Fond de Ville and Taveyanne: two sides of local history
In the village center of Gryon, Fond de Ville, you’ll find the church, a lime tree and a fountain, as well as the enclosure of the former cemetery. The current church probably dates from the first third of the 16th century. The village is characterized by chalets with intricate carvings. The Chemin de Juste Olivier is an educational trail in the heart of Gryon. It introduces visitors to the area’s historical heritage and the legacy of the poet Juste Olivier. The official guide is available from the tourist office or the municipal building. If you’re planning to use it during your visit, it’s best to check its availability in advance.
Taveyanne offers a different historical perspective: the hamlet is classified as a historic monument, lies within a nature reserve and is listed in the Swiss Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance. The log houses and shingle roofs visible today were rebuilt between 1720 and 1830. Taveyanne still has no electricity. The Mi-été festival also has its roots here: historically, the shepherds’ festival included weighing and measuring milk production and distributing butter and cheese among the cattle owners. If you’d like to plan a trip around the festival, check the current event dates. In the warmer months, Taveyanne can also be visited as a stopping point on a hike or bike ride.
Winter activities and outdoor pursuits
The Patinoire de Gryon is a free outdoor ice rink on Place Barboleuse. Its ice surface measures 320 square meters, and skate rentals and curling are available on site. Activities and entertainment are offered throughout the winter season, though the program may change. Check the latest operating information before visiting.
In Frience, the recreation center is situated on a south-facing panoramic plateau and offers leisure activities throughout the year. The cross-country ski trail, about one kilometer long, runs around the lake and across the plateau. It is groomed for both classic and skating styles. Snow play areas for children at Les Chaux and in Frience are intended for young skiers. The interconnected Villars, Gryon and Les Diablerets ski area includes more than 130 kilometers of slopes—a figure for the entire area, not Gryon alone.
Family-friendly activities and mountain bike trails
Gryon Parc offers a variety of activities: a miniature railway, a course with electric miniature cars and an 18-hole mini-golf course with oversized lanes. There’s also a playground with slides, swings and a zip line. The Sky-Dive course is more than 50 meters long and includes a seat suspended from a cable 15 meters above the ground. This variety lets you choose activities to suit your interests, rather than limiting yourself to just one type.
The Bike Park de Gryon has six mountain bike trails with blue, red and black difficulty ratings, as well as wooden and dirt features. It is designed for different ability levels, from beginners to experienced riders. If you have a particular route in mind, check the latest information in advance, as trail layouts may change over time.
Cheese, regional specialties and getting there
The Alpage des Chaux above Gryon offers panoramic views. In summer, you can watch cheese being made there every day; Tommes, cheeses and other homemade alpine specialties are also sold on site. The Maison du Terroir offers specialties from the Vaud Alps, as well as the Vaud and Valais Chablais. It also provides opportunities to meet artisans and producers. Alongside seasonal activities and village history, regional products and encounters with local craftspeople offer further ideas for planning your trip.
Gryon can be reached from Bex on the BVB train. From Aigle station, one connection goes first by TPC bus to Villars and then by BVB train to Gryon. Check current timetables if you’re planning to travel using these connections. The gondola ride from Barboleuse to Les Chaux takes 11 minutes. The railway provides access to the Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets ski area, hiking trail starting points and a mountain terrace. As access and operations may vary by season, it’s worth checking the latest information before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Villeneuve Vd, Ormont-Dessus, Ormont-Dessous, Bex, Les Mosses, Yvorne, Ollon Vd, Leysin
For the broader travel overview: Aigle.
