Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Fribourg Trail-marking Crosses
An important group of crosses marking missions (spiritual retreat destinations and pilgrimages) and summits is located in Gruyère. Throughout the region, all villages and their surroundings are dotted with crosses, despite the fact the fact that in recent years the tendency has been toward suppression. These crosses, generally in wood or forged iron, are symbols of popular devotion. They represent an ancestral attachment to faith and stand as beacons of christianity on the landscape.
Historical building
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Fromagerie de Jaun
Every year, the Jaun cheese dairy transforms almost 2.3 million kilos of milk, all sourced from local farms in Jaun, Im Fang and Ablänschen, into an extensive range of products. Behind this impressive feat are Jean-Jacques Clément and his dedicated team of dairy workers, apprentices and shop staff.
Jean-Jacques Clément is passionate about his job. The number of visitors to his cheese dairy, which is located on the road that leads to the Jaunpass, is proof of the quality of his products. The secret of the cheese dairy's success – which the master cheesemaker frequently shares – is that everything here is made with love. The dairy's shop window is full of fabulous food, including several cheeses and dairy products with the Swiss Parks label. As required by the product specifications, the cheese dairy uses only milk from Jaun and Im Fang to make its Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP and Gruyère AOP. Jaco, as Clément is affectionately known, also produces traditionally churned farmhouse butter,
Producer
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Fromagerie de Montbovon
The Delacombaz family, artisanal cheese-makers, run both the cheese factory and Montbovon grocery store which features local dairy products. Our cheese operation works with about 1 million kilos of milk from 9 community dairy farmers per year. This milk is transformed into Guyère AOP ; Vacherin fribourgeois AOP ; Raclette Montbovon ; Pré Fleury ; Manguyon ; house yogurts ; butter ; fondue mixes, house, moitié-moitié and Vacherin Fribourgeois ; Gruyère double cream and sérac (whey cheese).
Our store features all our products as well as an array of specialty products made in the Regional Nature Park and other regions. You will also find an assortment of wines, drinks, baked goods, meats, and other groceries.
Our cheeses and dairy products are labelled "Product of the Park" and are certified "Swiss Guarantee."
Producer
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Fromagerie Fleurette Sàrl
In 1988, Michel Béroud and his wife Hélène took over the running of the Fleurette cheese dairy and, with it, the production of its signature product, the Tomme Fleurette. This soft rind cheese cemented its fine reputation when it was named best bloomy-rind soft cheese at the 2001 Swiss Cheese Awards.
Even after 20 years and a host of awards, the master cheesemaker is as committed and passionate as ever to creating new specialities which celebrate all that the region has to offer. They include La Dzorette which is dusted with cut fir tree needles during the ripening process, Fromage des Forts, and K-Ré, a soft cheese with a Marc du Dézaley-washed rind. All of these can be bought directly from the cheese dairy.
To ensure the consistent quality of his products, Michel Beroud can count on twenty or so local farmer-suppliers from Rougemont. The delicate scent of wild flowers in the milk from their grass-fed cows lends the Fleurette cheese dairy products their unique and unmistakable taste.
Producer
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Funiculaire Les Avants-Sonloup
On July 8th, 1910 the idea for the funicular was born. Working at a frantic pace, civil workers completed the funicular in just 5 months. The track runs for 531 meters at an impressive slope of 54.5%. To make all this possible three works of art were constructed: a brick viaduct with eleven arches, two steel bridges to cross the Sonloup road, and a small culvert arch over the bobsled run. From the beginning, electric traction was chosen for the funicular and on December 14th, 1910, the first passengers took their seats in the 50 person capacity cars. With an hourly capacity of 500 people in each direction, the red funicular soon became an integral part of life in Les Avants. Renovated in 2012, the funicular is now an iconic symbol for the entire region.
Living tradition
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Gastlosen Tour
Vertical north faces and sculpted south-facing slopes
Hiking trail
Time required: 4 hoursLength: 10.90km
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Grand Hôtel des Avants « Le Châtelard »
Built by Jean-Louis Dufour between 1873 and 1874 in Les Avants, the Grand Hôtel opened its doors to clients in 1877. Several famous guests have been known to stay here, notably Ernest Hemingway, who references Les Avants in his book Farewell to Arms. The 1930s economic crisis, forced the hotel to close its doors in 1936.
