Les Granges-Gérignoz – L'Etivaz

Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut - La Pierreuse, green pastures, and limestone slopes

The precipitous limestone slopes of La Pierreuse dominate the landscape of Les Granges-Gérignoz. The highest mountain in the range, the Gummfluh, surges skyward like an arrowhead.

The trail begins here in the Gérine valley. The first stage leads downhill to the hamlet of Gérignoz before climbing to an altitude of over 2,000 metres up to the grassy plateau of Plan de la Douve.

The ascent, which first passes through forests and then pastureland, runs along the imposing jagged rock faces that bear more than a passing resemblance to the Dolomites. This is where eagles, falcons, chamoix and ibex reign supreme. The trail continues past the Col de Base, over scree, through La Case, and further uphill to Plan de la Douve. Surefootedness and hiking poles will make the steep descent to L'Etivaz easier. The Hôtel du Chamois is the perfect spot to catch your breath. Next door is the Maison de l'Etivaz and its cheese ripening cellars where you can discover the secrets of the iconic L'Etivaz AOP. The PostBus stop is conveniently located in front of the cellars.