Walk in Pays-d'Enhaut
The artisan dairy products of the Pays-d’Enhaut region reflect all the flavour of the mountain herbs growing in the pastures. Like all good Vaudois, the locals of Château-d’Oex or Rougemont generally accompany their special dishes with a glass of Chasselas. This grape variety is as emblematic in Pays-d’Enhaut as in any of our wine-producing regions.
If you want to check this out, set off along the rural trails of the Pays-d’Enhaut Walk. The wide-open mountain landscapes are within reach of everyone thanks to the MOB railway line linking the three possible starting points: Rougemont, Château-d’Oex or Rossinière stations. Along the route, specially created on the Vaud:Guide free app, there are about thirty noteworthy sites. Your smartphone will tell you when to answer a multiple-choice question, share a photo or go in search of precise place.
Rossinière's apiary, exterior south façade - Summer - Rossinière - Alice Jaquillard (Alice Jaquillard)
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Rougemont train station
During the summer and winter, Rougemont station is used regularly by locals, tourists and sportsmen and women. The train from Montreux stops here every hour, as do the trains from Gstaad, even more regularly. Those coming by car enjoy free parking for up to 7 days.
In addition to the standard trains, GoldenPass Classic and GoldenPass Panoramic trains run to Rougemont station. The first takes travelers back to the Belle Epoque period, while the second makes it easy to look out at the countryside thanks to its large windows. These themed trains carry on this railway’s traditions, whose origins (at the beginning of the 20th century) were linked to the arrival of the first tourists.
For those on the wine walk, welcome to the starting line! Before leaving make sure your smartphone is properly charged (or have a charger), equip yourself with walking shoes and water. Enjoy the stroll!
View of the Valrose Hotel next to the train station and train on the track - no season - Rougemont - Valrose
View of the Valrose Hotel next to the train station and train on the track - no season - Rougemont - Valrose
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Rougemont
The Rougemont-La Videmanette cable car transports sports’ lovers in summer or winter. Skiers and snowboarders enjoy the connection with Gstaad and the longest trail in the valley. During the good season, climbers take over and climb the three Via Ferrata routes, at the bottom of the Rubli mountain, 5 minutes from where the cable car arrives.
Visitors who prefer to soak up the history of the village can take the time to admire the finely carved chalets and the 11th century Romanesque church. For a top quality visit in exclusive alpine surroundings, Hotel de Rougemont welcomes its guests with a modern decor of natural materials based on traditional Swiss chalets.
For smaller budgets, the "Free up to 9 years old" family offer gives children free access to the ski lifts and accommodation.
Rougemont (Pays-d'Enhaut Région)
Rougemont (Pays-d'Enhaut Région)
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Chalet Arolles
Big chalet with a large garden. Situated in a peaceful street. South oriented balcony and terrace with a beautiful view on the mountains.
Holiday cottage Arolles - summer - Château-d'Œx - Pays-d'Enhaut Region
Holiday cottage Arolles - summer - Château-d'Œx - Pays-d'Enhaut Region
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Hôtel de Commune, Rougemont
Located in the Rougemont village square, this 3-star hotel has 24 rooms and a restaurant. Guests of the restaurant can discover regional flavors, such as the famous Tomme de Rougemont, L'Etivaz AOP, as well as other cheeses and cold meats while seated in its authentic surroundings.
When it was built, at the start of the 18th century, women did their laundry in the fountain on the village square, while the men in the Hôtel de Commune met each other.
The Hôtel de Commune can be reached easily from Rougemont train station. Families with young children are welcome in this cozy establishment.
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Café du Cerf
The specialists say that they eat the best fondue in the region, but shhh! this is a good tip to keep to yourself... In an authentic atmosphere that takes you to a higher altitude and out of time, the Café du Cerf is indeed renowned for its cheese dishes (fondues, raclettes).
Chef propose you many dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Don't miss his famous Malakoff with cheese recipe or the succulent wild chard tart. Most of the products used in the Cerf's kitchens are regional and are registered under the "Pays-d'Enhaut Produits Authentiques" brand.
