A sporting and gourmet challenge for mountain biking enthusiasts in Les Diablerets

My name is Emilie and I am from Les Diablerets. Deeply rooted in my heart, the village of Les Diablerets is the ideal starting point for various sporting adventures by bike. Today, I would like to introduce you to the famous ‘Isenau Bike’ trail, a 2- to 3-hour route with an 800-metre elevation gain through the magnificent mountain pastures of Isenau.

A mountain bike trail for exercising while recharging your batteries

My friends and I start the route from the village centre. From the very first pedal strokes, you can expect a fairly strenuous effort. The route quickly climbs higher, revealing a magnificent view of the chalets below, nestled at the foot of the mountains. As a regular visitor to the area, cycling up to Isenau is part of my routine and contributes to my daily well-being.

Forests, pastures and mountain pastures follow one another, making me forget the sustained effort. Finally, we reach Ayerne, a small, typical hamlet that has retained its old-world charm. It's not uncommon to see marmots, chamois or ibex in the area, so we keep our eyes peeled! Higher up, the splendid panorama of Glacier 3000 and the valley never fails to impress me.

The last few hundred metres and a well-deserved break at the Terrasse d'Isenau!

Here I am at the Isenau estate! Slowly, I begin to perceive the colours of Indian summer so characteristic of early autumn, with its soft, subdued light. The landscapes here are constantly changing: I remember the rhododendrons in bloom in spring and the lush pastures this summer. This gentle blend of physical exercise, breathing and contemplation makes this route truly unique.

The Isenau terrace is the ultimate reward for this tough climb. My friends and I decide to enjoy a glass of wine and a fondue, with the Diablerets massif and the Chaussy mountain range as a backdrop.

It is these moments suspended in time that give the impression of being somewhere else, while still feeling at home. A breath of fresh air that recharges your batteries and reminds you how lucky you are to live in such a place: even for locals, the beauty of these landscapes never fails to leave you speechless!

A descent back to the village via the splendid lac Retaud

Once you've finished your meal, I recommend taking the Chemin des Moilles to lac Retaud, especially for those who are less comfortable on mountain bikes, before continuing on the road to the Col du Pillon. For the more experienced, continue to follow the GPX route.

One last stop to admire the Cascade du Dar from afar and we're back in Les Diablerets!