Boilles à lait Trail
Family hike discovering mountain farming along a scenic trail
Hike Snapshot
Difficulty: easy
Distance: 3.3 km
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +130 m / –300 m
Highest point: 1,988 m (Chaux Ronde)
Lovely family hike to discover mountain farming.
To get to the start of the trail, take the Lac Noir - Chaux Ronde chairlift. The trailhead is located at the top of the chairlift.
The trail first descends towards the alpine chalets of Conche. This pasture covers approximately 70 hectares and is used from mid-July to mid-September.
Along the way, traditional milk cans (“boilles”) are placed along the trail. Each one asks a question, with the answer revealed at the next stop. A fun and educational way to learn about mountain farming — a practice that plays a vital role in producing high-quality food and preserving the beauty of the Alpine landscape.
Getting There
The adventure begins at the top of the Lac Noir – Chaux Ronde chairlift.
- You can reach it by taking the cogwheel train from Villars to Bretaye, then walking 10 minutes to the Lac Noir – Chaux Ronde chairlift.
- Alternatively, you can hike up from the Col de Bretaye to the summit of Chaux Ronde (30 minutes / +175m elevation gain).
The trail starts at Chaux Ronde, right across from the chairlift arrival. It then descends toward the alpine pasture of Conche, continues to the Chavonnes Lake, and finally climbs back up to the Col de Bretaye. A beautiful loop through stunning alpine scenery.
Practical Info
Season: July - August
Footwear: Baskets or Hiking boots
Strollers: Not suitable
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Food & Drinks: Restaurant at Lac des Chavonnes
Highlights: Alpine pasture of Conche and Lac des Chavonnes
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