{mosimage)A mythical hotel for several reasons: For its construction, started in the late 19th century and completed in 1914, when the train service to Bretaye also began, giving a boost to skiing in the region. Also, for its legend about the ghost of the duchess who used to stay there and who still haunts the hallways some nights. And for its slightly old-fashioned charm, which Club Med, who bought it in 1969, found alluring. In 2007, after several renovations, it became one of their jewels.  Incidentally, the hotel has gone from 3 to 4 star, with a heated outdoor swimming pool, a turkish bath, a sauna and a fitness room.

Contact and information:  Club Med Villars Palace
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Things to do in Villars:

Things to do in Villars:

Diablerets-Villars-Gryon-Leysin ski area: an unobstructed view of the Dents du Midi and a natural south-facing balcony for the blazing sun, www.villars.ch.

Bucolic walks through the small chalet villages with its chic inhabitants and scenic view. The Arveyes and Gryon districts are home to several beautiful century-old chalets.

Thrills galore at 3000 m at the Glacier des Diablerets with the highest bobsleigh track in the world and an adjacent restaurant designed by Mario Botta. A 1km slope with a 100 meter drop to flirt with the great chasm http://www.glacier3000.ch/.