From Métairie to Métairie

The hike begins in Les Prés-d’Orvin above Biel. The path steadily ascends northwest to the first inn, the Métairie d’Evilard. It is open year-round but served only on weekends. On weekdays, drinks and snacks are available self-service. Even if the ascent is not quite done yet, it is worth taking a first break here – the view is breathtaking. Pastures and forests as far as the eye can see At the Cabane du Jura, the Jura ridgeway is reached, which extends over fifteen stages from Dielsdorf at the easternmost Swiss Jura foothills to Nyon on Lake Geneva. Our route follows the ridgeway for half an hour eastwards over the typical Wyt pastures, then branches off to Métairie Jobert. Here you can stop from mid-May to the end of October on Friday to Sunday evenings. It takes just under three quarters of an hour to the next mountain inn, the Métairie de Gléresse. It is open year-round from Friday to Monday and for groups by request on other days as well. Only half an hour later, you stand in front of the Métairie du Bois Raiguel, where cheese is still produced. From here, the path leads briefly back to the Jura ridgeway, which you follow up to the Clédar de Pierrefeu location. Now it goes steadily downhill to the Métairie de Prêles, where you can stop one last time. Amidst all the culinary delights and endless greenery of the region, the following should not be forgotten: from the Métairie de Prêles to the next bus stop it is exactly 30 minutes, and there are only five bus connections each day. Good time management and an occasional glance at the clock or smartphone are therefore advisable. To be sure that the targeted Métairies are actually open on the hiking day, it is worth calling the day before. The contact details can be found on grandchasseraltourisme.ch

Text: Karin Meier