Hikes in Orbe

The hike along the L'Orbe river, sometimes dammed, sometimes gently babbling, and sometimes rushing down as spraying white water between steep rocks, is varied and suitable for everyone.

Along the Orbe discovering the Montcherand caves.

Across the Gros de Vaud to discover two castles and Roman mosaics.

Through the Orbe Gorge

From the foot of the Jura to the plain of the Orbe.

Walk at the foot of the Jura.

The Gorges de l'Orbe are among the scenic highlights of northern Vadouis. Long before the first settlers arrived here, the Romans had built a thoroughfare on the northern slope terrace and left behind, among other things, the Orbe mosaics. This name, like that of Les Clées—which lies along our route—dates back to the Romans, who chose the lowest pass in the Jura Mountains, the Col de Jougne north of Vallorbe, as the crossing point for their military road into Burgundy. Later, in the Middle Ages, monks built a monastery in Romainmôtier, just a few kilometers from the gorge. It’s hard to imagine what a deep and, in places, artistically shaped gorge the small river has carved into the Jura rock. The Orbe rises barely 5 km west of Vallorbe from an underground spring, and when you look at its gentle course through Orbe, the dizzying cliffs just a few kilometers upstream seem almost inexplicable. Our hike begins in the center of Orbe and covers 18 km to Vallorbe. I deliberately choose to walk upstream because the slower pace allows for a better view of the gorge and the river’s course. The route is divided into two sections: The first section to Les Clées naturally leads through a much deeper gorge with sheer rock faces and steep slopes. Here, the trail is classified as moderately difficult (red) and requires sure-footedness. After the village of Les Clées, which we reach about halfway through the hike, the trail can be classified as easy (blue). Parts of the gorge have been under nature conservation since 1970, which is why a diverse array of flora and fauna has been able to thrive here. This includes chamois, which are native to the rock faces. The deep-green water, the moss-covered stones, and the ever-changing scenery make this tour an exciting and discovery-filled adventure.Orbe, from the Latin “urba,” has always been situated on an important north-south trade route and was built on a rock surrounded by the Orbe River. The old town, with its historic alleyways, is located above the river valley. The castle and a large part of the town were almost completely destroyed during the Burgundian Wars in 1475. Today, the town presents itself beautifully, with medieval house facades, cafés surrounding the main square with its fountain, and a lively commercial district in the lower part around the river.

First, go through the beautiful gorge with the waterfall. Then overland to Orbe.

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