IN THE HEART OF NATURE

Exceptional biotopes, high and low marshes, alluvial zones, meadows and dry pastures offer preserved spaces for a rich and varied fauna and flora. Not forgetting the Pro Natura reserves of Vanil Noir (between Charmey and Grandvillard) and Pierreuse (south of Château-d'OEx).

AN EXCEPTIONAL HERITAGE

The Park has inherited a formidable alpine heritage, including numerous alpine chalets, villages and hamlets and religious buildings. The town and castle of Gruyères, the Grand Chalet in Rossinière, the Maison du Banneret in Grandvillard, Chillon Castle, the Cluniac site at Rougemont and the Chartreuse monastery at La Valsainte are all outstanding examples.

A CHEESE-MAKING CIVILISATION

Heir to 1,000 years of peasant occupation, the Park bears witness to the pastoral and cheese-making economy that continues today with three PDO cheeses (Le Gruyère, L'Etivaz and Vacherin Fribourgeois), as well as numerous local specialities.

A TOURIST DESTINATION

With the development of public transport at the end of the 19th century, tourism began to take hold, first in the summer in search of idyllic pastoral civilisation, then in the winter with skiing.

TO DISCOVER NEARBY

CHÂTEAU-D'OEX: LE RAMACLÉ

The protected alluvial zone of the Ramaclé, between Les Granges and La Chaudanne, is the guarantor of the natural dynamics of the Sarine. This encourages the conservation of endangered species such as the common sandpiper. There is a footpath accessible to all.

THE GRAND CHALET DE ROSSINIÈRE

The Grand Chalet (1754) was built for two families. The painter Balthus bought it in 1977 and lived and worked there until the end of his life in 2001. Although Le Grand Chalet is not open to visitors, the Chapelle Balthus is open every day.

THE ETIVAZ CELLARS

All L'Etivaz PDO mountain cheese is matured in the L'Etivaz cellars. Part of this production is aged in the attic of L'Etivaz, then marketed in the form of rolls, cubes or grated under the name L'Etivaz à rebibes PDO.

THE FACADES OF ROUGEMONT

Rougemont has a large number of painted or engraved facades. The date of construction appears at the top of the façade, often preceded by a biblical text. This is followed by the names of the owner and the carpenter, all richly decorated.

More information on the Park's website.