Pays-d'Enhaut
The Pays-d'Enhaut is a mountain tourism region in the Swiss canton of Vaud, in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, nestled in the Vaud Alps between the Gruyère region and Gstaad. It is a rural, alpine valley centred on three emblematic villages — Château-d'Œx, Rossinière and Rougemont — with no large cities, dominated by preserved nature, high peaks and the Sarine river. The region is known for its living traditions, including the art of paper cutting, bobbin lace and wooden shingle (tavillon) craftsmanship, as well as its hot-air ballooning heritage, with Château-d'Œx considered the Swiss capital of ballooning. Rougemont, one of Switzerland's most beautiful villages, anchors the valley's historical character with its centuries-old carved chalets and Cluniac heritage. The valley is a gateway to Alpine panoramas, alps and forests, offering a calm, authentic mountain atmosphere. Château-d'Œx lies at the heart of the region as its main hub.
Summer activities
Summer in the Pays-d'Enhaut is a lively season of outdoor adventure. A vast network of marked hiking trails crosses alps, forests and Alpine panoramas, complemented by educational trails and the Pays-d'Enhaut Trail Space with routes for all levels. Cyclists can ride road, gravel, mountain or e-bikes, tackling emblematic passes such as the Col des Mosses and Col du Pillon. The Sarine river offers white-water rafting, kayaking, hydrospeed and canyoning, while the pendulum jump in the Pissot gorges and the via ferrata of the Rübli provide adrenaline. Hot-air balloon flights and paragliding reveal the valley from the sky, and the Berceau pool, mini-golf and disc golf round out family fun.
Winter activities
Winter in the Pays-d'Enhaut centres on the Rougemont–La Videmanette ski area, where a cable car climbs to over 2100 m and the longest descent of the domain stretches more than seven kilometres, with connections towards Chalberhöni and the Eggli area. Ski touring offers two classic itineraries, Les Monts-Chevreuils and the Cabane de la Sarouche, through pristine, silent landscapes. Cross-country skiing is available on prepared, marked trails in both classic and skating styles, and a free shuttle links Rougemont with the surrounding hamlets in winter.
Culture and entertainment
The Pays-d'Enhaut has a distinctive cultural life rooted in living mountain traditions. Château-d'Œx is home to the Musée du Pays-d'Enhaut and the Swiss Centre for Paper Cutting, celebrating the region's emblematic art of découpage, alongside bobbin lace and wooden shingle craftsmanship. The Espace Ballon museum traces the history of hot-air ballooning, from the Montgolfier brothers to the Piccard round-the-world flight. Rossinière is marked by the painter Balthus, whose Grand Chalet, chapel and summer studio can be visited, and hosts open-air art walks such as the summer 'Royaume des Chats'. Rougemont's heritage, including its Cluniac church and carved chalets, anchors the valley's historical character, while exhibitions, craft workshops and the International Balloon Festival animate the cultural calendar.
