
Travel diary
Published on 17.10.2026

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As the forests turn vibrant shades of autumn and the air grows cooler, autumn also arrives on the menus in Les Diablerets. Saddle of roe deer, slow-cooked game stew, spätzli and seasonal accompaniments: restaurants in the village and surrounding area celebrate the return of game season in their own way. Why not make the most of this time of year by combining a mountain walk with delicious food?
Before sitting down to eat, why not enjoy a breath of fresh mountain air? Autumn in Les Diablerets puts on a particularly beautiful display, with golden forests, peaceful alpine pastures and mountain peaks silhouetted against the sky.
Starting from the village, the “Au fil de l'eau” trail follows the River Dar towards its waterfall. Along the way, the colours of autumn blend with the gentle murmur of the river. A lovely way to discover the Ormonts Valley in a different light.
Another must-see is Lake Retaud, nestled among the mountains above the Col du Pillon. On calm days, the peaks are reflected on the surface of the water, creating an idyllic setting for an autumn stroll.
From the Col du Pillon, it takes around 30 minutes on foot to reach the lake. You can also drive there, as the road only closes when the snow arrives.
For those wishing to extend their walk, the landscapes of Isenau offer the chance to venture a little higher, provided you choose a route suited to the weather and trail conditions.

The sublime reflection of the Diablerets massif on the shores of lac Retaud © MatthiasLehmann
After your walk, it's time to enjoy some culinary delights! High above Les Diablerets, the Auberge du Lac Retaud enjoys a wonderful location, with a terrace overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains.
When game season arrives, the great classics of game cuisine naturally take their place on the menu. Saddle of roe deer with autumnal accompaniments is a fine example of the restaurant's generous cooking, enjoyed in a setting where the scenery almost becomes part of the meal.
The perfect place for an escape combining nature, tranquillity and gastronomy.
Roasted saddle of venison with morel sauce © Camille Hue
You don't need to head into the mountains to enjoy the flavours of autumn! In the heart of Les Diablerets, several restaurants put their own stamp on game dishes, from traditional recipes to more original creations.

The village of Les Diablerets and its beautiful autumn colours © MatthiasLehmann
Combining seasonal produce with contemporary influences, La Potinière takes a more creative approach to autumn flavours.
The restaurant stands out for its enthusiasm for reinventing the classics and introducing diners to delicious flavour combinations. A great choice for anyone who enjoys game dishes with a more adventurous twist.

Hunt plates at La Potinière, elegant and colourful © La Potinière
Near Les Diablerets railway station, Chez Lacroix serves traditional cuisine that puts local specialities in the spotlight.
Among the restaurant's signature dishes is the “Chaudron du braconnier”, a fondue bourguignonne made with venison fillet, offering an original alternative to traditional game dishes.
A lovely way to savour the flavours of autumn in a convivial setting, with a dish made for sharing.
For a more laid-back take on game dishes, head to La Belle Descente in the centre of the village.
In a lively atmosphere, the restaurant focuses on local and seasonal cuisine, including an option that offers something different from traditional recipes: a pulled venison burger, served with a pepper and lingonberry sauce.
A delicious and original way to discover game, while still enjoying the flavours that make autumn so special.

The pulled deer burger with its delicious pepper and cranberry sauce © La Belle Descente
Looking for a traditional mountain atmosphere? La Chotte restaurant, at the Hôtel Les Lilas, welcomes guests into a cosy setting, where wooden interiors and chalet charm make you want to linger.
The restaurant has long been appreciated for its generous portions and seasonal cuisine. An ideal setting for enjoying an autumn meal after a day spent in the fresh mountain air.
From a walk along the River Dar to the reflections on Lake Retaud and the specialities served in the village restaurants, Les Diablerets offers countless ways to enjoy autumn.
Whether you prefer saddle of roe deer with traditional accompaniments, a reinvented classic or a dish to share, game season is a wonderful opportunity to discover the restaurants of the Ormonts Valley.
As menus and the periods during which game dishes are served may change throughout the season, we recommend checking each restaurant's menu before your visit.
And if you'd like to continue your culinary adventure beyond Les Diablerets, take a look at our selection of restaurants serving game in the Alpes Vaudoises.

Our favourite places to savour autumn

Restaurants & autumn specialities in Villars

A sporting and gourmet challenge for mountain biking enthusiasts in Les Diablerets