Highlights
- Col de Jougne border crossing
- Swiss Jura descent
- Orbe Roman mosaics
- Canton of Vaud countryside
Stage conditions
| Section | Switzerland |
|---|---|
| Water on route | Abundant |
| Shade | Full |
| Mountain pass | Yes — check seasonal opening before you set out |
Practical notes
Getting there and away
Jougne has no railway; you arrive on foot from Pontarlier on the previous stage, and any bus link from the French side is something to check locally. Orbe, at the end, is the terminus of the metre-gauge Orbe–Chavornay line run by Travys, with hourly or half-hourly Regio trains to Chavornay, where you change onto the SBB Lausanne–Yverdon line for Lausanne, Yverdon-les-Bains and the rest of the Swiss network. Travys regional buses and the Urbabus town network also serve Orbe. Geneva Airport is the usual air hub for this part of the route, reached by direct train from Lausanne.
What the season does
The stage data lists June to September only, and the page flags this as a mountain-pass stage: you cross the Col de Jougne at 1,005 m before dropping 788 m to Orbe at 493 m. The previous Jura stages carry warnings of cold even in summer and snow outside June to September, and the same applies to the col. Once you are below the forest the Swiss Plateau is mild; shade is marked full and water abundant, so summer heat is rarely the problem here. In autumn expect early fog in the Orbe valley and shorter daylight for a six-hour day.
Safety on this stage
The real hazard is the descent: 788 m of it, which the stage warns is hard on the knees, on paths that can be wet and root-covered in the Jura forest. Use poles and take the steep sections slowly. You cross the France–Switzerland border at the col, so carry your passport or ID card. Mountain weather can change quickly on the ridge even in July; carry a waterproof and a warm layer, and check the forecast before leaving Jougne.
Water and food
Water is marked abundant on this stage. Swiss villages and towns have public fountains, and unless a fountain is signed as not drinking water it is normally connected to the municipal supply and safe to fill from; note that some are switched off in winter. Fill up in Jougne before the col, because the forest section above Orbe has no shops, and then rely on the fountains once you reach the Vaud villages. Orbe has shops and cafés for resupply.
Where pilgrims sleep
Our directory has no listing yet at Orbe, so book ahead. The Swiss Via Francigena association's accommodation list names several options in Orbe: the Cure catholique (parish house), the TCS campsite, a private pilgrim room, Hôtel au Chasseur and the Gîte du Campanile, with further pilgrim beds a short detour away at Romainmôtier. Switzerland is well organised but not cheap; a credential helps at the parish and private pilgrim addresses. Check current availability with the association's list before you arrive.
Sources: Wikipedia — Orbe railway station · Wikipedia — Lausanne railway station · Via Francigena Suisse — Hébergements sur la Via Francigena suisse (PDF) · Via Francigena Suisse — Parcours · Umweltcheck — Drinking fountains in Switzerland
Common questions
How long is the Jougne to Orbe stage?
It is 20.0 km (12.4 mi) and takes about 6 hours of walking, from Jougne to Orbe.
How hard is Jougne to Orbe?
It is rated moderate with 200 m of ascent and 550 m of descent over mountain terrain.
Is there water on the Jougne to Orbe stage?
Water is abundant along this stage.
Is Jougne to Orbe open all year?
This stage crosses a mountain pass, so it is seasonal. Check the pass is open before you set out.
How do I get to Jougne and away from Orbe?
Jougne has no railway; you arrive on foot from Pontarlier on the previous stage, and any bus link from the French side is something to check locally. Orbe, at the end, is the terminus of the metre-gauge Orbe–Chavornay line run by Travys, with hourly or half-hourly Regio trains to Chavornay, where you change onto the SBB Lausanne–Yverdon line for Lausanne, Yverdon-les-Bains and the rest of the Swiss network. Travys regional buses and the Urbabus town network also serve Orbe.
Where do pilgrims sleep in Orbe?
Our directory has no listing yet at Orbe, so book ahead. The Swiss Via Francigena association's accommodation list names several options in Orbe: the Cure catholique (parish house), the TCS campsite, a private pilgrim room, Hôtel au Chasseur and the Gîte du Campanile, with further pilgrim beds a short detour away at Romainmôtier. Switzerland is well organised but not cheap; a credential helps at the parish and private pilgrim addresses.
Walk this stage
Open the full stage list to plan the legs either side, browse heritage along the route, or get the free Via Francigena Walk app for offline maps and GPS on the trail.