L'etivaz: Alpine Cheese, Mountain Pastures and Village History

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Cheese, crafts and visitor experiences

Depending on the season, three to four stages of maturation of L’Etivaz AOP can be tasted at the Maison de L’Etivaz. Several stages of maturation of L’Etivaz AOP and L’Etivaz à Rebibes AOP are also offered there, together with regional products such as herbal teas, sausages and pastry specialities. The Maison de L’Etivaz offers an introductory film and a guided tour of the maturation cellars. The programme also includes the “Secrets of taste” experience with a film, guided tour and tasting, as well as a guided immersion with tasting. The visitor programme of L’Etivaz AOP includes a film and cheese production in virtual reality. Les Arpilles in L’Etivaz offers demonstrations of L’Etivaz AOP production and enables overnight stays in hay by reservation. Visits to the maturation cellars of L’Etivaz AOP are possible by reservation.

Landscape and architectural heritage

More than 237 botanical species have been recorded on the high pastures associated with L’Etivaz. The alpine pastures form a landscape shaped by generations of mountain farmers; alpine cheese chalets and dry-stone walls bear witness to a rich architectural heritage. L’Etivaz also possesses remarkable historical and architectural qualities associated with traditional wooden farmhouses built on rubble-stone foundations.

History and festivals

The construction of L’Etivaz’s cheese cellars marked the first step towards founding the cooperative in 1934; it was officially inaugurated on 24 May 1935. The Four à pain des Pérolles in L’Etivaz is protected as a historic monument; the protection applies to the entire property and has been in force since 17 April 1974.

The church of L’Etivaz was built in 1943, and its interior is almost entirely made of wood. The solid walls and the chancel window appear to date back to a first chapel mentioned at the end of the 15th century. The Désalpe of L’Etivaz is one of the emblematic annual Désalpes celebrated in the Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Nature Park. It includes a traditional market for regional products, visits to the cheese cellars and organised demonstrations of cheese production.

Trails and getting there

The Via L’Etivaz AOP begins in L’Etivaz or Rougemont. Its L’Etivaz–Les Moulins section offers views of the Pissot gorges below. The Boucle de L’Etivaz village loop is a 2.4-kilometre walking trail and is considered suitable for families. Around 15 alpine huts can be visited in the L’Etivaz area.

To reach the Maison de L’Etivaz by public transport, take the bus from the MOB railway station in Château-d’Oex towards Col-des-Mosses to the “L’Etivaz, ancienne poste” stop; it is then a two-minute walk.

Other destinations: La Lécherette, Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Rossinière, Vevey, Jongny, Rougemont Vd, Chardonne, Veytaux.

To the main travel overview: Riviera-Pays-D'enhaut.