Top 8 Waterfalls around Les Clées

The most popular spots include the magnificent Dard Waterfall, known for its canyon-like feel, and the picturesque Saut du Day Waterfall, located within the scenic Gorges de l'Orbe. Visitors also highly appreciate the Gorges de Covatannaz, which offer a beautifully laid out hiking trail with views into the Arnon River.

Yes, several areas are suitable for families. The Saut du Day Waterfall is considered family-friendly, offering easy access and a sandbar with a barbecue area. The hiking trail through the Gorges de Covatannaz is also well-maintained with metal railings on exposed sections, making it safe for families. Additionally, the Tine de Conflens Waterfall is easily accessible and offers a mystical setting that families enjoy.

The waterfalls are beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring, especially after rain, ensures powerful cascades. The Dard Waterfall is best seen between seasons when snow is gently melting. In winter, if temperatures are extremely cold, the Tine de Conflens Waterfall can partly freeze, creating a wonderful icy spectacle. Summer allows for swimming in the cold waters of Saut du Day.

Yes, at the Saut du Day Waterfall, you can often swim in the cold water beneath the falls, which collects in a large pool with a pebbly beach. It's a refreshing experience on warmer days.

The Gorges de l'Orbe, particularly the section between Le Day and Les Clées, offer a wild and captivating natural experience. You'll find numerous smaller cascades, tumultuous rushing water, and diverse flora and fauna. The trails wind through natural pine forests, with oregano, wild thyme, junipers, and various orchids. The river itself supports trout, kingfishers, grey herons, and even chamois and beavers in its lower sections.

Yes, the path to Saut du Day Waterfall is a short, easy hike, taking less than an hour for a return trip from Le Day railway station. The trail through the Gorges de Covatannaz is also considered an easy hike suitable for families, thanks to its well-laid-out path and safety railings.

Beyond waterfall viewing, the region around Les Clées offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, including moderate loops like the Hope Cave – Singletrack Above the Orbe loop. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes, and mountain biking trails such as the Saut du Day Waterfall – Dard Waterfall loop. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Les Clées, Gravel biking around Les Clées, and MTB Trails around Les Clées guides.

The Saut du Day Waterfall is easily accessible from Le Day railway station via a short, easy hiking trail. The Tine de Conflens Waterfall is also easy to reach from La Sarraz train station.

Yes, the Saut du Day Waterfall features a short, dark tunnel underneath the falls, offering an interesting perspective (a light source is advisable). It also has a sandbar with a barbecue area. The Dard Waterfall provides a unique 'Colorado Canyon feeling' with its magnificent cascades. At Tine de Conflens Waterfall, if the water is low, you can reach a small sand beach by the falls.

Visitors often describe the area as a 'magical place, full of energy and calm,' ideal for relaxation and recharging. The exotic appearance of Saut du Day Waterfall has earned it the title of a 'hidden treasure in Switzerland.' The immersive experience of hiking through the unspoiled natural environment of the Gorges de l'Orbe, with the sounds of cascading water, is also highly valued.

Absolutely. The Gorges de Covatannaz trail offers breathtaking views down into the Arnon River. The Wooden Bridge Over the Orbe Gorge is another excellent viewpoint where you can observe a beautiful waterfall, especially during spring or winter when it might be icy.