Roche Vd offers two distinct highlights for a stay: hikes with named stages and elevations, and the history and technology of the organ at the Musée Suisse de l’Orgue. Approximate hiking times, route destinations and the museum’s seasonal visiting conditions can help with planning. This makes it easier to decide whether to focus your stay on a hike or a museum visit.
Compare hiking routes by duration and destination
The Roche–Joux-Verte–Grand Ayerne hike starts at Pont de la Bâtie in Roche and continues to Grand Ayerne, at an elevation of 1,490 metres. It is estimated to take about five hours. A difficult variant branches off at Tête-Ronde towards Plan Girard. The Roche–Plan Girard–Les Agites hike is estimated to take about three and a half hours. It starts at Route de la Planchette in Roche and ends at Route des Agites, at an elevation of 1,500 metres. These approximate times and different destinations make it possible to compare the two routes.
The Roche–Corbeyrier hike runs from Route de la Planchette in Roche to Corbeyrier, at an elevation of 920 metres. The route is considered quite steep. From Corbeyrier, a variant leads via Les 4 Mélèzes to Plan Girard. For planning, it is worth distinguishing the approximate time estimates from the descriptions of difficulty and steepness. Check local trail conditions, as route details may change.
Scenery and trails around Roche
According to the municipal description, chamois live in the mountain area covered by the Roche–Plan Girard–Les Agites hike; sightings are not guaranteed. The description also mentions the Plan Girard forest, the Chalet du Creux and the view from Route des Agites. Other excursions and activities associated with Roche include the Eau Froide valley and gorges, the waterfall at Pont d’Egraz and the Ecluse de la Joux-Verte.
A trail description published in 2011 leads through the forests of the former quarry near Roche: the hike follows the right bank of the Eau Froide to Pont d’Egras, climbs to Plan Girard and then descends from there to Roche. As the description dates from 2011, check access and trail conditions locally.
Organ history and local history
The Musée Suisse de l’Orgue presents 23 centuries of organ history and technology. It is housed in a historic barn dating from the 15th century, preserved as it looked in the 18th century. The museum also offers equipment for introductory acoustics experiments. A visit thus brings together the instrument’s long history and a hands-on introduction to acoustics.
Visits are possible daily from late April to late October, except on Sunday mornings; reservations are required at least one week in advance. Seasonal dates and reservation procedures may change. Check the dates before your visit and book in good time.
Roche itself also has several historic landmarks. Roche’s pilgrim and trading post was established by the canons of the hospice on the Great St Bernard and is now classified as a historic monument. A section of the Roman road has also been preserved at the southern entrance to the town. The post reflects the town’s connections with pilgrims and trade; the Roman road adds another historic trace.
Practical information
Roche VD has a railway station on the Simplon line between Villeneuve and Aigle. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable before setting off. When choosing your stay, the approximate hiking times and seasonal museum conditions can help you decide what to focus on and plan suitable days to visit.
Discover more destinations: Corbeyrier, Villeneuve Vd, Ollon Vd, Leysin, Lavey-Les-Bains, Bex, Gryon, Ormont-Dessous.
For the broader travel overview: Aigle.
