Rossinière: Timber Architecture, Balthus and Trails

Rossinière is a Swiss municipality in the canton of Vaud, in the Riviera-Pays-d’Enhaut district. Historic buildings, its connection to the painter Balthus and trails in the surrounding area give the village a variety of highlights. When planning your stay, you can choose between architectural heritage, a visit to the Chapelle Balthus and outdoor activities.

Timber architecture and historic sites

The Grand Chalet is listed as a monument of national importance. It became one of Switzerland’s largest wooden residential buildings and has 113 windows. Its large cellars are also part of its history: they were designed to store cheese from local farmers and their neighbours.

The Hameau de la Frasse is among the oldest buildings in the area and is one of Rossinière’s oldest settlement centres. The hamlet consists mostly of buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. South-facing façades, carved wooden details and painted or engraved inscriptions define its architecture.

Other buildings also reveal different aspects of the village’s history. The Temple de Rossinière has been listed as a historic monument since 1900. The Cure de Rossinière combines stone architecture with local traditions and features a shingle roof and broad wooden galleries along its sides.

Balthus in Rossinière

The Chapelle Balthus in the village centre screens films and displays photographs and artworks about the figurative painter Balthus. It also screens nine notable films by director Jacqueline Veuve, exploring the trades and skills of woodworkers. In the garden below the chapel, you can pause at Balthus’s grave.

The Atelier Balthus is located in the Grand Chalet, where the artist lived. A visit to the studio offers a glimpse into his working environment. Opening dates in 2026 are seasonal; check current access information before you travel.

Landscape and regional setting

Rossinière is part of the Pays-d’Enhaut–Les Mosses section of the Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Nature Park. This section also includes Château-d’Œx, Ormont-Dessous and Rougemont. Across the nature park as a whole, remarkable biotopes and geotopes, along with diverse fauna and flora, are among its defining natural features.

The area around Rossinière is considered a pre-Alpine landscape, with alpine pastures, dense forests and mountain formations. The Sarine and the Hongrin Valley shape the wider local topography. Mountain trails around Rossinière include routes rated moderate or difficult.

Hiking, cycling and getting there

The Boucle de Rossinière au Clos des Mis circular hike starts in the village centre and is 4.9 kilometres long. It follows a forest path along the Torrent de la Frasse to the Clou des Mis, from where there is a view of Lac du Vernex. The route is accessible in summer and autumn, depending on conditions. Check conditions before setting out.

Another route description covers the Rochers-de-Naye–Rossinière hiking trail: after crossing the Sarine on a stone bridge, it reaches Rossinière railway station. For cycling, the Les Villages du Pays-d’Enhaut mountain bike route, SuisseMobile No. 593, passes through Rossinière.

Rossinière railway station is served by the MOB line from Montreux or Zweisimmen as a request stop. Check current train services before travelling. Guided tours of Rossinière introduce its history, architecture and life in the Pays-d’Enhaut; confirm availability before booking.

Discover more destinations: Veytaux, Saint-Légier-La Chiésaz, L'etivaz, Chardonne VD, Corseaux, Les Avants, Blonay, Vevey.

See the regional travel overview: Riviera-Pays-D'enhaut.