There are certain spots which seem to bring together all the places of the world. This is the case with Mount Suchet, a lookout perched at 1500 m, which offers a panoramic view of the Neuchâtel and Léman Lakes, the Alpine range and Mont Blanc. A place which seems, at first glance, bare and arid, but which reveals a rich Alpine flora to more attentive eyes. Located in the heart of trekking country on the Jura peaks, a kingdom for paragliding and hang gliding, Suchet is accessible by a narrow mountain road. A chalet with a panoramic terrace is at your disposal for a light snack or fondue.

Rances, Chalet Le Suchet, 1,489m Tél  +41 (0)24 441 01 63. Open from May 20 to October 31 Access: Exit north Orbe, then direction Valeyres - Rances. By foot from Lignerolle - Montagne Devant - Chalet Le Suchet, 11/2 hour walk. 10 beds, dormitory style. Access possible by car from Rances (locate).

Photo: MCG

This mountain restaurant perched on Mount Aubert, on the borders of Vaudois country, is named after a rare bird. Open all year round, a narrow mountain road provides access by foot, in snowshoes, on a snowmobile or even by car, at the end of winter - which often lasts until the first days of May. And here, at an altitude of 1300 m, lies the overwhelming panorama of the lake and the Alps. A small corner of paradise run by Evelyne Strainer-Berthoud for the past twenty years. A radiant and warm-hearted personality, the Génilottes' owner welcomes the hikers and also does the cooking. In addition to traditional toasted cheese, fondues and delicious hot pot with mushrooms, she also offers the season's delights and regional dishes. Pike quenelles and filets of the catch from the lake, game of the season and some rarities such as lightly fried venison liver, a speciality that should be booked several weeks in advance.

Restaurant des Gélinottes, 1428 Provence, + 41 (0)24 434 14 38. Open all year round, closed on Wednesdays in winter. Access: Yverdon-les-Bains – Grandson – Concise – Mutrux – Mt Aubert (locate)

Photo: CCA

It is initially the story of a passion that began 25 years ago: that of Léo and Emilie Crameri for a 300 year old farmhouse that they restored over the years. Today the Refuge de Frience, in reference to the hamlet situated close by, looks like Heidi's house with its walls blackened by the sun and bad weather, its antiques and its Vichy checkered drapes. A friendly mountain inn situated in the midst of an idyllic landscape dominated by the imposing Dents du Midi. On the gastronomic front, the menu also merits a detour: traditional fondues or tomatoes or shallots soaked in oil - but also mushroom hot pot, homemade duck foie gras or even Grison meat, a reminder of the patron's origins. So many arguments which contribute to the worthy hikers and city-dwellers, out for some fresh air in a protected environment, gathering in a relaxed atmosphere.

Gryon Refuge de Frience, 1882 Gryon (locate), +41 (0)24 498 14 26 Open all year round, closed on Tuesdays during the off-season. (car parking 5 minutes away from the restaurant). www.frience.ch   

Photo: MCG