And how can you not enjoy a dessert in the sun on the terrace! The view of the Rübli, the emblematic mountain, is a luxury that the restaurant cherishes.
assiette croute au fromage avec verre vin rouge du Café du Cerf - pas de saison - Rougemont - Hanna Büker (Hanna Büker)
Salle 1er étage du Café du Cerf sans clients - pas de saison - Rougemont - Hanna Büker (Hanna Büker)
assiette croute au fromage avec verre vin rouge du Café du Cerf - pas de saison - Rougemont - Hanna Büker (Hanna Büker)
Salle 1er étage du Café du Cerf sans clients - pas de saison - Rougemont - Hanna Büker (Hanna Büker)
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Les Clématites Chalet
In the heart of the Pays-d'Enhaut, in the Vaud Alps, the village of Rougemont has preserved its magnificent traditional buildings. Located in the centre of the village and surrounded by other typical houses, the "Les Clématites" chalet is a good example of this type of architecture.
As you can see, the house dates from 1647, but an inscription suggests that it already existed in another form before then. After all these years, passers-by still stop to admire the cottage name nicely engraved on the front of the building, the elaborate balcony and the coat of arms painted between two of the windows.
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Le Grenier de Marie (Marie’s grain store)
Located on the edge of the village of Rougemont, the "Grenier de Marie" (Marie’s barn) dates back to 1688. Although the name suggests otherwise, it was not a dwelling but a shelter where locals stored all kinds of things. It was located away from the main house to protect its contents in case of fire.
Food, cereals, linen, clothes and valuable things were safeguarded thanks to the imposing locks - still visible today - and an elevated design. In addition to this architectural feature, the facade is decorated with a Latin inscription which is unique in the region.
In the past, granaries were a real part of the way of life for Pays-d'Enhaut local people. Besides the old barns, some shelters had more astonishing functions. For example, people in farms far outside the village stored their best clothes in places called "clothes barns", where they used to come to change before going to Sunday worship.
Grenier à Marie-Rougemont-Pays-d'Enhaut Région (Alain Saint-Suplice)
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Fleurette Arnaud Guichard Sàrl Cheese Factory
After two CFCs as a cheese maker and farmer, the young man decided to leave the farming world to devote himself fully to the profession of cheese maker.
In 2018, when he was in charge of the Moudon cheese dairy, Michel Beroud contacted him to propose him as his successor. Arnaud has of course known the famous Tomme Fleurette since he was a child, and the desire to work in a cheese dairy where the milk is worked by hand seduced him.
This return to his roots is also motivated by the attraction of a life close to the mountains. Michel will accompany his successor for another year, in order to pass on all his know-how to Arnaud and to leave with a free spirit, knowing that his product is in good hands.
Fondue and cheese (Tomme Fleurette and others) are available 24 hours a day from the vending machine in front of the store. You can only pay by credit card.
Fromagerie fleurette portrait arnaud guichard dans caves - pas de saison - Rougemont - Pays-d'Enhaut Région (Pays-d'Enhaut Région)
Fromagerie fleurette PEPA
Fromagerie fleurette portrait arnaud guichard dans caves - pas de saison - Rougemont - Pays-d'Enhaut Région (Pays-d'Enhaut Région)
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The church of Rougemont
The Church of Rougemont is a featured asset of the Pays-d'Enhaut region. Small in size, the building is certainly worth a detour for its history and for the beauty of its paintings and stained glass windows. Built in the 11th century by the monks of the Abbey of Cluny (F) at the request of the Count of Gruyère, Guillaume I, it is the first and only convent in the Vaud Alps. It is Roman in style and takes the shape of a Latin cross, facing east. The church was originally dedicated to Saint-Nicolas de Myre, Patron Saint of children and a martyr from the 4th century. Following the bankruptcy of the Count of Gruyère, the region was handed over to the Bernese, who imposed the Protestant reform in 1555. The church then became a temple dedicated to Protestant worship. The castle adjoining the building, now privately owned, was erected around ten years later on the foundations of the destroyed monastery to house the bailiff from Bern.
