Britons, cutting paper and Espace Ballon

24 June 2019

In the last quarter of the 19th century, Château-d’Oex (canton Valais) became increasingly popular.  Many British tourists visited the region.

The infrastructure improved and many hotels, inns, restaurants and pensions and other facilities opened their doors. Some of them still exist (for example the Hôtel de l’Ours, the Hôtel de Ville, the Résidence Rosat and the Clos des Abeilles at Villa d’Oex).

The arrival of the Montreux-Oberland Bernois railway in 1904 made the whole region of Pays-d’Enhaut more accessible.

The Anglican Church was built in 1899 and already expanded in 1911. The village was a popular destination just before the outbreak of the Great War.

The village is the hot air balloon capital. The Espace Ballon shows its history and present-day possibilities. The Breitling Orbiter capsule, which was used in the first attempt to go around the globe, is on show as well.

The annual international ballon festival takes place in January.

Château-d’Oex is also a village of paper cutting. The Musée du Pays-d’Enhaut  has a magnifcent collection of paper cuttings- It also presents local history and art.

(Source and further information: www.chateau-doex.ch).