia.
The Balade archéologique du Chasseron makes this history accessible on a 2.3-kilometre circular walk. Interpretive signs provide information in French and German; French audio descriptions are available via QR codes. The walk starts at the car park below the Chasseron pastures, at an altitude of 1,437 metres, and follows existing footpaths, roads or trails. Route details may change if the installation is updated.
Forest reserve, dry grasslands and routes
The Denériaz-Tempêteries-Noirvaux forest reserve comprises four protected forest areas within the municipality of Bullet. It lies at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,600 metres and features steep terrain, karst formations and subalpine vegetation. The reserve alternates with dry grasslands of national importance, including Les Illars, Le Chasseron and Crêt des Gouilles. If you are interested in this landscape, you can visit the reserve from Chasseron via a marked hiking trail. Possible routes lead via Merlaz, Dénériaz Dessous, Dénériaz Dessus and Chalet des Roches Eboulées; trail conditions may vary by season.
There are also different cycling options. The SuisseMobile Jura Bike 3 route passes through Bullet and Les Rasses; you can take a break there between stages 7 and 8. Chasseron Bike is a mountain biking circuit that climbs to the summit of Chasseron and is signposted as SuisseMobile route number 987.
Winter sports in the surrounding area
Bullet has a family-friendly ski area. In the Sainte-Croix / Les Rasses area, the facilities are at an altitude of 1,150 to 1,580 metres; there are 20 kilometres of groomed pistes and nine lifts, including two for beginners. The facilities may change and depend on operating conditions. For cross-country skiing, the Les Rasses–Les Cluds trail is a smaller option: it is a sunny, easy loop at the foot of Chasseron and, when conditions are suitable, is lit and open until 10 p.m.
The wider Sainte-Croix / Les Rasses area has more than 100 kilometres of marked cross-country ski trails. The Centre Nordique des Rasses has 65 kilometres of trails for two cross-country skiing styles. Checking current operating conditions helps you assess the seasonal options for your planned visit.
Getting there and regional highlights
The Yverdon–Sainte-Croix railway line, opened in 1893, provides access from the lowlands to the Balcon du Jura. Travys also operates regular bus services on the Balcon du Jura Vaudois, from L’Auberson via Bullet to Mauborget. As routes and timetables may change, it is worth checking the current timetable. When planning your trip, remember that the train and bus are separate services.
Culture and food also extend beyond the municipality. In Sainte-Croix, the MuMAPS – Musée de la Mécanique d’Art et du Patrimoine is dedicated to the region’s mechanical art and cultural heritage and the history of the Balcon du Jura. Small mountain inns in the Nord vaudois serve local specialities made with regional products, including cheese fondue, charcuterie platters and homemade desserts. When choosing where to stay, you can therefore weigh your specific destinations in Bullet against other cultural and culinary interests in the wider area.
Discover more destinations: Onnens, Vuiteboeuf, Donneloye, Yvonand, Le Chenit, Le Lieu, Giez Vd, Cronay
For the broader travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.