An architectural jewel
He then transformed the shell of the building. The choir was enlarged. In the beginning, the nave was separated from the aisles by twelve massive pillars representing the 12 apostles, which can still be admired today. A major restoration, carried out from 1919 to 1926, has restored the nobility of the building. It brought out the building’s stonework, then covered with five layers of plaster. The ceiling of the nave was reconstructed with wooden vaulting. The paintings were executed by the painter Correvon, using patterns from the 13th century. The church is now listed as a Swiss cultural building of national importance. Concerts and performances are regularly staged there, especially during the La Folia Festival of Ancient Music, held each year during Pentecost weekend. In addition to Rougemont Church, the village has several old chalets with sculpted pediments and richly decorated façades. The tourist office organizes guided tours with experienced guides on request, enabling you to discover its architectural treasures.
the church in Rougemont - Summer - Rougemont - Pays-d'Enhaut Région (©Pays-d'Enhaut Tourisme)
Präsentation der Kirche Rougemont
Présentation de l'église de Rougemont
Terre de traditions - L'église de Rougemont (Terre de traditions)
the church in Rougemont - Summer - Rougemont - Pays-d'Enhaut Région (©Pays-d'Enhaut Tourisme)
The church of Rougemont (©Pays-d'Enhaut Tourisme)
The church of Rougemont (©Claire de Lune)
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Découpage in Pays-d'Enhaut
The delicate details, the magic of a childlike world and the scenes of everyday life in times gone-by are the fascinating elements of a work of découpage.
Imported from the East, paper découpage found its birthplace in Pays-d’Enhaut, in the Vaudois Alps, home to the fathers of this art: Johann Jakob Hauswirth (1809-1871) and Louis Saugy (1871-1953). Several of their magnificent works are exhibited at the Musée du Pays-d’Enhaut, in Château-d’Œx.
While the découpages of the time portrayed everyday life in the mountain villages of yesteryear, the art of paper cutting has been brought up to date and contemporary works come in various forms. Artisans open up their workshops to share their passion for these works of art or even give some lessons in this historic but living craft.
Découpage - pas de saison - Pays-d'Enhaut - Fabrice Wagner (Fabrice Wagner)
Terre de traditions - découpage
Découpage - pas de saison - Pays-d'Enhaut - Fabrice Wagner (Fabrice Wagner)
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Picnic area on the banks of the Sarine
Walkers looking for a nice place for a pleasant break and locals who like to get outdoors for a good barbecue meet in this pretty picnic area. Four tables with benches and a stone grill were installed for everyone to enjoy between the villages of Rougemont and Château-d'Oex, on the edge of a wood. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing moment sheltered by the trees with only sound of bird songs and cow bells.
A few steps away, the Sarine river (Saane in German) freshens the air. The source of this region’s iconic river, a tributary of the river Aare, can be found at the Sanetsch pass in the Canton of Valais.
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Typical chalet of Pays-d’Enhaut
Château-d'Oex, Rougemont and Rossinière, in Pays-d'Enhaut, are characterised by many traditional chalets that delight visitors and make the locals proud. Despite the fires which ravaged Château-d'Oex, and which explains the concentration of stone buildings in the centre of the village, you can always admire the 17th and 18th century chalets in the region.
The main characteristic of these typical Swiss houses is of course the predominance of wood. Some chalets still have very rough appearance, while others have elaborate or painted facades. You can see many architectural details that are typical of chalets, such as the fine wooden tiles called "tavillons" (shingles). One of the most representative elements of the region’s history is the very origin of the word "chalet". This term became common due the influence of the first tourists during the Belle Epoque period; however, strictly speaking, chalet should only refer to the isolated dwellings in the high alpine pastures.
Exterior façade Grand Chalet de Balthus with inscriptions - Rossinière - No season - Pays-d'Enhaut Region (Pays-d'Enhaut Région)
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Flendruz bridge
With a total length of 118 meters, the Pont de Flendruz is the most important of the 62 bridges and numerous structures along the MOB (Montreux-Bernese Oberland) railway line. It stretches over the Flendruz ravine, where the river with the same name flows. The metal part of the bridge is divided into two spans of 41.6m each, resting on a central pillar 26m high.
The construction of the Pont de Flendruz was completed before the MOB railway was opened in 1904. The residents of the Pays-d'Enhaut were waiting for this innovation, for which four main projects were considered. The idea of the MOB, which was accepted by the authorities at the time, was to dig many tunnels in the mountain and was more focused on tourism than on local traffic. This new train was soon successful, connecting the shores of Lake Geneva and the mountains of Pays-d'Enhaut in one hour, even today.
