Although I am a big fan of winter fun, nothing can please me more when the winter changes to spring, everything around slowly begins to turn green and other colors begin to be added to this transformation of nature. It’s like a rush of new energy pouring into one’s veins. And it’s even better when you know when and where to soak up this energy and intensify the feeling of the coming spring. One such place is Les Prés-d’Orvin, which, with the arrival of spring, turns into one large yellow carpet, on which millions of wild daffodils bloom. And this is where I will take you on the following lines.
Les Prés-d’Orvin
Les Prés-d’Orvin is an area above the village of Orvin in the Bernese Jura Mountains, about a 20-minute drive from Biel. In winter it is popular as a family ski area, but you can also cross-country ski, go winter hiking on or without snowshoes. From spring to autumn you can go on many popular hiking trails. One of them is the route through fields full of flowering daffodils.
Arrival
By car: from Biel on road no. 6 in the direction of Orvin. In the village, turn onto Route des Prés-d’Orvin and continue to the parking lot at the Bellevue bus stop.
Public transport: from Biel Bahnhof/Gare bus line 70 to Les Prés d’Orvin, Bellevue (bus runs once an hour, ride takes 24 minutes, 12 stops).
Trail
The route starts right in the parking lot. Follow the yellow tourist sign in the direction of Jura SAC (Cabane de Jura). You will go up a gentle hill, first between the houses and then through the forest. Then you will reach the plain until you reach the Métairie d’Evilard restaurant. From here it is a short walk up a short steep hill to a tourist hut.
Here you can have a snack, enjoy the views and then move on. Behind the hut, you will join the Jura crest route No. 5, which leads through the Jura Mountains. After about two kilometers, you can walk to the Place Central parking lot, the area of which is a popular picnic area.
From here, continue straight on in the direction of Chasseral. When you reach the next signpost (see photo below), turn left down the hill in the direction of Les Prés-d’Orvin. If you have luck, you will see the bisons from the local buffalo farm grazing.
Along the nature trail, you will reach the Métairie-de-Prêles restaurant after a further two kilometers, and then you will continue along the asphalt road. On the way you will pass the local cross-country ski center and in about half an hour you will reach the parking lot.
Summary
- The route measures 9.8 km and is not suitable for strollers.
- A tip for the lazier of you: the daffodil fields can be reached directly by car – you can park at the Place centrale and go either a little to the left or to the right.
- Flower picking is allowed. But of course, it is assumed that you will pick them in a reasonable amount 😉
- Of course, no one will tell you exactly when the daffodils will bloom. If there is little snow in winter and a lot of suns in spring, the ideal time will be around mid-April (we completed this route last April 19).
