Gruyères is a perfectly preserved medieval hilltop village in the valley of the same name in western Switzerland, known for the Gruyère cheese that bears its name and for its picturesque setting of a single cobbled main lane surrounded by old townhouses and a castle. The village is car-free and conveys an atmosphere rarely found in Switzerland.

The Château de Gruyères crowns the hilltop and houses a history museum as well as an exhibition on the work of H.R. Giger – the Swiss artist and Oscar winner («Alien»). The Maison du Gruyère below the village offers an insight into traditional cheese-making. The village attracts many visitors during the day; early morning and evening are quieter.

Gruyères is accessible by train from Bulle in around 10 minutes. Bulle is reachable from Fribourg in around 30 minutes and from Lausanne in around 1 hour. By car, take the A12 motorway, Bulle exit. Parking is available below the village.