The village of Le Lieu lies in the Vallée de Joux and is surrounded by extensive woodland. Mountain biking, trails along Lac de Joux and the history of Vacherin Mont-d’Or offer different ways to shape your stay. When planning, consider whether you mainly want to ride a mountain bike, go hiking or discover regional cheese culture.
Mountain biking through the Risoud
Le Grand Risoud Bike is a 31-kilometre mountain bike circuit with 1,171 metres of ascent and the same amount of descent. The difficulty level is moderate. The route links lakes, pastureland and forests, and passes through the Risoud, which lies on the border between Switzerland and France. Its signposted sequence is Le Sentier–Le Lieu–Risoud–Le Sentier; it is marked in one direction only.
The Risoud is also known for its resonance wood: violin makers around the world seek out wood from rare trees in the forest. At the same time, the ForĂŞt du Risoud is associated with a documented history of resistance during the Second World War, involving the Passeurs du Risoud. The cycling route, forest landscape and history each give the Risoud a different focus.
Hiking and winter trails
A trail in the Le Lieu area offers several viewpoints overlooking Lac de Joux. The Tour du Lac de Joux hiking route also leads into the village after its main ascent. For a shorter option, you can choose either side of the lake; you can use public transport for the return journey. Check the current timetable before travelling.
Several marked cross-country ski trails run through forests and pastureland in the Les Charbonnières–Le Lieu Nordic area. They are suitable for both classic and skating techniques and can be combined into circuits. In winter, the Risoud area between Le Lieu and Les Charbonnières is set up and maintained for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Access and trail grooming depend on snow, trail conditions and seasonal operations.
At Lac de Joux and Lac Ter
Lac Ter lies east of Le Lieu and is fed by the Ecluse and SĂ©chey streams. Long stretches of its shore are lined with reeds. In summer, the lake mainly attracts anglers, who catch perch, roach, bullhead and pike there.
At Plage Les Entonnoirs on Lac de Joux, there is a large lawn with some shaded areas, picnic tables and designated barbecue spots. The toilets there are open all year round. The beach is another place to take a break by the lake, alongside the trails and viewpoints in the surrounding area.
Vacherin and regional cuisine
In Les Charbonnières, one of the villages of Le Lieu, the Musée du Vacherin Mont-d’Or tells the story of the cheese from the Vallée de Joux. Objects and documents on its artisanal production are on display. Groups can visit the museum by prior request. Vacherin baked in the oven and other regional products can be bought or sampled on site; confirm that tastings are available when planning your visit.
Vacherin Mont-d’Or AOP is produced from September until the end of winter, matures for 21 days and is wrapped in spruce bark. Since 2003, it has been protected by the protected designation of origin (AOP). Every September, Les Charbonnières hosts the Fête du Vacherin Mont-d’Or. Its programme includes a cattle descent from the alpine pastures, a market featuring regional products, traditional performances and a tasting of the season’s first Vacherin; dates and individual programme items may vary.
An overnight stay in the hay and architecture in the village
Above Le Lieu, the Chalet des Plainoz serves meals made with local products. In good weather, its terrace offers unobstructed views of the Mont Tendre massif and Dent de Vaulion. For a taste of alpine life, you can also spend a night there in the hay. Traditional cuisine and market-inspired dishes are on the menu at the Restaurant HĂ´tel de Ville du Lieu, including meat dishes and seasonal recommendations.
The church of St-Théodule is also a distinctive architectural feature of the village: it has an elongated octagonal floor plan and a natural-stone bell tower at the corner. The tower was built in 1798–1802 and rebuilt in 1859–60. Together, the forest, lakes and regional cheese themes give Le Lieu more than one focus for planning a trip.
Discover more destinations: Montagny-Près-Yverdon, Sainte-Croix, Cronay, Le Chenit, Orbe Vd, Bullet Vd, L'abbaye, Les Rasses
For the broader travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.
