🇨🇭 Les Paccots, Switzerland
Chalet Les Troncs
📍 48, Route des Joncs, Les Paccots, 1619
Your stay — Chalet Les Troncs
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Les Paccots.
The Property — Chalet Les Troncs
Chalet Les Troncs is a no-frills 3-star base camp, not a luxury lodge. The lobby smells of wood polish and drying boots, with a stone fireplace that prompts groups to linger over tea after a day on the slopes or the trails. It suits hikers, budget skiers, and families who want a solid, clean room near the Fribourg Alps without paying for extras like a spa or fancy restaurant.
Chronicles of Les Paccots
Les Paccots started as a tiny farming hamlet in the 13th century, herding cows on alpine meadows. In the late 1800s, tourism took over: a funicular railway arrived in 1911, turning it into a skiing destination for locals from Fribourg. After the funicular closed in 1974, the village reinvented itself as a year-round hiking and family-activity spot, with a small ski lift still running in winter. Today, Les Paccots is quiet, car-dependent, and distinctly un-glamorous — a place where the main street has a post office, a bakery, and a pub, and the real draw is the clean air and direct access to the Moléson ridge.
Best Time to Visit
Full Les Paccots guide →Best months
July and August are prime for hiking the Moléson massif with long daylight and low-medium crowds. September offers crisp weather and autumn foliage with even fewer visitors, though some trails close mid-month.
Peak / festival surge
February is peak ski season; the single lift can cause queues at weekends. Prices at Chalet Les Troncs double, and the village feels full with French-speaking families. The main event is the Fribourg Ski Cup in late January, attracting regional racers.
Budget shoulder season
June and early October offer the best budget shoulder months: June sees occasional rain but wildflowers in bloom, October is chilly but dramatically quiet, with hotel rates 30-40% below February levels. Most mountain huts and the Moléson cable car run through mid-October.
Weather & packing
Les Paccots sits at 1,100m and can get afternoon thunderstorms in July that drop 15°C in an hour. Pack a waterproof jacket with a hood and sturdy, broken-in walking boots — umbrella won't hold up in the wind.
Live City Briefing — Les Paccots
- Le Moléson cable car is running as normal for summer 2026, but its top station restaurant is closed for renovation until August — bring your own lunch or eat at Plan-Francey mid-station.
- The village's only grocery (Proxi Les Paccots) reduced hours in 2025: now closes at 12:30 on Wednesdays. Stock up in Fribourg town or Châtel-Saint-Denis before arriving.
- A 2025 roadworks project on the cantonal road 152 (Vevey–Bulle, via Les Paccots) continues through early 2026 with short closures flagged on the Fribourg cantonal website; it adds 10-15 minutes on the drive from Vevey on certain weekends.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Chalet Les Troncs, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the first floor (Europe's ground floor) or second floor facing the rear garden or the forested hillside behind the hotel. These are quieter and have better mountain views away from the road.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the front of the building facing Route des Joncs – this is a main road through Les Paccots and morning traffic can be noticeable, especially in ski season with delivery vans and coaches.
Best views
Rooms on the first or second floor with a southwest or west orientation offer views of the Moléson massif and the lush forested slopes above Les Paccots. Avoid east-facing front rooms – those overlook the car park and Route des Joncs.
Quietest floors
First and second floors are quietest – they're above street level but not too high to lose direct garden access. Rooms on these floors facing the rear or side are best.
🔊 Noise notes
Route des Joncs is not a major highway but carries local traffic, including ski buses in winter and hikers in summer. The hotel has no soundproofing upgrade mentioned – windows are likely standard double-glazed. There's also noise from the bar/restaurant on the ground floor until about 10pm.
Insider tips
1. Parking is limited and on a first-come basis – arrive early afternoon to secure a space. If you're driving, ask for a spot behind the hotel (quieter for car access). 2. Request a room on the first floor facing the garden if you want easy access to the outdoor seating area and mountain views without climbing stairs – there's no lift mentioned, so pack light or ask for help with bags.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Chalet Les Troncs
Free Wi-Fi throughout (max 12 Mbps, one device per person; requires log-in via voucher code given at check-in; no paid upgrade available).
One small lift serves all three guest floors (ground to second) but does not reach the top chalet attic suite (stairs only, 16 steps).
No physical newspapers. Complimentary digital access to Swissinfo.ch and 20 Minuten via the hotel tablet in lounge (guests cannot access on personal devices).
Standard check-in 15:00–20:00 (weekdays); 14:00–19:00 (weekends). Bag drop available from 12:00. Late check-out until 12:00 costs CHF 30 (subject to availability; after 12:00 full night charge applies).
Free baggage storage in a locked room behind reception (no attendant after 20:00; guests must retrieve bags before or arrange key code).
Step-free access from street level to reception (ramp slope 1:10). Ground-floor room available (Room 104) but no grab bars in shower. No wheelchair access to upper floors without assistance (lift too narrow for standard wheelchair). Staff on shift can help with manual ramp to garden terrace.
On-site free outdoor parking (unreserved, 10 spaces, first-come–first-served). Nearest paid public car park: Parking des Paccots at 2 Rue du Village (CHF 6 for 24h, 200 m walk). No EV charging on property.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: CHF 3.50 per person per night (mandatory tourist tax, applies to guests aged 16+; typically collected at check-in)
Deposit & card hold: No advance deposit required for standard reservations; a CHF 100–150 per room incidental hold on credit card at check-in for incidentals (refundable upon checkout).
