Discover Vuadens

When looking for hotels in Vuadens, you can plan your trip around walks, regional cuisine or local history. Two tours stand out: the marked Sentier des Sorcières family trail and the Les Colombettes snowshoe trail. Historic buildings, former trades and Fribourg dishes offer further specific ideas for planning your stay.

Hiking and snowshoeing

The Sentier des Sorcières is a marked 4.5-kilometre family trail that runs from one side of the Aune stream to the other. The trail is associated with the witches’ legend of Philomène and Phénomène, created by Jean-Jean Déforel. This legendary tale gives the family-friendly route a narrative setting. As trail conditions and maintenance can change, check the current situation before setting out.

As an alternative tour, the Les Colombettes snowshoe trail forms a family loop through the surrounding pastures and forests; it takes approximately 1.5 hours. Along the route, there are views of Château de Vaulruz and of La Berra (1,719 m), Gros Brun (2,104 m) and Dent de Vounetse (1,812 m). The two tours are described with different planning details: the length is specified for the Sentier des Sorcières, while the approximate duration is given for the snowshoe trail.

The Cabane des Portes is easily accessible and makes a suitable starting point for hikes. As access arrangements may change seasonally, check the current situation before visiting.

Local history at specific sites

The Manoir served as an inn and school until 1885. The coats of arms of Savoy, Gruyère and Fribourg are carved into its façade. The first church in Vuadens was built from 1602 onwards and consecrated on 5 February 1615—two separate dates marking its construction and later consecration.

During the expansion of the Morand farm in Le Briez, the foundations of a Roman villa were uncovered towards the end of the 20th century. The villa included heated rooms and a pool. The Crêt de la Motta also tells of earlier use: people shaped the old moraine into a defensive or retreat site. In Les Colombettes, a facility was known for its baths from 1840 onwards; milk and whey baths were added later.

Former trades offer further insights into local history. Between 1830 and 1910, straw was plaited in Vuadens, providing families with an additional income. The Guigoz factory began operating in the village centre in 1914 and produced milk powder that was exported to more than 50 countries.

Regional cuisine and cheesemaking traditions

The protected Hôtel-Restaurant La Croix-Blanche is a 17th-century building whose historic façade decorations have been preserved. It serves regional dishes, including moitié-moitié fondue, Vacherin fondue and cured ham. The terrace at the Pinte des Colombettes offers views of green Gruyère and the Moléson. Ô Colombettes serves traditional Fribourg dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients.

The Fromagerie de Vuadens offers guided tours of its facilities by appointment, showcasing the traditions of cheesemaking. Arrange your visit with the facility, as arrangements may change. The Vuadens dairy processes approximately 3.5 million litres of milk and houses around 4,000 wheels of cheese, mostly Gruyère.

Practical information

Vuadens-Sud railway station has bicycle parking and a P+Rail car park with two spaces. You can take this information into account when planning your arrival. Together with the approximate duration of the snowshoe trail, the length of the Sentier des Sorcières and the appointment-only tours, this gives you specific differences between the activities to consider when planning your hotel and trip.

Discover more destinations: Corbières Fr, Echarlens, Montbovon, Haut-Intyamon, Jaun, Gruyères Fr, La Roche Fr, Crésuz

For the regional travel overview: Gruyère.