Chalet Balthus in Rossinière

22 September 2022

The artist Balthus (1908-2001), pseudonym of Balthasar Klossowski, bought the famous ‘Grand Chalet’ in the village of Rossinière (canton of Vaud, le Pays-d’Enhaut) in 1976. Since his death, the house has been called Chalet Balthus. The chapel a little further away has been the visitor centre dedicated to this artist since 2007.

The Balthus Chapel Chapelle Balthus Association 

The house with beautiful texts was built in 1754-1756 by Jean-David Henchoz (1712-1758), a farmer, cheese merchant and notary, judge/arbitrator, and village lawyer. The colossal size of the building was mainly to produce and store his cheese.

In 1860, the house was converted into a hotel. The hotel hosted famous guests, including Victor Hugo (1802-1885) and Alfred Dreyfus (1859-1935).

The Romanesque church Maria Magdalena dates from the 12th century. Since 1555, the church has been Protestant after Bern had taken over Le Pays-d’Enhaut from the bankrupt Counts of Gruyère. The parish house was built in 1770.

The village also has many authentic old homes and other buildings. Near the village, in the Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut nature park, lies the reservoir Lac de Vernex.

Source and further information: Commune de Rossinière (rossiniere.ch)