Trains MOB sur le pont de Flendruz avec montagnes enneigées - hiver - Rougemont - Stephan Engler (Stephan Engler)
Trains MOB Belle Epoque sur le pont de Flendruz avec village en arrière plan - automne - Rougemont - Valentin Flauraud - VFLPIX.COM (Valentin Flauraud - VFLPIX.COM)
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Sawmills in Pays-d’Enhaut
Although the Pays-d'Enhaut today has 4 operating sawmills, there were around 15 of them during the peak of this industry in the middle of the 19th century. The reasons are simple: the communes in Pays-d'Enhaut have a total of 6000 ha of forests and numerous rivers. Some of the sawmills simply supplied local farmers with planks of wood, while others did a lot of trade outside the region, floating thousands of logs in impressive processions down the rivers of the region.
Even though the timber industry remained marginal in the Pays-d'Enhaut compared to the agricultural sector, it was still regulated by the Canton authorities as early as the beginning of the 19th century. Ecological considerations were not very popular at the time, but it was important to preserve forests for their role as a bulwark against natural disasters.
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La Pierreuse Nature Reserve
On the left bank of the Sarine, south of Château-d’Oex, arranged around the Gummfluh, La Pierreuse Nature Reserve also includes the region of L’Etivaz, north of Pic Chaussy. This characteristic pre-alp landscape covering an area of 34 km2 includes valleys overlooked by limestone rock faces.
Visitors to the reserve can enjoy a combination of unspoilt nature and traditional alpine pastures where the famous L’Etivaz AOP cheese is made, as well as a wide variety of wildlife with many rare species, like ibex, chamois, marmot, golden eagle, lynx and black grouse.
There is also a spectacular one-day walk starting from Videmanette at the top of the Rougemont gondola lift, skirting round the alpine meadows of La Pierreuse and crossing four passes to get to L'Etivaz. La Pierreuse reserve is an emblematic part of the Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Park.
Gummfluh covered in snow - winter - Château-d'Oex - Pays-d'Enhaut Region (Pays-d'Enhaut Région (Alice Jaquillard))
Pierreuse nature reserve, view of the Les Leysalets mountain pasture - Summer - Château-d'Œx - ?
Pierreuse nature reserve, view of the Les Leysalets mountain pasture - Summer - Château-d'Œx - ?
La Pierreuse Nature Reserve (©Semio / Stéphane de Trey)
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Cascade du Ramaclé (Ramaclé waterfall)
The Cascade du Ramaclé is halfway between Château-d'Oex and Gérignoz, in a charming forest. Two streams, the Rosette and Ramaclé, join together and form this pretty waterfall.
Walkers can see it due to a pretty path from Château-d'Oex, which can be used both in summer and in winter with snowshoes. From the village square, you enter a forest and follow the Sarine River to the Turrian Bridge. After the bridge, you reach the waterfall where you can enjoy a pleasant rest due to the wooden footbridge and freely accessible picnic area.
This picturesque and natural setting makes this one of the most enchanting walks in the Pays-d'Enhaut.
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The Turrian Bridge
Setting out on foot from Château-d’Œx, descend towards the River Sarine and you’ll come to the famous Turrian Bridge. Built in 1883, the iron-built structure is one of the oldest and last remaining suspension bridges in Romandy (the western, French-speaking part of Switzerland).
Starting from the village square, following the Balloon Path will lead you straight to it. Once there, chance the crossing just as our ancestors did. Take a moment to savour the giddy prospects of the river below.
On the far side, turn left and walk through the forest following the lovely path along the riverbank. You’ll pass the magnificent Ramaclé waterfall before reaching the spectacular Gérignoz Gorge.
Départ Pont Turrian côté Château-d'Oex - Eté - CHAX - Atelier Mamco (Atelier Mamco)
Pont Turrian CHAX (Alice Jaquillard)
Vue pont turrian depuis Sarine - Hiver - CHAX - Atelier Mamco (Atelier Mamco)
Pont Turrian mit Teddy B (www.teddy-b.ch)
Pont Turrian CHAX (Alice Jaquillard)
Pont Turrian - Pays d'Enhaut - été - Atelier Mamco (©Atelier Mamco)
Vue pont turrian depuis Sarine - Hiver - CHAX - Atelier Mamco (Atelier Mamco)
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Château-d'Oex village
As the capital of hot air ballooning in Switzerland, Château-d'Oex welcomes balloonists from around the world every year to the International Hot Air Balloon Festival. For 10 days, about 80 colored hot air balloons fly in the snowy surroundings.
Suitable for beginners and families, the slopes of Château-d'Oex offer all types of skiing. Children can enjoy free ski lifts and accommodation until the age of 9.
