The region · Heritage
From the church at Vers-l’Église to the great castles of Lake Geneva and Gruyère, discover seven medieval buildings or remains on excursions from Les Diablerets.
01 · Close to the inn
01 · At the gateway to Les Diablerets
1456 · bell tower from 1494
The closest medieval landmark to the inn. The present church was probably built in 1456; its massive bell tower with pointed windows dates from 1494.
About 5 minutes by car
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02 · Ormont-Dessous
1332–1338
Built on the Voëttes promontory to guard access to the valley, the castle was abandoned at the end of the Middle Ages. Only a few sections of wall remain in the forest.
About 20 minutes by car
Plan your visit ↗02 · Between vineyards and the Rhône plain
03 · Aigle
12th–13th centuries
Developed around a medieval lord’s tower, the castle was enlarged over the centuries. Standing amid the vineyards, it now houses the Vine, Wine and Label Museum.
About 30 minutes by car
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04 · Ollon
13th century
The large square keep overlooks the Rhône plain from its rocky hill. It is the main remnant of the feudal castle of Saint-Triphon.
About 35 minutes by car
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05 · Bex
Probably 12th century
This tower formed part of Bex’s medieval castle. Burned around 1475, it lost its defensive role; it is now an occupied private property and may only be viewed from public areas.
About 40 minutes by car
Plan your visit ↗03 · Two iconic fortresses
06 · Veytaux
11th–13th centuries
Built on a rocky islet on Lake Geneva, Chillon controlled the passage between lake and mountain. The Counts of Savoy gave it most of its present form in the 13th century.
About 50 minutes by car
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07 · Gruyères
13th century
Home to the Counts of Gruyère for several centuries, this fortress overlooks the medieval town and the Fribourg Pre-Alps. Its ramparts, courtyard and historic rooms are open to visitors.
About 1 hour 5 minutes by car
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