Arboretum du Vallon de l'Aubonne
March saw the beginning of lock down here in Switzerland, where much of the world and mostly all of Europe slipped into the surreal existence of living in the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone was more or less confined at home, unable to see friends or family. Switzerland was lucky enough not to have a total restriction on movement as was experienced by Italy, Spain, France and other European neighbours. Nonetheless, it’s been a slow and gradual phasing back to normal life following the first lifting of restrictions on 27th April, though the new normal clearly will be different. Thankfully, one of the things that seems to have come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is that being outdoors is good for your health, and infection rate seems to be minimal based on anecdotal evidence so far. It seemed like a nice way to be able to meet with friends and our children to get to see each other after having to resort to Zoom play dates for so many weeks.
I had been aware of the Arboretum for some time, but of course just needed an excuse to get here and today was the day! Our friends suggested meeting here for the afternoon and we were not disappointed. (apart from Luka and his friend Twiggy the Whippet, who didn’t get to play together as they were on a lead the whole time)
It takes around 45 -50 minutes from Geneva city centre to get here by car - you get off the motorway at exit 14, at Aubonne/Allaman and follow the brown roadsigns.
A narrow winding road brings eventually to the car park, beyond which is a no car zone. At the end of the car park, you will find a sign highlighting numerous route options. Most of them are pretty short, so very accessible for young families.
As this is a national park, dogs must be kept on a lead the whole time - there were many dogs out with their families and everyone respected this rule.
There are guided walks here starting at 14.00 for CHF16 per adult and activities for families as well as children, including the possibility to host birthday parties here. Please note that most events are scheduled for October this year, as everything had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. It is recommended to check the website and also preferably call them to check if you plan to attend any event organised here.
Drop your money here in the honesty box for your visit!
In the car park you will also see at the beginning of the route into the woods that there is an honesty box to pay for your visit. It asks for CHF10 per adult visiting, free for the kids. We squished our money into the tiny hole in the box and merrily started our walk.
We headed up the path starting from the car park which brings you past a house then the Buvette. The Buvette is opposite the museum and has numerous picnic tables with parasols laid out, and serves drinks and ice cream. There are also toilets here. I didn’t use the facilities myself today, but I don’t believe there are any changing tables here.
Across the road from the Buvette, there is a little path to your left where there is a little pond - there are some big carp that live here and when we first passed by, we also saw lots of tadpoles which the kids were fascinated by! There is also a wooden train which the kids enjoyed playing on once we came back here after our walk.
We continued along the path, which takes you down the hill and along the way, there’s a little tree with a hole for the kids to peep into, where there is a little owl living inside! It’s fake of course, but the kids enjoyed peeking inside.
The path took us over a bridge at which point there are a number of path options to take.
The kids: “Let’s go this way!”
The dogs: “Can we go home now?!”
We decided to take the walk through the “Japanese Forest” which is highlighted in purple. The kids had a great time pointing out each time they saw a purple sign post! All of the routes are very well maintained and well signposted. I’m no botanist, and whilst I am Japanese, I can’t say that I recognised any of the trees along this route as being particularly Japanese! Nonetheless, it was a nice route which also included a section by the river, which the dogs and children enjoyed as a pit stop.
There are huge glacial rocks dotted along the river, and Kai had a great time climbing them with his dad and friend Edie.
Luka enjoying a dip in the river on this humid day! (he was let off the lead solely to drink and dip during this walk)
The Purple route is about 2km long, and the path was narrow at times with mountain bikers coming along the way from time to time so do ensure your children are safe when passing others.
The other thing I would note is we found 4 ticks on Luka during this short walk - he had been on the lead for all of the time except when he dipped in the river, so that would make this a highly tick infested area! Please check your dogs and yourselves/children thoroughly after walking in nature, particularly during the Spring/Summer months.
On our way back, we stopped off at the Buvette where we enjoyed an ice cream and the kids made a second visit to the pond and played on the wooden train before we headed home.
If you enjoy nature, this is a wonderful place to come to easily spend half a day. When you get the chance, I highly recommend a visit here!
Fun factor for child: 4/5 - Have spotting butterflies, finding the owl sleeping in his tree, the big fish in the pond and throwing rocks in the river.
Fun factor for dog: 1/5 - Not Luka’s idea of a fun, but he still gets to walk in the woods and be with the family!
Pram-friendly: Depending on the route you choose, yes. The Purple route is not pram-accessible, it is advised to carry your child in order to be able to enjoy the different routes here.
Water Access for dogs: Yes
Potable water: Yes, at the Buvette. There is also a bucket under the tap next to the Buvette for the dogs to get a drink after a walk.
Baby changing facilities: No
Note: When raining the paths can be very muddy and slippery.
Check yourselves thoroughly for ticks after visiting the countryside.
Please review the Disclaimer before attempting any walk or activity mentioned on this website.
