CHÂTEAU-D'ŒX-L'ETIVAZ 

In summer, when cows graze the mountain pastures, the cheese-maker himself/herself can be found making cheese over a wood fire each morning. The cheese is then aged for several months in the L'Etivaz cheese cellars, under the careful watch of the L'Etivaz AOP alpine cheese producers cooperative. This farm does not allow visitors, however it is possible to visit other alpages in the region.

This information point in the L’Étivaz visitor centre is given over entirely to the alpine economy: images, texts and maps guide you through a journey into the heart of mountain farming. The accompanying brochure has details of 15 different visits to alpine chalets in the Park, including contact details, directions and an introduction to cheese-making. The information point also has details of many other excursions and tours within the Park. Located on the premises of the Park’s partners, information points are the ideal place for visitors to familiarise themselves with the Park and everything it has to offer. These points feature interpretive panels as well as wealth of brochures, guides and leaflets in French, German and English.

Located in the Prealps, south of Château-d'Œx on the left bank of the Sarine river, La Pierreuse reserve encompasses 34 square kilometers of mid-mountain terrain. It extends from the Gummfluh mountain range to the Pic Chaussy range. La Pierreuse is listed in Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance. It is a crown example of typical subalpine terrain: rocky zones; alpine prairies with rich flora; marshes; fir, pine and spruce trees; and deciduous forests. La Pierreuse Reserve, created in 1945, is now managed by Pro Natura with a commission uniting concerned parties for nature conservation in the canton of Vaud.

Cheese and food sales. Organizes tours of cheese aging cellars. Reservations requested. Community hall rental for parties and banquets.