Overview
The Pays-d'Enhaut District was an administrative district in the French-speaking part of the canton canton of Vaud, in Switzerland. Its administrative centre was the market town of Château-d'Œx. The district encompassed a high valley and surrounding slopes in the Swiss Alps, retaining a largely rural and mountain-oriented character.
Geography and municipalities
Pays-d'Enhaut occupies an alpine landscape of pastures, conifer forests and small villages. Traditional wooden chalets, steep pastures and mountain passes shape the local environment. The district was composed of a small number of municipalities, each with village centres and agricultural land:
- Château-d'Œx — the administrative seat and a local hub for commerce and tourism.
- Rossinière — known for historic farms and mountain scenery.
- Rougemont — a village gateway to alpine trails and winter recreation.
The economy combined alpine dairy farming, forestry and growing tourism activities such as hiking, skiing and seasonal festivals. The valley's landscapes and traditional architecture make it a destination for visitors seeking rural mountain culture.
History and administrative change
Historically the area functioned as its own district within Vaud's administrative structure. In a cantonal reorganization intended to streamline local government, the Pays-d'Enhaut District ceased to exist as an independent district in 2006 and became part of the larger Riviera–Pays-d'Enhaut administrative district. This change grouped the mountain communes with neighboring lowland areas for administrative purposes.
Although the district no longer exists as a separate unit, the name Pays-d'Enhaut continues to describe the distinct cultural landscape and community identity of the high valley. Visitors and residents still refer to its traditions, seasonal mountain economy and notable events when speaking about the region.