Château-d'Oex the French Speaking Switzerland:
The french speaking Switzerland is a tourist destination par excellence. For several centuries, the beauty of the Alps has attracted the admiration of passengers from all countries in Europe and elsewhere. As a result, the tourist tradition of western Switzerland is linked since long. The french-speaking Switzerland enjoys a priviledged geographical location, not only by the Alps, but also by its large lakes, the Jura and other assets. The climate is favorable for winter sports and also in summer tourisme.
Château-d‘Oex and the region of Pays-d‘Enhaut offer the best for most enjoyable and active holidays. There is a variety of sports to choose from in winter and in summer swimming, hiking, mountain climbing, river-rafting, paragliding, hot air ballooning, bowling, mountainbiking, skiing and cross country. The world famous hot air balloon festival takes place every year in January. Coop supermarket, local shops, bakery and groceries.
Pays-d'Enhaut and Gstaad Valley:
The Pays-d'Enhaut is located in eastern Switzerland and forms the border between french speaking Switzerland and Swiss German speaking Switzerland.
Gstaad is the region's main attraction, combining style, tradition and Swiss 'Gemütlichkeit' in a delightful way. The traffic-free centre of the village is a harmonious mix of restaurants, shops, hotels and bars. Saanen, the historical heart of the Saanenland, is one of the most beautiful chalet villages of the Bernese Oberland. The village is listed among the townscapes of Switzerland most worthy of protection. Tradition, handicrafts and a rich history lend Saanen its particular charm.
Travel Information:
Travel
Fly to Geneva then by train or approx. 2 hours car journey. Good flight deals from EasyJet, Swiss or BA into Geneva. Hertz supply ski equipped rental cars from Geneva. Possible to drive in about 7 hours from Calais. Approx. 2 1/2hours by railway Geneva-Lausanne-Montreux-Château-d'Oex (1 or 2 changes).
Distances
Gstaad: 20 mins drive, or 25 mins by train.
Interlaken or Lausanne: day trip.
Gruyère medieval village and castle: 30 mins drive.
Broc (chocolate factory): 30 mins drive.
Ski:
Gstaad-Saanenland / Pays-d'Enhaut is one of the safest and largest areas for skiing in Switzerland. The Bernese Oberland's only glacier ski area is suitable for winter sports from mid-October to early May.
In Figures
Skiing between 1000 and 3000 m above sea level
250 km of pistes
57.5 km of pistes with snow cannons
61 cableways
28 ski lifts, 10 gondola lifts, 18 chairlifts,
5 aerial cableways
Degrees of difficulty: 44% blue, 40% red, 16% black
10 ski schools
8 children's ski nurseries
4 snow parks
website link http://ski.intermaps.com/gstaad//index.swf?lang=de&Aktuell=Lifte
Other Activities:
Hot air ballooning