In about 1927, Dorothy Braginton opened a boarding school for young girls in Montreux, close to Chatelard Castle. She called it the Ecole du Chatelard. Soon the building was too small for growing student population. So when the Grand Hotel des Avants closed, the girls moved in.
Oak International bought the building in 1992 and founded "Le Chatelard Academy", a girls boarding school where students from around the world study human values and French.
Historical building
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Grand Tour des Vanils
The Grand Tour des Vanils is divided into 11 stages around the Park. The tour can be done in its entirety, in stages or by combining them over several days.
Hiking trail
Time required: 70 hoursLength: 158.00km
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Grandvillard
Located on the right bank of the Sarine, a strong pastoral economy and highly developed cheese market contributed to the wealth of Grandvillard. The result is a strongly urbanized village of narrow streets, with many opulent-looking buildings, stone facades, and late gothic style window frames. Follow the marked walking path, to explore this remarkable group of historic homes and farms of national interest ( such as the exquisite 1666 Bannaret home) .
Well known in the region, Bounavaux cabin is a popular spot amongst nature lovers. Located at the west entrance of the Vanil-Noir Nature Reserve, it allows for easy access to the pre-alps and majestic beauty of the reserve. Managed by Pro Natura, the reserve is home to many interesting geologic elements, botanical wonders and diverse mountain fauna.
Site
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Grandvillard - Lessoc
The trail leads out of Grandvillard , then over the stream of Les Marais to below the waterfall and to the grotto, which is a place of Gruyère pilgrimage . In the village centre there is a well with its imposing cupola.
Theme trailHiking trailOther routes
Time required: 1 hour 15 minutesLength: 4.20km
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Grandvillard cheese dairy
The architecture of Grandvillard, which dates predominately from the 17th to 19th century, bears witness to the major contribution that cheesemaking made to the local alpine economy. Today, this remarkable stone and timber architectural ensemble is now classified as a heritage site of national importance. It is also the last remaining vestige of a now-extinct alpine civilisation that owed its existence to the production and sale of cheese.
The village, however, continues to uphold this age-old tradition. The current dairy was built in the 1930s and has since undergone renovation work, first in 2001 and later in 2010. Master cheesemaker Laurent Python uses milk from cows which graze on pastures perched at an altitude of between 750 and 1,500 metres to make his Gruyère AOP. The village’s 12 dairy farmers deliver a daily supply of milk that meets the most exacting quality standards. The annual milk yield of 1,800,000 kg is transformed into some 4,500 wheels of Gruyère AOP, as well as double cream and sérac (whey cheese). Laurent Python also makes Vacherin fribourgeois AOP; it took gold at the 2018 Swiss Cheese Award.
As well as cheesemaking facilities and ripening cellars, Grandvillard boasts a cheese shop and restaurant, le Pic Vert.
Producer
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Gros Mont - Abländschen
Open
From one side of the Gastlosen to the other, via the Col du Loup
Hiking trail
Time required: 4 hours 20 minutesLength: 10.70km
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Gros Mont - Mittelberg
Open
Via Col du Loup and Grubenberghütte
Hiking trail
Time required: 4 hours 20 minutesLength: 10.80km
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Gros Mont – Château-d’Œx
Open
From Gros Mont to Pays-d'Enhaut
Hiking trail
Time required: 5 hours 20 minutesLength: 16.60km
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Gros-Plan Home
Also called the Pettolaz home for François Pettolaz its owner from 1731-1806. François Pettolaz was one of the most important cheese merchants of his time. In 1787, the home was adopted into the Fribourg patrimony.
Historical building
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Gruyères
The history of the town of Gruyères is intimately tied to that of the family of counts of the same name. Mentioned for the first time in the 12th century, they distinguish themselves by their title (very few held this title amongst the counts of Savoie) and by their chronic money troubles which brought bankruptcy in 1555.
Paradoxically, the poverty of this area is what preserved it through the centuries. The different landlords did not have disposal income to modernize their buildings. The first homes were built inside the castle walls, and the village then spread along one main street.
Site
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Gruyères - Estavannens
The trail leads from the little town of Gruyère past the Maison du Gruyère and then further in the direction of the Saane valley. Then it ascends again between forest and meadows to the village of Estavannens.
