L'Etivaz brings together the history of an alpine cheese, a landscape shaped by mountain farmers and distinctive buildings. The village is considered the birthplace of L’Etivaz AOP, an alpine cheese traditionally made over a wood fire. The mountain pastures associated with L’Etivaz AOP lie at elevations of between 1,000 and 2,000 metres. More than 237 botanical species have been recorded there. Alpine cheese chalets and stone walls bear witness to a built heritage that has evolved over generations alongside mountain farming.

Cheese-making, maturing and tasting

Those interested in how the cheese is made can choose from several ways to find out more. The L’Etivaz AOP visitor programme includes a film and a virtual reality experience about cheese-making. Les Arpilles in L’Etivaz offers cheese-making demonstrations; dates may vary from year to year. At the Maison de L’Etivaz, the programme includes an introductory film and a guided tour of the maturing cellars. Cellar visits are available by reservation.

The season also plays a part in tasting: depending on the season, visitors can sample three to four stages of L’Etivaz AOP maturation at the Maison de L’Etivaz. The range also includes L’Etivaz à Rebibes AOP and regional products such as herbal teas, sausages and baked specialities. For those who want to discover cheese as more than a finished product, these offerings provide different perspectives on its production, maturation and flavour.

Mountain pastures and trails

The landscape is more than just a backdrop to the cheese-making tradition: generations of mountain farmers have shaped the mountain pastures. Around 15 alpine huts in the L’Etivaz area can be visited. The large number of recorded botanical species also gives an indication of the diversity of the high-altitude pastures associated with L’Etivaz.

For a walk in the village area, there is the Boucle de l’Etivaz, a 2.4-kilometre loop described as suitable for families. Another option is the Via L’Etivaz AOP, which starts in L’Etivaz or Rougemont. On its section between L’Etivaz and Les Moulins, it offers views of the Pissot gorges below. The village loop and this section of the Via offer different highlights: the former is described as a walking route, while the latter is notable for its views of the gorges.

Farmhouses, church and monument

Among L’Etivaz’s notable historical and architectural features are traditional wooden farmhouses built on rubble-stone foundations. The church is another point of reference in the village’s history: it was built in 1943, and its interior is almost entirely made of wood. Its solid walls and chancel window appear to date back to an earlier chapel, mentioned at the end of the 15th century.

The Four à pain des Pérolles is protected as a historic monument. The protection covers the entire structure and has been in force since 17 April 1974. Along with the farmhouses and church, the monument offers another way to explore the village’s built history.

Désalpe and accommodation

The Désalpe of L’Etivaz is one of the emblematic annual Désalpes celebrated in the Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Nature Park area. The programme includes a traditional market for regional products, visits to the cheese cellars and cheese-making demonstrations. Programme details may vary, so check the dates and what is on offer before your trip.

Les Arpilles offers overnight stays in hay by reservation. This option can be included as a distinct accommodation experience in your plans. Whether your visit is focused mainly on cheese culture, trails or architecture, L’Etivaz offers a range of clearly defined themes.

Discover more destinations: Chamby, Jongny, Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, La Lécherette, Chardonne, La Tour-De-Peilz, Montreux, Chardonne VD.

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