Mont Tendre from Col du Marchairuz

Mont Tendre (1,679 m) is the highest summit of the Vaud Jura, and the hike from the Col du Marchairuz in the Jura Vaudois is a long, rewarding walk over high pastures in the canton of Vaud. The trailhead at the Col du Marchairuz, near Gimel, is best reached by car, as public transport is limited to a seasonal postbus that should be checked on postauto.ch. Parking is available at the col, and no permit is needed. The route is about 14 km return with roughly 350 m of elevation gain and takes four to five hours, placing it in the moderate category mainly because of its length. The terrain is gently rolling, following gravel tracks, grassy paths and rocky pasture, with little technical difficulty or exposure. Shade is limited to patches of spruce forest near the start, while the upper sections are open to sun and wind. Along the way, walkers pass traditional Jura pastures with stone-walled enclosures, scattered spruce, and farm buildings, and the summit gives sweeping views over Lake Geneva and the Alps, including Mont Blanc on clear days. The summit is the natural turn-around point, although a shorter outing is possible by turning back earlier on the ridge. Mountain huts and farm buildings in the area operate seasonally and may offer refreshments, but opening times vary, so hikers should carry all water and food. Cattle graze the pastures in summer, and gates should be closed behind walkers. Weather can change quickly on the Jura crest, with fog and wind reducing visibility, and a map is useful because many tracks cross. Snow can remain into early summer, and the area is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.