La Comballaz

Origin of the name La Comballaz

The origin of the name La Comballaz is not explained in the sources consulted, which also give no dated first mention.

Founding of La Comballaz

La Comballaz is not a municipality: it is a large area of scattered settlement in the municipality of Ormont-Dessous, in the district of Aigle, like Cergnat, Matélon and Les Voëttes. The sources consulted name neither a founder nor a date of creation. The landscape consists of meadows dotted with log-built farmhouses, the oldest preserved examples of which date from the mid-17th century. Around 1860, spa tourism emerged here.

History of La Comballaz

1475-1798. Under Bernese rule, the municipality of Ormont-Dessous, to which La Comballaz belongs, is attached to the mandement of the Ormonts.

17th century. Around the middle of the century, the oldest log-built farmhouses still preserved are constructed.

around 1860. Beginning of spa tourism at La Comballaz.

after 1900. Carpenters keep building according to tradition until well after 1900.

20th century. The site remains little affected by tourist construction.

Historic sites in La Comballaz

Log-built farmhouses. Houses whose oldest preserved examples date from the mid-17th century, built in a carpentry tradition that remained alive until after 1900.

Sources

• Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Ormont-Dessous »
• Alpes vaudoises (office du tourisme), « La Comballaz - Les Voëttes »
• Statistique Vaud, « Population résidante permanente au 31 décembre 2025 »
• geo.admin.ch, service de recherche de lieux (swisstopo)

Other villages near La Comballaz

• Ormont-Dessous (VD)
• Le Sépey (VD)
• La Forclaz (VD)
• Les Mosses (VD)
• Ormont-Dessus (VD)