Home Description
A home from home, the chalet is made from wood in the traditional chalet style, and occupies a prime position in Chateau dOex. At the top of the village, in a quiet spot on a private road, it is a 10 minute walk to the village centre and local amenities. Its elevated position means the 2 large balconies, which face south, offer spectacular views of the village, mountains and skiing as well as making the perfect viewing platform for watching hot air ballooning. The chalet has been used as a home by our family, so is well equipped and comfortable. It is important to us that guests of all ages feel at home, and we have provided games and jigsaws, books and videos for adults and children. Older children will enjoy the den, table tennis and sledges. The chalet is perfect for relaxing or as a base for the many outdoor activities available in the village and surrounding area. The village is traditionally Swiss, has a thriving local community, and many amenities.
The Outside
As the chalet is built on the side of a mountain, the substantial garden is terraced. The 2 balconies and patio outside the games room are wonderful places to eat, drink and admire the views. Tables and chairs are provided on the lower balcony and benches on the ground floor terrace. All outside areas are very private and quiet, and being south facing can be used all year round. There is a garage at ground level and 2 parking spaces.
Coast and Beach:
Lake Geneva at Montreux is our nearest "coast". Within 45 minutes you can be strolling along the promenade on the shores, taking a boat ride or sipping a drink and admiring the views. Easy car ride or take the "Panoramic Express" train direct to Montreux.
Golf:
20 minutes away at Saanenmoeser you will find the beautiful Gstaad golf course (including driving range). Within 45 minutes there are golf courses at Lac Gruyere, Villars and Aigle.
Skiing:
The ski region of Chateau d’Oex known as La Braye has seven ski lifts and 40 km of pistes. It forms part of the Gstaad Super Ski Region with over 250km of pistes available on one ski pass which includes use of the bus and train. The Videmanette cablecar at Rougemont connects with the ski area of Gstaad, while the resorts of Leysin/Les Mosses and the glacier at Les Diablerets can be accessed by the efficient bus or train service.
The stunningly beautiful Gstaad valley is quiet and unspoilt Pistes are always beautiful, quiet and picturesque. None of the villages are huge resorts, so retain their individual characters. Most villages have lovely "ski gardens" for children to learn in. Wonderful for skiers who get bored easily - a new place to be discovered every day! A long luge (sledge run) goes from the top of the mountain in Chateau dOex sledges provided. Good quality skis available to hire in the village.
Travel, distances and further details
1 hour 45 mins from Geneva by car (mainly motorway), approx 2 hours by train with 2 changes. 9 hours from Calais by car including a couple of short stops. The mountain railway which stops in Chateau dOex is convenient and very reliable for local travel up and down the valley, and not expensive.
Gstaad is a 20 min drive along the valley, Montreux and Lake Geneva about 50 mins by car or a lovely train ride on the panoramic express. Interlaaken is a day trip, with the glacier at Les Diablerets within an hour. Larger shops are found in Bulle, 25km, and the chateau at Les Gruyeres is only 30 mins by car. The Gstaad golf course at Saanenmoser (with driving range) is 20 minutes away, also within 45 minutes are golf courses at Lac Gruyere, Villars and Aigle.
Chateau dOex is a traditional Swiss village, which is well serviced with restaurants, a supermarket, bakery and shops selling local produce. Its amenities are many, yet all are small and uncrowded. Owing to its unique micro-climate, Château-dOex is best known for its hot-air ballooning. Flights are available throughout the year and the international competition held every January is world renowned. A wintertime ice rink becomes tennis courts in summer next to the 10 pin bowling centre. There is a cinema, museum and art gallery, an enormous outdoor swimming pool (summer only), an adventure playground as well as horse riding, white water rafting and kayaking all in or around the village. It also has its own hospital. Low level marked walking and cycling trails along the river and numerous streams through the woods, or high level energetic scrambles and mountain bike trails will suit all levels of fitness. Ski lifts are open in the summer season too for those who like the views without the effort of getting there! The Tourist Information Office can give help and advice in English. The friendly village retains its delightful Swiss character, and is sleepy and quiet - making it safe for children and teenagers who like their independence.
Switzerland is famous for its beautiful winter scenery, but come in May to enjoy the bright green pastures and wild flowers, or the summer for the clear skies, mountain walks and sunshine. Chateau dOex is an all year round destination.