In Gryon, the locals don’t just call themselves ‘Gryonnais’

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Published on 08.04.2026

In Gryon, the locals don’t just call themselves ‘Gryonnais’

Content

A name that makes you smile… or react

Tâtchi: A nickname that says it all

A heritage that lives on

The final word

A name that makes you smile… or react

If you head up to Gryon and, full of confidence, greet the locals with an enthusiastic “Hello, dear Gryonnais!”, you might expect a wry smile, or even a few indignant brows furrowing into frown lines. Admittedly, dictionaries and the official records of the Vaud authorities do recognise the term. But in Gryon, there is another word, deeply rooted in the village’s identity: the Tâtchis.

Tâtchi: A nickname that says it all

The nickname ‘Lè Tatchi’ (or Tâtchi) is the true name given to the inhabitants of Gryon. This dialect term originally referred to a goatskin rucksack. It harks back to a time when life in Gryon was marked by physical labour and the transport of goods on the backs of men along the steep paths leading to the mountain pastures or neighbouring villages. To be a Tâtchi is to carry within oneself the legacy of this mountain endurance.

The coat of arms of Gryon carved from a block of sandstone © C.Parisod

A heritage that lives on

Today, ‘Gryonnais’ has become the more common term in everyday use, but the nickname ‘Tâtchi’ remains a powerful symbol of pride and village identity. It is very much alive, passed down and cherished. Indeed, it is often mentioned in naturalisation questionnaires or local council publications as an essential part of the local cultural heritage. It is a way of reminding us that behind the official name lies a spirit shaped by the mountains.

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More local produce in Gryon

To further explore Gryon’s heritage, La Maison du Terroir offers a chance to immerse yourself in local history and traditions. With its regional produce, crafts and local expertise, it embodies that precious link between memory, identity and village life.

Discover La Maison du Terroirarrow_forward

The final word

In short, if you call a resident of Gryon a ‘Gryonnais’, you’ll be correct from an administrative point of view. But if you call them a Tâtchi, you’ll be showing that you know a little about the deep-rooted history of their land and the respect due to their ancestors who carried bags.