Les Avants offers several distinct reasons to visit: a snow-dependent toboggan run, winter activities, daffodil landscapes, ceramics classes, tennis and Belle Époque history. A locality within the municipality of Montreux in the canton of Vaud, Les Avants lies above Montreux in the Vaud Pre-Alps at an altitude of around 1,000 metres and about three kilometres northeast of Lake Geneva. Les Avants is part of the Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Nature Park and lies at its southwestern tip; the park is of national importance.
Winter Activities and Getting There
The Sonloup–Les Avants toboggan run is 2.5 kilometres long. Its starting point is accessible by the Les Avants–Sonloup funicular. Built in 1910, the funicular connects two stations 500 metres apart. Funicular services may vary seasonally, while the toboggan run depends on snow conditions. Before your visit, check the timetable and snow conditions if you are planning to make this activity a key part of your trip.
Winter activities around Les Avants include hiking, snowshoeing and ski touring. The village’s history is also linked to winter sports: Les Avants had Switzerland’s first bobsleigh run, which was later converted into a toboggan run. The first LIHG European Championships were held in Les Avants from 10 to 12 January 1910.
The railway station of the Montreux–Bernese Oberland Railway on the Montreux–Lenk im Simmental line dates back to 1901. If you plan to travel by train, check the current services.
Daffodil Trails and Landscapes
The Sentier des Narcisses runs across pastures, through clearings filled with daffodils and through shady forests. The region’s tourist tradition of picking daffodils dates back to the 19th century. For visits to the daffodil meadows today, please do not trample or pick the flowers, keep dogs on a leash and stay on the paths.
A hiking route description published in 2023 describes a forest walk through hilly terrain as easy and suitable for families. Sections of the walk pass through natural clearings that serve as flight areas for black grouse, hazel grouse and woodcock. The landscape around Les Avants includes the mountains Le Folly, Le Molard, Cape au Moine, Dent de Jaman and Le Cubly, as well as the passes La Forcla, Col de Soladier and Col de Jaman. Near Les Avants, the Ruisseau de la Bergière stream flows into the Baye de Montreux.
Ceramics, Tennis and Local History
The Atelier de Céramique in Les Avants offers ceramics classes for adults and children. Classes cover clay, wheel throwing and decoration. If you would like to take part, check the current class dates before your visit.
Tennis can also be part of your travel plans: a clay tennis court with views of the Alps and Dent de Jaman can be booked by members and non-members alike. Les Avants also has a festive tradition, with events and activities throughout the year. If a particular event is to be a highlight of your stay, check the dates for your intended travel period.
Les Avants’ Belle Époque history is reflected in its preserved chalets, historic hotels and a Protestant chapel. The village’s history offers another focus alongside nature and winter activities.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Reason for Visiting
When looking for a hotel in Les Avants, you can choose your travel dates to suit your priorities: for a winter visit, snow conditions and seasonal train services are relevant; for a ceramics class, check the confirmed class date, and for an event, its date. If you are planning a walk through the daffodil meadows, include the guidance on protecting the flowers and staying on the paths. This will help you choose a stay that suits the activities you actually want to do.
Discover more destinations: Rougemont Vd, La Lécherette, Blonay, Chamby, Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, Vevey, La Tour-De-Peilz, Chardonne.
For the broader travel overview: Riviera-Pays-D'enhaut.