Château-d'Oex values its craftsmanship, such as the art of paper cutting. The “Musée du Vieux Pays-d’Enhaut (Museum of Old Pays-d'Enhaut) has magnificent cutouts and historical objects on display. The resort also knows how to show off its lifestyle: in an alpine chalet, during a hike in the Gruyère-Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park, walkers can discover with great delight the making of the Etivaz AOP cheese. To end the journey smoothly, the MOB train takes visitors to their next destination through the green or snowy mountains.
View of Château-d'Œx and Rougemont - summer - Château-d'Œx Cabane des Choucas - Pays-d'Enhaut Region
View of Château-d'Œx and Rougemont - summer - Château-d'Œx Cabane des Choucas - Pays-d'Enhaut Region
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Restaurant Le Chalet
Just a stone’s throw away from Château-d'Oex train station, Le Chalet is a gourmet, tourist and everyday hotspot. In a setting decorated as an alpine chalet, waitresses and waiters dressed in traditional costumes serve dishes from the region, such as the famous raclette and fondues. It is no coincidence that cheese is present on the menu at Le Chalet, the ambassador of the "Pays-d'Enhaut Produits Authentiques" (‘Pays d’Enhaut authentic produce’).
In a corner of the dining room, near the wood fire, a typical cheese maker makes "Le Chalet Bio" cheese on Wednesday, friday, Saturday and Sunday. You can see the transformation of 160 to 200 litres of milk into cheese. After 5 to 6 months of ripening in the cellar, the hard cheese finds its chalet and decorates the shelves of a pretty boutique selling local produce.
Cheese making by Maurice in dzepon - not in season - Le Chalet - Restaurant Le Chalet ((c)Le Chalet)
Terrace (Le Chalet)
Restaurant Le Chalet (Le Chalet)
Restaurant Le Chalet (Le Chalet)
Terrace (Le Chalet)
Restaurant Le Chalet ((c)Le Chalet)
Fromagerie Le Chalet (©Frédéric Grangier)
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Musée du Pays-d'Enhaut - Swiss Center for Paper Cut-outs
The lifestyle of farmers and craftsmen has been recreated with an old smithy, an Alpine cheese dairy and a farmer’s kitchen with a bread oven dating of 1665. Likewise, the opulent interior of the families of notables has been brought alive with the help of a bourgeois dining room and kitchen, with a tiled stove and a waffle iron dating of 1581.
In addition to these everyday objects, the Museum of Pays-d'Enhaut exhibits countless drawings, engravings and watercolours representing the region, as well as period photographs showing the arrival of tourism.
Finally, the museum has an exceptional collection of paper cuttings, which are a tradition in the Pays-d'Enhaut. The museum is now considered to be the Swiss centre for papercuts.
The deposit of 600 decoupages and the extraordinary collection of old works allow us to highlight our expertise in this field. The collaboration with contemporary artists who are able to offer demonstrations or longer introductory courses, the provision of a specific library and the presence of temporary exhibitions ensure the dissemination of knowledge associated with paper cuttings.
Expo Typiquement Suisse_Musée du Pays-d'Enhaut_pas de saison_Château-d'Oex_(C) Pays-d'Enhaut Région
Sonnailles_Musée du Pays-d'Enhaut_pas de saison_Château-d'Oex_(C) Pays-d'Enhaut Région
Salle alpage_Musée du Pays-d'Enhaut_pas de saison_Château-d'Oex_(C) Pays-d'Enhaut Région
Rez de chaussé expo Musée du Pays-d'Enhaut Centre suisse du papier découpé - pas de saison - Château-d'Œx - Pays-d'Enhaut Région (Pays-d'Enhaut Région)
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Château-d’Oex train station
The Château-d'Oex railway station serviced by the Montreux-Bernese Oberland (MOB) railway line was built at the same time as the train tracks in 1904. The wooden railway station building remains in its current architectural style of “Swiss chalet”. Through an urban eye, it appropriates the characteristics of an older alpine dwelling.
The station building is the evidence of the Belle Epoque and the beginning of the tourism in Pays-d'Enhaut. The other infrastructures were completely renovated in 2015, making the Château-d'Oex train station the most modern of the MOB line. The reason for the works is the arrival in 2018 of the TransGoldenPass - the first train capable of connecting Montreux to Interlaken in a single journey.
