Jura Vaudois Natural Park is a protected area in the Swiss Jura Mountains known for its pristine forests, pastoral landscapes, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking and wildlife watching.
Jura Vaudois Natural Park is located in the Vaud canton of Switzerland, encompassing a diverse mountainous region in the Jura range. This natural park covers a range of altitudes, with rolling forested hills, deep valleys, karst landscapes, and pasturelands that support traditional agricultural practices. The park provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species including deer, chamois, foxes, and numerous bird species. It is also home to unique flora adapted to the Jura climate and limestone soil. Historically, the Jura Vaudois area has been shaped by centuries of human activity including farming, forestry, and artisanal cheese production, traditions which remain integral to the cultural identity of the region. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the park for its extensive network of marked hiking and mountain biking trails, scenic viewpoints over the French and Swiss Alps, and quiet natural settings. Notable landmarks include the Mont Tendre, the highest peak in the Vaud Jura at 1,679 meters, and the Doubs River valley with its rugged cliffs and waterfalls. Visitors appreciate the park's well-preserved natural environment combined with cultural heritage sites such as old farmhouses and local museums. The Jura Vaudois Natural Park promotes sustainable tourism, aiming to balance conservation efforts with visitor engagement. It is a popular destination for seasonal nature experiences including spring wildflower walks, autumn foliage hikes, and winter snowshoeing. The park's accessibility from nearby towns makes it a valued recreational resource for both locals and international visitors.
Mont Tendre summit – highest point in Vaud Jura offering panoramic views
Limestone caves and karst formations unique to the Jura region
Traditional alpine pastures with seasonal cattle grazing
Wildlife observation areas for deer, foxes, and diverse bird species
At 1,679 meters, Mont Tendre is the highest elevation in Jura Vaudois Natural Park, providing scenic vistas over surrounding Jura peaks and the distant Alps.
This deep valley carved by the Doubs River features impressive cliffs, waterfalls, and a diverse riparian ecosystem offering opportunities for fishing and canoeing.
Highland meadows used for seasonal cattle grazing that support local cheese-making traditions and contribute to cultural landscape preservation.