An autumn day from a heritage perspective in Gryon

Gryon holds historical secrets in its heart, ready to be shared. Indeed, the village has preserved architecture typical of the region and passionately maintains its old-world charm. This autumn, we unveil the little wonders of the resort: its charming nooks, its village grocery stores, and the places where people love to gather.

Taveyanne and its shingled chalets: a witness to a still very present heritage!

Listed as a historical monument since 1970, the hamlet of Taveyanne is located in the heart of a nature reserve, on the heights of Gryon, hidden from view. Its chalets with their tightly packed shingle roofs were mostly rebuilt between 1720 and 1830, following the terrible fire of 1719. 

The beauty of the place is captivating, and it seems as though time has stood still there. In fact, Taveyanne still lives without electricity, testifying to its desire to maintain its picturesque character. It's hard to imagine that in just a few weeks, the log chalets will once again be covered with a thick blanket of snow…

The "Mi-été”,  a pastoral festival that dates back a very long time, takes place every year in the middle of the summer grazing season.

Tips: 

To get to Taveyanne, there are two options. Our favorite? By taking the Barboleuse chairlift, open until October 26th, then continuing with a short, easy hike to this magnificent green haven! On the way back, take a break on the panoramic terrace at Gipsy's.

The more athletic can also reach the hamlet of Taveyanne by taking the mountain bike trail "Au pays des petits diables" or the hiking trail "Barboleuse via Les Raies – Taveyanne – Les Chaux".

An invitation to stroll through the historical heritage of the old village of Gryon

The narrow streets of the historic village of Gryon have inspired a great number of artists and writers. Most of the novels by Marc Voltenauer, a renowned Swiss writer, are set in this picturesque village and are fascinatingly realistic. The beauty of the landscapes, especially the "Fond de Ville" which faces the majestic Muverans, adds a mystical character to the place.

The poet Juste Olivier (1807-1876) was very attached to Gryon, spending many holiday stays in Gryon and Cergnement. He even became the owner of a chalet in Fond de Ville in 1869. Very involved in village life, he notably composed the famous "Mi-été" song in Taveyanne. 

In his honor, the Juste Olivier path winds through Gryon and passes through its historic center (the Romanesque temple, Juste Olivier's chalet, as well as the College district). All along the route, you can discover numerous anecdotes about the area, as well as its ancestral chalets, one of the oldest of which dates back to 1662.

The benches are a true invitation to contemplate the surrounding mountains. Refreshing fountains dot this easy and accessible path for everyone! 

The village is full of points of interest and invites you to wander at your own pace, in search of these little-known gems! While stopping for a coffee at Café Pomme, Buffet de la Gare, or Café des Alpes, do not miss the Maison du Terroir under any circumstances! It's a local craft shop that has successfully carried on the know-how of the village's former artisans. 

Not far from there, lovers of local products will find what they are looking for at the typical Gryon Dairy. There you will find a large selection of alpine cheeses, local delicacies, as well as bulk groceries.

Traditions are also found on your plate!

Autumn is the time of year when it feels good to (re)discover mountain specialties or fine seasonal dishes. Gryon also charms with its mountain restaurants: traditional architecture for the setting, cheese specialties, and game dishes for food lovers. Themed trails, easy hikes, and panoramic views will punctuate your delicious gourmet getaways…

As you've understood, Gryon and its cultural heritage eagerly await you for your next cultural outings in Switzerland, in the canton of Vaud!