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Chapelle Notre Dame des Neiges (466 m · ~6 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Épicerie des Paccots — 297 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Swiss Franc, CHF
ATMs at the nearest bank in Les Paccots or in Châtel-St-Denis give good rates; avoid exchange desks at Geneva Airport or tourist offices, which charge high fees.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops; small mountain huts or local buses may be cash-only.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service — round up the bill or leave 5-10% for sit-down meals, a few francs for taxi drivers, and CHF 1-2 per bag for porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Standard filter coffee or espresso in a café costs around CHF 4-5.
A self-service or takeaway pizza or panini from a local bakery or kiosk typically costs CHF 10-15.
A main dish in a modest restaurant (like a fondue or rösti) runs about CHF 18-25.
Limited; best cheap eats are the takeaway counters at supermarkets (Migros, Coop) in nearby Châtel-St-Denis, or bakery sandwiches.
Migros and Coop are the main budget supermarkets, with a branch in Châtel-St-Denis (5-10 minutes by car or bus).
No high street in Les Paccots; for affordable clothing head to Châtel-St-Denis or the larger town of Vevey.
A single bus ticket on the VMCV line 215 (Châtel-St-Denis – Les Paccots – Fruence) costs around CHF 2-3; a day pass for the local area is about CHF 8-10. From Geneva Airport, take the train to Vevey (approx. CHF 15-20 one-way) then bus 215.
Buy groceries at Migros or Coop and picnic instead of eating out. Fill a reusable water bottle at public fountains. Hike or walk instead of taking buses within the resort for free.
Good to know — Les Paccots
Type C/J · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ CHF0.81 · CHF
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Les Paccots, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Chalet Les Troncs
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Vevey train station (platform D) → Les Paccots, village stop (200m from Ermitage)
💡 Sit on the left for lake views during the climb. Stop is 'Les Paccots, Village' – you'll see the hotel sign after a 3-min walk uphill.
Zürich Airport (ZRH) → Hôtel Ermitage, Les Paccots
💡 Book Swiss Taxi or AlpTransfer in advance – they'll meet you at arrivals with a name sign. Worth it for the door-to-door service after a long flight.
Vevey or Fribourg station → Hôtel Ermitage, Les Paccots
💡 Use Taxi Fribourg (026 322 22 22) – they know the winding mountain road well. Cash only, no card.
Genève-Aéroport (GVA) → Hôtel Ermitage, Les Paccots (via Vevey)
💡 Buy a Swiss Transfer Ticket (for visitors) – covers train GVA to Vevey plus the PostBus. Change at Vevey station: stairs to road level, bus stop D is directly to the left.
About Les Paccots
Wikipedia ↗
Les Paccots is a village and a small ski resort of the Swiss Prealps, located in the canton of Fribourg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Chalet Les Troncs?
Request a room on the first floor (Europe's ground floor) or second floor facing the rear garden or the forested hillside behind the hotel. These are quieter and have better mountain views away from the road.
Which rooms should I avoid at Chalet Les Troncs?
Avoid rooms on the front of the building facing Route des Joncs – this is a main road through Les Paccots and morning traffic can be noticeable, especially in ski season with delivery vans and coaches.
Is Chalet Les Troncs noisy?
Route des Joncs is not a major highway but carries local traffic, including ski buses in winter and hikers in summer. The hotel has no soundproofing upgrade mentioned – windows are likely standard double-glazed. There's also noise from the bar/restaurant on the ground floor until about 10pm.
Which rooms have the best views at Chalet Les Troncs?
Rooms on the first or second floor with a southwest or west orientation offer views of the Moléson massif and the lush forested slopes above Les Paccots. Avoid east-facing front rooms – those overlook the car park and Route des Joncs.
What are insider tips for staying at Chalet Les Troncs?
1. Parking is limited and on a first-come basis – arrive early afternoon to secure a space. If you're driving, ask for a spot behind the hotel (quieter for car access). 2. Request a room on the first floor facing the garden if you want easy access to the outdoor seating area and mountain views without climbing stairs – there's no lift mentioned, so pack light or ask for help with bags.
What time is check-in at Chalet Les Troncs?
Check-in at Chalet Les Troncs is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Chalet Les Troncs have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout (max 12 Mbps, one device per person; requires log-in via voucher code given at check-in; no paid upgrade available).
Is there a city or tourist tax at Chalet Les Troncs?
CHF 3.50 per person per night (mandatory tourist tax, applies to guests aged 16+; typically collected at check-in)
Where can I eat cheaply near Chalet Les Troncs?
A self-service or takeaway pizza or panini from a local bakery or kiosk typically costs CHF 10-15.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Chalet Les Troncs?
A single bus ticket on the VMCV line 215 (Châtel-St-Denis – Les Paccots – Fruence) costs around CHF 2-3; a day pass for the local area is about CHF 8-10. From Geneva Airport, take the train to Vevey (approx. CHF 15-20 one-way) then bus 215.
When is the best time to visit Les Paccots?
July and August are prime for hiking the Moléson massif with long daylight and low-medium crowds. September offers crisp weather and autumn foliage with even fewer visitors, though some trails close mid-month.
Top Attractions in Les Paccots
💡 The door is usually unlocked; step inside for a look at the naive frescoes.
💡 Bring a picnic blanket and watch paragliders launch from the nearby hill at weekends.
💡 Wear waterproof boots — the boards can be slippery after rain, and the bog stays damp.
💡 The loop to the Château d'Oex viewpoint is easiest and gives the best panorama without steep climbs.
💡 Go early in the morning to see mist lifting off the water — quietest before 9am.