Overview

The Alpes Vaudoises, also known as the Vaud Alpes, is set on the north side of the Bernese Alps in southwest Switzerland.

The Vaud Alpes is divided into three areas: Leysin, Col Les Mosses, and Aigle; Chateau-d'Oex, Rougment, Rossiniere, and L'Evitaz; and Les Diablerets, Villars, Gryon, and Bex.

Leysin village (1264m) in the Lake Geneva Alps possesses one of the three revolving restaurants in Switzerland: Kuklose (2048m) on the top of La Berneuse. A unique 360-degree panorama of the Eiger, Mont-Blanc, Matterhorn, and Dents du Midi. Here you'll also find a toboganning park with eight tracks and two sports centres with a swimming pool, skating rink, tennis, squash, climbing wall, and fitness room.

In the summer months, the village of Les Mosses is perhaps best known for its popular second-hand market with its 50 stalls every Sunday. Climbers flock to Pic Chaussy (2351m) which overlooks Lake Lioson.

Aigle town is surrounded by vineyards. On entering the town, the striking medieval castle, now a museum of wine, dominates the landscape. The Aigle vineyard produces red and white wines, particularly Pinot, Gamay, and Chasselas. Next to the vineyards, the Aigle forest is home to an adventure park with suspended footbridges 15 metres above ground. A more relaxing option is the 18-hole Montreux Golf Club.

Chateau-d'Oex is a traditional village surrounded by lush countryside. In the winter it is perhaps best known for hosting the International Balloon Festival, while summer months are popular for the countless walking trails in the Natural Reserve of La Pierreuse. Here you'll find everything from strolls in pasturelands to trekking along high peaks. Taste local cheese in the mountain chalets and visit the Museum of hte Old Pays-d'Enhaut which houses a collection of traditional cut-outs. Further activities include an open-air pool, climbing, a zip-wire, mountain biking, and river sports.

Rougemont has a Romanesque church founded by Cluny monks in the 11th century. The village is characterised by large wooden chalets decorated with old paintings and surrounded by fir forests. A variety of activities are available: hiking, didactive walking, rafting and river sports, mountain biking, swimming, tennis, archery, and more.

Rossiniere is best known for its Grand Chalet, dating back to 1756, where the painter Balthus used to live and consists of chalets with carved facades. The surrounding Mont-Dessus alpine pastures have recently become home to organically grown plants for aromatic and medicinal herbs.

Les Diablerets (1200m) is unique for its glacier at an altitude of 3000 metres. This year-round resort offers 125 kilometres of ski trails in the winter and countless opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and Noridc walking in the summer. The Alpine Coaster sled on rails tears down the mountain at over 40 m/h. Summer visitors staying the night receive a free Access Card for free use of public transport and ski lifts.

Villars is particularly popular with families and has been awarded the "Families Welcome" label. In summer, golfers can enjoy views of the Mont-Blanc from the 18-hole golf course (1600m). There is also 300 kilometres of marked hiking trails. From June to Cotober, the Free Access Card covers all transport as well as countless sport, leisure and cultural activities.

The traditional village of Gryon (1114m) is surrounded by Alpine summits and rich pastureland. Visit the ancient chalets of the old village, toast raclette over a wood fire, and discover the historic hamlet of Taveyanne. The village of Bex is known for its vineyards, salt mines, the Alpine botanical garden, and countless hikes.