What to do in the Chablais?

In the Chablais, the terrain naturally shapes outdoor activities. The region offers a varied landscape alternating between rock faces, forests, gorges and more open plateaus. Amid these contrasting landscapes, vineyards hold a special place : in the Vaud Chablais, they form sunlit terraces around Aigle and Yvorne, perfect for a scenic walk and a tasting of local Chasselas. On the Valais side, the sunny slopes from Vouvry to Collombey invite you to discover family-run estates and vineyard trails with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks.

The Galerie Defago, perched on the cliff above Champéry, sums up this vertical dimension. This suspended path, carved directly into the rock, offers an impressive outlook and immediately sets the tone : here, the mountains are close, accessible and invite you to get moving.

Further down the valley, the Troistorrents Footbridge highlights the importance of mountain streams in the region’s identity. Suspended above water rushing between the rocks, it lets you feel the distinctive energy of these deep valleys. It is a favourite with families for a short outing or a first taste of the mountain environment without major technical difficulty.

Beyond these iconic sites, sport and nature shape everyday life in the region. Scenic hikes, mountain biking on the heights, via ferratas in the valleys, swimming in rivers or simply strolling through the villages : the range of options is extensive, varied and accessible.

Visitors will always find an activity suited to the weather or to everyone’s ability, making the Chablais a particularly versatile destination for families and nature lovers.

The Chablais is about more than its landscapes. It is also home to a rich heritage, often understated, that tells a fascinating story linked to the natural border formed by the Rhône Valley.

In Morcles, above Lavey, Fort de Dailly is one of its symbols. Dug into the mountain, it bears witness to the strategic position of the narrow pass controlling access to Valais. Although part of the complex remains military, the site recalls the decades when this narrow gorge was considered a key stronghold of Swiss territory.

Further north, the Bex Salt Mines recall another essential chapter of the local economic history. Worked for several centuries, they are one of the oldest industrial sites in Switzerland still open to the public. Exploring their tunnels, you discover not only extraction techniques but also the working conditions of the past, which left a lasting mark on the region’s identity. Salt, long a precious commodity, shaped the economic life of these valleys.

In a more relaxing vein, the Lavey thermal baths are today a popular place to unwind. Their thermal waters, among the hottest in the country, rise from deep beneath the valley and illustrate the intense geological activity under the Alps. It is a place where you can physically feel the quiet power of the mountains.

Finally, the area stands out for its old villages, often built around a church or a historic bridge, and for the importance of local traditions linked to alpine pastures, winegrowing and crafts. Travelling through the Chablais means going from a fort to a thermal bath, from a mine tunnel to a village square, each time with a chapter of Alpine history expressed in the landscapes, customs and craftsmanship.