Cheese, castles, and aliens – it’s all Gruyères, Switzerland

Nestled at the footstep of Gruyères, the picturesque village of Épagny has more than just stunning landscapes to offer. Hidden away in a cozy corner, there’s a real treasure – the 37-year-old La Croix Blanche restaurant, a manifestation of its founder Georges Ruffieux's childhood dream.

The standout feature of this establishment is its succulent steaks cooked on a solid granite slab, such as Croix Blanche – a combination of tender lean venison and a flavorful slice of bacon, or côte de veau – melt-in-your-mouth meat infused with delicate aromas. However, to start your dinner, we recommend indulging in snails marinated in absinthe, and for dessert, be sure to try cheese fondue – a dish the region is renowned for.

The streets of Gruyères are brimming with medieval legends and heritage, so don't be surprised when your search for a good restaurant leads you to a 16th-century mansion. This is where you'll discover Remparts, offering you the opportunity to truly relish the finest delicacies from this Swiss canton and immerse yourself in the local culinary scene.

Certainly, cheese dishes are a highlight that draws people here. Their signature quiche with a side of green salad, half-and-half fondue, made with equal amounts of Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeois, and country ham on a bed of cabbage have all become legendary among both locals and tourists. Moreover, you'll have a unique chance to savor delightful desserts made from Gruyère cream, a gastronomic treasure listed in the Culinary Heritage of Switzerland. Served alongside meringues, berries, or caramel flan, it's a pure delight, and you shouldn't leave this place without giving it a try.

Swiss designer H.R. Giger, who won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects for the film "Alien" in 1980, brought his sketches to life in an extraordinary bar-museum that stretches the boundaries of imagination. Situated within the medieval Château St. Germain, this distinctive location resembles a cave, featuring arched vaults shaped like enormous vertebrae, while tables and chairs take the form of fantastical alien heads.

Adjacent to the museum is the HR Giger Bar, where you can enjoy coffee and eat a delicious lunch with toasts, local sausages, and cheese appetizers. Don't miss out on trying their signature absinthe Zeitgeist, meticulously prepared from native plants of the Val-de-Travers using age-old recipes from the Belle Époque era.

On a delightful circular route that begins at Moléson-sur-Gruyères, you'll reach the midway point at the charming Plan-Francey resort, located at 1500 meters. Within its complex equipped with a funicular, you'll come across the restaurant bearing the same name, boasting a terrace with breathtaking views of the Fribourg Pre-Alps and the Gruyères region.

This is a fantastic opportunity to refuel and rejuvenate with a juicy schnitzel or pork belly à la bière. At the Plan-Francey restaurant, you can also try local creamy Vacherin cheese with rösti and treat yourself to traditional fondue moitié-moitié. For those seeking even more impressive vistas, a ride on the funicular to the summit offers a chance to enjoy one of the most captivating panoramas in French-speaking Switzerland while relishing a refreshing pint of Feldschlösschen beer.

Located right in the heart of the town, Chalet de Gruyères acts like a magnet for cheese and fondue lovers. Tightly linked with all the local artisans, this stunning restaurant, constructed entirely from wood, proudly displays a vast collection of utensils and tools used in dairy production right in the dining area.

At the forefront of the menu are, of course, fondue and raclette, served with dried meats and boiled potatoes. The desserts are equally enchanting – from homemade tarts to meringues and delightful coupe belle-mère – all featuring the creamy goodness of Gruyères. To complement this experience, you'll find an exceptional selection of bottled wines, like the white Henri Badoux Aigle Les Murailles.

One weekend won't be sufficient to fully relish all that Gruyères has to offer. This year-round haven, with its iconic Swiss landscapes and delightful cuisine, is bound to stay in your dreams for nights to come after your visit. Let us know in the comments which other Swiss cities you'd be interested in reading about on our website.