Grandevent lies on the edge of the Jura Mountains at an average elevation of 655 metres. The village offers exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding lake and the Alps. Alongside the views, 92 hectares of forest that visitors can explore are a highlight for a nature-focused getaway. Numerous forest trails are closed to motorised traffic. Together with the protected areas in the region, they give the area a clear focus on hiking, forests and landscapes—complemented by a distinctive municipal history.

Hiking with clearly defined starting points

Four hiking loops start and end at Grandevent village station. Having the same starting and ending point helps you choose a hike that brings you back to the same place. Grandevent can also be explored via numerous forest trails closed to motorised traffic. Check the conditions on the route you plan to take before setting out. Nearby, the entrance to and exit from the Poëta-Raisse Gorge are destinations for a visit and a hike through the gorge.

Protected areas with distinct characteristics

The La Cruchaude nature reserve lies within the municipalities of Grandevent and Bullet and is open year-round; seasonal conditions may affect practical access. In winter, a snowshoe route can be used there, depending on snow conditions. The area combines natural spaces and cultural landscapes. Animal tracks found there include those of red deer, wild boar, brown hares, foxes, chamois and roe deer. Partially collapsed dry-stone walls border the area and are also part of its cultural landscape.

The nearby La Vaux forest nature reserve offers a different perspective on nature: it encompasses damp hillside forests as well as relatively dry forests on limestone cliffs. There are also caves and sinkholes in the Tempêteries. The reserve therefore features different types of forest alongside striking landforms. From La Combaz, La Vaux can be reached via the Chemin pédestre des Crêtes du Jura footpath (No. 5) in the direction of Sainte-Croix. These features differ from those of Cruchaude, where animal tracks and dry-stone walls are part of the landscape.

Municipal history and local nature conservation

In 1730, Grandevent separated from the larger municipality of Fiez and formed an independent community. An older historical reference appears in the municipal coat of arms: its silver-and-blue divided field comes from the coat of arms of the House of Grandson, which ruled the region in the Middle Ages. This points to two distinct periods: the municipality’s separation in the 18th century and the medieval history of rule to which the coat of arms refers.

Nature conservation is also part of the local context. Grandevent participates in a conservation programme for the capercaillie, as well as other biodiversity projects. Together with the forest trails and the two protected areas, this shapes the nature-focused side of the village; its municipal history adds a historical perspective on Grandevent.

Discover more destinations: Les Rasses, Vallorbe, Le Lieu, Donneloye, Montagny-Près-Yverdon, L'auberson, Champvent, Cronay.

For the overview of the wider region: Northern Jura of Vaud.