TOWER OF THE HEAD OF MINAUDE

(Start at Parken/5min)

Hiking in the nature reserve Pierreuse.

Start in Les Granges and walk along the Gérine, a magnificent river. You will then reach the beautiful nature reserve La Pierreuse.

With a bit of luck, you can observe its inhabitants, such as chamois or marmots.

A loop at 1,700 meters above sea level offers you a splendid panorama of the region.

Discover the secret of the legendary landslide that turned the largest nature reserve in Western Switzerland into a stone!

At that time, the Stoneuse was filled with large green and lush meadows and two rocky peaks. But according to legend, Pierre, the boy from the Chalet de la Verda, wanted to extract the secret of the treasures of Rubli from the fairies to seduce a beautiful Burgundy. In the rolling of stones and the wrath of the betrayed fairies, Peter disappeared and the most beautiful meadow in the valley... Only one of the two peaks remained in place.

During the ascent along the Gérine stream, you will gradually see the impressive Gummfluh, the emblematic mountain of the region! At its feet, there is a small mountain hut called "Les Leysalets". When smoke rises from the chimney, it means that the cheese maker is heating milk in the large copper kettle to turn it into Etivaz DOP cheese!

Once past the cow pasture, continue your hike in the forest of La Pierreuse. After a few meters, you will come across a large rock with a commemorative plaque! In 1945, the nature reserve was created thanks to a donation from Mr. Aurèle Sandoz to the municipality of Château-d'Œx to return its meadows to nature.

After a gourmet break at the Chalet de la Pierreuse, you will finish your ascent! With a bit of luck, you may hear the whistling of marmots or see a colony of chamois or ibex balancing on the rocks!

From the pass, you head back to the pasture of La Plâne. If you look between the firs, you will discover the small magical lake of Gour de la Plâne. This tiny body of water is the source of the Gérine river. Admire it in silence so as not to disturb the tranquility of the Fayes, the fairies of the mountain lakes.

Practical Information

RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Accessible for good hikers.
- Access with dogs is prohibited.

PARKING & TRANSPORT:
- Large free parking in the center of the hamlet of Gérignoz
- 5 free gravel spaces at the entrance of the nature reserve.
- Access by train thanks to the MOB line (stop "Château-d'Œx - les Granges").

REFRESHMENTS:
- Picnic possibility at the Chalet de la Pierreuse (table available)