N°03 The 6 bridges

Description

Pictogramme Randonée
Between the Jorat and the Broye, this loop takes you to discover small forest bridges. Six times you cross the wild waters of the Bressonne and then the Corcelles and Méleries. A beautiful walk in the middle of nature, made up of small ascents and descents interspersed with memorable panoramas of the Pre-Alps and the Alps.

This fully signposted hike starts from the car park in Ropraz, a village made famous by the writer Jacques Chessex. Leaving the village, you pass by the cemetery and reach a picnic area about 100 meters away. You will then plunge into the forest and quickly find the first wooden bridge that crosses the stream of Corcelles. You continue from bridge to bridge in the direction of Hermenches. After the 4th bridge, the road will take you to a place called "Landerons", the highest viewpoint with a breathtaking panorama of the Alps and the Pre-Alps.

Along the main street of Hermenches  you discover farms typical for the canton Vaud and a beautiful covered fountain, the "Fontaine de la Chapelle", which was inaugurated in 2018. Return to the wooded valley of the Bressonne to cross the 5th bridge. You reach La Râpe, then Vucherens and its chapel dating from 1737 - classified as a historical monument.

The walk ends in Ropraz, where you might enjoy a well-deserved fondue at the Café de la Poste.

Point of interest

 

1.  Chapelle de Vucherens

A small building of 11.80m by 8.60m, the chapel of Vucherens was built in 1737. At this time, it was used as a place of worship on weekends and for classes during the week in summer until 1777 when a school was built. The chapel is located on the pass connecting Vucherens to La Râpe, on the edge of the main village, but in the cent of the communal territory.

2.  Gorge et marmites de molasse

The Bressone is a calcareous river with its source in the Jorat woods and whose course is still natural and therefore sinuous. Over time, the erosion of its molasse bed has formed gorges and pots resembling cavities in some of the watercourses places. This specialty provides you with an unexpected and splendid spectacle: a great reward for hikers.

3.  Château de Ropraz

The castle, built around 1689 by Abraham Clavel "Lord of Ropraz", has been home to many owners. Amongst them the painter Erich Wassmer who endowed the facades with particular decorations which have been recently renovated.

4.  Ponts

These bridges made of wood or stone, crossing rivers and streams, give the hike a certain bucolic charm.
  • Distance : 12.5 km
  • Length : 4h25
  • Start : Ropraz car park
  • End : Ropraz car park
  • Difficulty :
  • Height difference : +270m
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