
Despite the fires which ravaged Château-d’Œx, and which explains the concentration of stone buildings in the centre of the village, you can always admire the 17th and 18th century chalets in the region.
The main characteristic of these typical Swiss houses is of course the predominance of wood. Some chalets still have very rough appearance, while others have elaborate or painted facades. You can see many architectural details that are typical of chalets, such as the fine wooden tiles called "tavillons" (shingles).
One of the most representative elements of the region’s history is the very origin of the word "chalet". This term became common due the influence of the first tourists during the Belle Epoque period; however, strictly speaking, chalet should only refer to the isolated dwellings in the high alpine pastures.