The Pays-d'Enhaut
The Pays-d’Enhaut is sparsely populated, with a mix of villages and small hamlets.
Located in the Swiss Alpine foothills, at an altitude of 1,000 m, Le Pays-d’Enhaut is home to 4,600 people in three communes: Château d’Oex, Rougemont and Rossinière.
Château-d’Oex and Rougemont started out as farming villages. Their structure evolved over time as buildings and tourist facilities were built.
Château-d'Oex has maintained the same population levels thanks to the arrival of tourism at the end of the 19th century, its role as a regional hub, and the expansion of construction.
Rougemont has seen its population grow over the past 20 years, in line with the growth of Gstaad (in the commune of Saanen) as a tourism and residential centre.
Rossinière has become a sought-after destination for artists. For many years it was the home of the painter Balthus, owner of the Grand Chalet.
This region also offers a wide range of summer and winter activities.
Summer activities include water sports (rafting, canyoning, and riverboarding) and land sports (hiking, mountain biking, and via ferrata mountain climbing). The skies around this region are used year-round for paragliding and hot air balloon rides. Each winter, the valley becomes the capital of hot air balloons as more than 70 balloons take flight. The regional nature park Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut also offers a full programme of activities, including trips with a mountain guide to observe the wildlife, discover the architectural heritage of neighbouring villages, or explore local nature reserves. In the winter, you can enjoy skiing at La Braye or La Lécherette, explore the snowshoeing trails, or take a spin on the ice-skating rink in Château d'Oex. Rougemont is the starting point for the Gstaad Mountain Rides ski area, with 220 kilometres of ski runs at an altitude of 1,000 to 3,000 metres.
The region has a long tradition of farming and traditional handicrafts, including Alpine cheeses.
L’Etivaz is made during the warm season using a wood fire.
Concerts and shows are held throughout the year, including the Menuhin Festival, La Folia, Le Bois Qui Chante, and more.
The Montreux–Oberland Bernois (M.O.B.) railway operating between Montreux and Zweisimmen in the Canton of Berne serves the communes of the Pays-d'Enhaut region and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Much of the region's charm is difficult to describe in words, and too subtle to be summed up in a few sentences. But it is no exaggeration to say that the Pays-d’Enhaut region is gorgeous, with an excellent quality of life, a healthy climate, a stunning landscape, and a multitude of sports and cultural activities. Le Pays-d’Enhaut awaits you!
BARNES will welcome you in its offices in Château-d'Oex and Rougemont to show you the best properties in the area.
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The Pays-d'Enhaut
