The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Vanil Noir

Viewpoint of Bourgo and Merlas, a superb ridge and an incredible view of Brenleires and Vanil Noir.

Les Baudes, Grandvillard is a beautiful destination for trail running in the Friborg region of Switzerland. It is an excellent starting point for a run around the Cuâ and to visit Lake Coudré.

Lac de Coudré is a small mountain lake located in the canton of Fribourg, Switzerland. It is an ideal destination for hikers who enjoy scenic views and bird watching. The lake is accessible by a circular path which leaves from the Baudes car park, near Grandvillard. The lake is a peaceful place to relax and admire nature. You may be able to spot rare birds, such as the black grouse or the golden eagle. Lake Coudré is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered.

Les Merlas is a peak in the Swiss Alps, near the village of Grandvillard. This is a picturesque hike along a well-defined ridge, with views of Gruyères Castle and the Vanil Noir massif. The hike is rated T3, meaning it requires a bit of endurance and confidence, but no special equipment. At the top of Les Merlas you will find a wooden cross and a guest book that hikers can sign. The hike can be combined with two neighboring peaks, Le Van and Tsermon, for a longer and more challenging loop.

Le Vanil du Van is a modest but picturesque mountain in the Gruyère region of Switzerland. It offers a breathtaking view of the Friborg Pre-Alps, such as the Vanil ridge, the Dents de Brenleire and Follieran, and the Dent de Broc. You can walk to the summit of Vanil du Van (1907 m) from the village of Estavannens, following the signs for Les Merlas or La Chia. Once you arrive at the summit, you can admire the panorama and the cross which marks the summit. Le Vanil du Van is an ideal destination for a relaxing and rewarding hike in the Swiss countryside.

Pointe de Paray is a magnificent summit in the Friborg Alps, located between Vanil de l'Ecri and Gros Perré. It has three ridges and three faces, offering different routes to adventurous hikers. One of the most scenic routes is the southwest ridge, which features a series of steep rock steps and a large gendarme, Tsô Fauthy Point. This route requires some climbing skills and good equipment, but it will reward you with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding hike, Pointe de Paray is a great option.

If you are looking for a picturesque, family-friendly hike in the Friborg region, you should visit Cabane de Bounavaux. This cozy mountain cabin is located in the Vanil Noir nature reserve, the highest peak in the Friborg Pre-Alps. There you can enjoy a delicious soup and a refreshing drink, while admiring the view of the surrounding peaks. The cabin is open and guarded from the end of May to the beginning of October, and you can access it on foot from Grandvillard or from the Baudes car park.

Vanil Noir is the highest peak in the Friborg Prealps, a mountain range in Switzerland. It is also a nature reserve that is home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. From the summit, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Gruyère and Pays d'Enhaut regions, as well as the neighboring peaks of Vanil du Van and Tête de l'Herbette. The level of alpine difficulty of Vanil Noir varies depending on the route chosen. The most common route, from Grandvillard to the Bounavaletta pass and then to the north ridge, is classified T4+1, which means that it is a demanding mountain hike that requires good physical condition, a sure footed and some experience of alpine terrain. The route has exposed sections that are secured with steel cables and chains, but also unsecured sections that are steep and precarious. The route should not be taken in wet or snowy weather as it can become very slippery and dangerous. Other routes, such as crossing the Tête de l'Herbette or climbing the Grande Raye, are even more difficult and require climbing skills and equipment. Vanil Noir is a challenging but rewarding mountain for adventurous thrill-seeking hikers.