The Château-d'Oex town hall took advantage of the renovations to order a magnificent contemporary fresco to the painter-performer Franck Bouroullec and the graphic designer Cédric Gachet. Covering the walls of the underpass, it shows the faces and emblems of the region.
Château-d'Œx station - no season - Château-d'Œx - Pays-d'Enhaut Region
Château-d'Œx station - no season - Château-d'Œx - Pays-d'Enhaut Region
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Famous Pays-d’Enhaut guests
Artists and celebrities from around the world have always praised the shores of Lake Geneva and the Vaud Alps for their calm and inspiring landscapes.
The Pays-d'Enhaut is a muse for artists and adventurers, stimulated by the beauty of the area, who absorbs the energy of the mountain to exceed their limits.
For example, the painter Balthus who bought the Grand Chalet de Rossinière in 1977 and lived there until his death in 2001, and the British actor David Niven, who died and was buried in Château-d'Oex.
Adventurers who have chosen Pays-d'Enhaut as their starting point include Mike Horn, who embarked on the craziest expeditions all around the world. And of course Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones, the first men to have toured the world in hot air balloons. In 2016, Bertrand Piccard and his partner André Borschberg completed another journey, this time by solar airplane.
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The 19th century fountains
In the 19th century, the public fountain was often the only place where villagers could obtain water to drink, wash clothes and clean. Fountains played a major part in village life because women and children made their way to them every morning and evening. Responsibility for these water sources was entrusted to the "fontainiers" or fountain superintendents, who limited the time allocated for cleaning tasks so as to guarantee that water for drinking would remain clean.
Most of the region's fountains date back to the mid-19th century. They all feature the same design with large, low basins to provide easy access for watering the animals and for cleaning work. When drinking water became available in households towards the end of the 19th century, the fountains ceased to be public utilities and instead, became much-appreciated decorative monuments.
Fontaine du Petit Pré - Eté - Les Moulins
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Chalet with tavillons (shingles)
The manufacture and installation of shingles, on roofs and facades of chalets, is an art. It is even a job, a shingle craftman. This craftsman learns to select his wood and to split each of these fine tiles by hand.
In the Pays-d'Enhaut, you can distinguish “tavillons” and “anseilles”. The smaller tavillon shingles are always nailed and are therefore used on more inclined roofs, even on the facades. Simply laid, anseille shingles are held in place with wooden slats.
From the first Neolithic dwellings, man used branches then wood to cover his shelter. From as early as the 14th century, tiles were increasingly used. Mountain regions remain loyal to shingles, for transportation reasons and the use of easily-reached forest resources.
Grand Chalet de Rossinière - summer - Rossinière - Fabrice Wagner (©Fabrice Wagner)
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The Sapalet
In 1990, then a dairy cow breeder, Jean-Robert Henchoz decided to raise ewes jointly. Aware that any novelty takes time, he devotes a decade to working on this raw material with different properties. Seeing the interest in these products, he abandons dairy cow breeding and specializes in ewes, then associates his brother, a farmer in La Tine, to the adventure.
To date, the herd has grown to 700 head and provides milk all year round. With a pleasant taste due to its neutrality and lightness, the tasting convinces the most reticent as well as the most demanding. With the arrival of his nephews on the farm, the range of products is growing at the rate of one per year and extends to various goat's milk or cow's milk specialities, taking care to respect the Bio Suisse criteria.
Today, the Sapalet cheese dairy, named after its first cheese, is well established and sells its products throughout French-speaking Switzerland and part of German-speaking Switzerland. In 2017, the Henchoz family equipped its Rossinière cheese dairy with a direct sales shop. In addition to Sapalet, they buy a whole range of dairy products, as well as meat from sheep and charcuterie from pigs reared on the farm.
In the self-service store open 7 days a week, you will find cheese, yogurt, milk, butter and cream. You can pay by cash, Twint or credit card.
Le Sapalet - ferme- printemps - PERET - Rossinière (Pays d'Enhaut Région)
Le Sapalet - intérieur - printemps - PERET - Rossinière (Pays d'Enhaut Région)
Le Sapalet - vitrine - printemps - PERET - Rossinière (Pays d'Enhaut Région)
Le Sapalet - ferme- printemps - PERET - Rossinière (Pays d'Enhaut Région)
Le Sapalet - intérieur - printemps - PERET - Rossinière (Pays d'Enhaut Région)
Le Sapalet - vitrine - printemps - PERET - Rossinière (Pays d'Enhaut Région)
Tomme sapalet sur assiette - pas de saison - Rossinière - Elise Heuberger (Elise Heuberger)
Tomme sapalet sur assiette - pas de saison - Rossinière - Elise Heuberger (Elise Heuberger)
(©Fabrice Wagner)
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Rossinière
In Rossinière (930 m) in Pays-d'Enhaut, there are many wooden chalets with elaborate painted facades. This age-old architectural heritage is revealed during a thematic walk.