Theme trailHiking trailOther routes
Time required: 1 hour 45 minutesLength: 6.30km
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Gruyères Castle
Nesting in the Fribourg Pre-alps, the medieval city of Gruyères is the ideal jump off point for hikers. The castle dominates a green hill at the foot of the Moléson and at the junction of the Jogne and Intyamon Valleys. Its walls swim in legends, its garden and its rich collections bare witness to a life and culture that has continuously inhabited the region for the last eight centuries. Continuing its tradition as an artistic crossroads, the castle plays host to art exhibits and big cultural meetings at the heart of a grandiose natural panorama.
Culture experience
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Gruyères – Neirivue
The trail leads from the little town of Gruyère past the Maison du Gruyère and then further in the direction of the Saane valley. Then it ascends again over meadows to the village of Neirivue.
Theme trailHiking trailOther routes
Time required: 3 hoursLength: 10.00km
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Hamlet of Allières
Allières with its inn (former cabaret), is located on the Jaman Pass mule trail.
Site
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Hamlet of la Tine
Several groupings of homes along the old path linking the Pays-d’Enhaut to the Intyamon Valley via the La Petite Chia pass. The La Tine Bridge was built in 1785. Its two archs span the Sarine, connecting the hamlets to the le chemin royal ("royal path") that Their Excellencies of Bern commissioned in 1748. Today, the hamlet is located along the main artery of the valley.
Site
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Herbolanne
The philosophy of Herbolanne (the patois word for medicinal plants, flowers, leaves and roots) can be summed up in three words: artisan, local and natural. This small family-run business, based between Rossinière and the hamlet of La Tine, produces essential waters and oils of the highest quality. All Herbolanne products are crafted from carefully selected alpine plants and are 100% additive- and preservative-free.
The Herbolanne adventure began with Georgette Dutoit’s passion for plants. After several aromatherapy courses, the former nurse decided to acquire a still and immediately set to work distilling her own essential waters and oils. All Herbolanne products are made from organically certified plants grown by Georgette or locally foraged natural ingredients.
Herbolanne essential waters and oils can be bought in several Park shops and farmers’ markets (www.herbolanne.ch). Alternatively, you can place an order for these products and bespoke preparations by telephone or on the
Producer
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Hôtel Cailler
The perfect place for a wellness break in the Fribourg Pre-Alps.
Hotel
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Hôtel de Commune de Rougemont
This boutique hotel in the heart of Rougemont, 5 minutes from the train station, welcomes you in a rustic yet modern setting.
Hotel
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Hôtel de Gruyères
At the foot of the Pre-alps, the city of Gruyères seduces visitors with its charm and picturesque architecture. The region and its savory cheese were named after the city. Discover this gem, preserved throughout the ages, in sumptuous surroundings. Our hotel is easy to access and has a fantastic view of the medieval city and the Moleson. We are open everyday, year-round. Vacation and relaxation destination "par excellence," the Gruyere regions offers numerous sport and cultural excursions, such as magnificent hiking tours in the plains or mountains. The Hôtel de Gruyères is also located near Moléson, Charmey, Château-d'Œx and Gstaad ski resorts.
Hotel
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Hotel de la Croix de Fer
Sleep in straw, guest rooms and restaurant
Agrotourism
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Hôtel de la Gare
Discover the region of Gruyère, just 40 minutes from Montreux, between the city of Gruyères and Château-d'Œx. Rooms for one to three people, with shared or private bathroom. Free parking and wi-fi. Meals à la carte or half-board by reservation only.
A section of the house can also be rented for groups of 12 or more people. Minimum 4 days.
Hotel
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Hôtel de Ville - Rossinière
Discover the town hall of Rossinière, entirely renovated in 2009, this hotel now offers the possibility to stay in peace.
Hotel
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Hôtel de Ville Château-d'Oex
This friendly Hôtel de Ville is located in the center of a beautiful village in Château-d'Oex and only 3 minutes away from the train station. The rooms are fresh and clean with white and beige linen, confortable beds and ensuite bathrooms, equipped with a bath or shower. Visit our restaurant Le Bistrot or a nice relaxing glass of wine at the Caribou Bar Lounge, next to the hotel. This village is the ideal place to spend a few days, relax and get a real taste of switzerland.
Hotel
Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut
Hôtel du Chamois l'Etivaz
Looking for a cosy, authentic hotel for your next trip to the region? The Hôtel du Chamois has it all. Located on the Via Alpina route, this hotel is all about tradition, family atmosphere and character!
Hotel