The Grand Chalet is the most remarkable, with its gigantic elaborate five-storey facade and 113 windows. It was completed in 1756 by a notable cheesemaker who included generous cellars to prepare the cheese. In 1977, the painter Balthus (1908-2001) moved in to the Grand Chalet with his family and welcomed some of the most famous writers, painters and artists of the 20th century.
Rossinière is also known by lovers of alpine flavours thanks to the Jardin des Monts. Located in the mountain pastures of Mont-Dessous, this herbalist centre grows plants on terraces that it makes into syrups, herbal teas and cosmetics.
From Rossinière station, the MOB carriages take their passengers to Château-d'Oex and Rougemont every hour (at half past the hour) or towards Montreux and Lake Geneva, also every hour.
View of the village of Rossinière - summer - Rossinière - Pays-d'Enhaut Region
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The Balthus Chapel
Situated in the centre of Rossinière, the Balthus Chapel is a permanent establishment celebrating the life and work of the painter Balthus, who lived in the Grand Chalet for the final twenty-four years of his life. Three documentary films, along with reproductions of photographs, letters and works allow the viewer to enter fully into the life and art of this highly significant exponent of twentieth-century figurative modernism.
We offer the public 9 important films by director Jacqueline Veuve on the woodworking professions. These films are jewels on the know-how of wood craftsmen.
1992 ARNOLD GOLAY, FABRICANT DE JOUETS www.artfilm.ch/de/arnold-golay-fabricant-de-jouets
1991 FRANOIS JUNOD, FABRICANT D'AUTOMATES
1989 MARCELLIN BABEY, TOURNEUR SUR BOIS www.artfilm.ch/de/marcellin-babey-tourneur-sur-bois
1988 CLAUDE LEBET, LUTHIER www.artfilm.ch/de/claude-lebet-luthier
1988 MICHEL MARLETAZ, BOISSELIER www.artfilm.ch/de/michel-marletaz-boisselier
1988 FRANÇOIS PERNET, SCIEUR - SCULPTEUR www.artfilm.ch/de/francois-pernet-scieur-sculpteur
1988 LES FRERES BAPST, CHARRETIERS www.artfilm.ch/de/les-freres-bapst-charretiers
1988 JOSEPH DOUTAZ ET OLIVIER VEUVE, TAVILLONNEURS www.artfilm.ch/de/joseph-doutaz-et-olivier-veuve-tavillonneurs
1987 ARMAND ROUILLER, FABRICANT DE LUGES www.artfilm.ch/de/armand-rouiller-fabricant-de-luges
Balthus lived in the Grand Chalet at Rossinière right up to his death in 2001. The Chalet, which is still home to his widow, Countess Setsuko Klossowska de Rola, and their daughter, now also houses the Balthus Foundation, set up to honour and perpetuate the painter’s work.
In the garden under the chapel, visitors can also take a look at the tomb of the painter.
Chapel Balthus Rossinière - no season - Rossinière - Pays-d'Enhaut Région (Pays-d'Enhaut Région)
Chapel Balthus Rossinière - Summer - Rossinière - Pays-d'Enhaut Région (Pays-d'Enhaut Région)
Rental rates (L'Atelier de Balthus)
Chapelle Balthus mit Teddy B (www.teddy-b.ch)
Chapelle Balthus (©Pays-d'Enhaut Tourisme)
Chapelle Balthus Rossinière (Pays-d'Enhaut Région)
Chapelle Balthus
Chapel Balthus Rossinière - Summer - Rossinière - Pays-d'Enhaut Région (Pays-d'Enhaut Région)
Chapel Balthus Rossinière - no season - Rossinière - Pays-d'Enhaut Région (Pays-d'Enhaut Région)
Chapelle Balthus (©Pays-d'Enhaut Tourisme)
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Restaurant L'Hôtel de Ville, Rossinière
In the atmosphere of a traditional “pinte vaudoise” (regional term for a typical brewery), the restaurant of the Hôtel de Ville in Rossinière offers dishes typical of Pays-d'Enhaut. It was not named "best restaurant" by the brand “Pays-d'Enhaut Produits Authentiques” just by chance. Fondues with two cheeses, boletus and chili are a classic still appreciated, especially with a glass of wine from the Côte AOC, Yvorne or Aigle. Customers who prefer meat are also seduced by fine pieces and finely cut tartar.
Renovated in 2009, the Hôtel de Ville now offers 10 comfortable rooms with wireless Internet access for a total of 24 beds. A meeting room for 60 people completes t this hotel-café-restaurant’s offer.
Hôtel de Ville*** - Summer - Rossinière - Pays-d'Enhaut Région
Hôtel de Ville*** (©J. Mingard)
Hôtel de Ville*** - Summer - Rossinière - Pays-d'Enhaut Région
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Clock tower
Constructed probably at the end of the 18th century, the tower of Rossinière was not always furnished with a clock. The dial, which is now visible and which gives its name to the clock tower, was formerly above the staircase of the Hôtel de Ville. According to travelers of the time, the mechanism was so noisy "similar to the sound of a steam engine", that the clock was moved up the tower.
Transformed at the end of the 19th century, classified as an historic monument in 1961 and restored from 1977-1979, the tower served as a prison and archive room. It is unfortunately not open to visitors.
Tour de l'horloge depuis escalier Valvini - Rossinière - été - Alice Jaquillard (Alice Jaquillard)
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The Minister's house of Rossinière
The priory refers to the home of the village priest or pastor. In Rossinière, it was built in 1770. The architect of the time chose to give to his work the look of a local building although, instead of wood, it mainly used stone. This choice gives the building its architectural interest.
Typical elements, such as the tavillons (shingles) and the large lateral galleries are added to the body of masonry. Built in wood, these are arranged on the sides of the cure: one shelters the staircase access to the floor, the other serves as a shed.
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Rossinière apiary
Dating from 1930, the apiary of Rossinière is unique in French-speaking Switzerland, containing up to 90 hives.
Between 800 and 1000 hives are spread across the Canton of Vaud. On average, each beehive is home to 40,000 bees who work tirelessly to provide us with delicious and 100% local honey. The diversity of the landscape and nature in the Canton of Vaud can be found in the different pots of honey. The name "mountain honey" is regulated and attributed solely to high-altitude production areas. Produced from mid-June to mid-August, forest honey is recognisable due to its darker colour and its more intense and woody taste. Among the honey from flowers, you can distinguish the honey of spring and the honey of summer: the first is very clear, almost white, while the second has a more golden colour.
Rossinière's apiary, exterior south façade - Summer - Rossinière - Alice Jaquillard (Alice Jaquillard)
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Grand Chalet de Rossinière
The Grand Chalet at Rossinière transcends all superlatives: 500 square metres of ground surface, 5 floors, 113 windows, a painted inscription containing 2,800 letters. This is the largest inhabitable wooden house in Switzerland in a region – Pays-d’Enhaut – where wooden buildings have reached a high level of refinement.
The Grand Chalet was built between 1752 and 1756 on behalf of Jean David Henchoz, a farmer, notary and judge who wanted to create “a house for cheese”. The cellar dictated the chalet’s dimensions: it was planned for 600 loaves of cheese in their refining stage. The ground floor was intended for commercial exchanges where merchants from Bulle, Vevey and Lyon negotiated sales and exports.
In 1977, the painter Balthus (1908-2001), Count Balthazar Klossowski of Rola, acquired the Grand Chalet in Rossinière, where he lived with his wife and his daugher, painted and received other artists. Grand Chalet is a private property and cannot be visited.
Grand Chalet de Rossinière (©Fabrice Wagner)
Grand Chalet de Rossinière - summer - Rossinière - Fabrice Wagner (©Fabrice Wagner)
Grand Chalet mit Teddy B (www.teddy-b.ch)
Rental rates
Terre de traditions - Patrimoine architectural de Rossinière (Terre de traditions)
Grand Chalet de Rossinière - summer - Rossinière - Fabrice Wagner (©Fabrice Wagner)
Grand Chalet de Rossinière (©Fabrice Wagner)
Grand Chalet de Rossinière (©Fabrice Wagner)
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