At Le Foyer, the charming antique store nestled in the village of Flendruz, a collection of rare treasures awaits the visitors in this 18th-century chalet, which houses 350 square meters of exhibition space, where each piece tells its own story and is steeped in history. The owners, Yvette and David Rossier, warmly express: “Being surrounded by beautiful objects is good for the soul”, capturing the essence of what you feel as soon as you walk through the door. “This place is filled with peace,” adds Yvette

But this haven did not fall from the sky. The Rossiers’ journey began humbly in 1987 in a small cellar in Rougemont. Over the years, they established themselves as connoisseurs of antiques and talented artists, particularly in the traditional art of découpage (paper-cutting). Today, their store is a testament to their dedication and passion for craftsmanship, blending timeless beauty with a sense of calm and harmony that is felt from the moment you enter.

Tell us about how you got started.
David Rossier (DR): We both grew up in Rougemont. Our journey with antiques began in a small, windowless cellar beneath my parent’s house in 1987. We had just 6 by 3 meters, with nothing more than my tools and a lot of determination. Our first daughter was born that same year. For ten years, I worked there, crafting furniture. Coming from a family of antique dealers, I naturally started picking up a few pieces along the way. At first, I sold them in my father’s shop before opening my own small space in Rougemont. Nowadays, my sister Daniele has a flea market section in our store.

Is this a family affair?
DR: Well, I’m not exactly sure how my grandfather first became involved in the trade, but I can talk about my father’s paths. He studied at the Louvre School in Paris and spent 14 years there. A true connoisseur, he developed a deep expertise in Asian art and painting. People from all over Switzerland would come to him for advice. He specialised in and had a particular passion for Tibetan sculptures and regional folk art. Growing up in this environment, I was naturally immersed in this world from a very young age. This exposure truly shaped my appreciation for fine objects that have surrounded me for as long as I can remember.

What objects are you drawn to?
DR: I have always deeply appreciated rustic folk art. It’s not just about pieces from Saanenland and Pays-d’Enhaut, though I am drawn to Alpine objects from all over Switzerland. In essence, I have a love for everything that speaks to the spirit of the Alps.

When did Alpine antiques become sought-after?
DR: The peak period, I would say, was from the 1970s to the 1990s. It was common for newly built chalets to be furnished exclusively with antiques during that time. These days, however, people tend to be more selective, often pairing a few well-chosen antique pieces with a predominantly modern interior. As a result, the market has become more specialised. You must know what you’re looking for if you want to buy and sell successfully.

How do you buy wisely? And can you predict trends?
DR: There are trends in the market, but I have never been one to follow them. I have always preferred to create my universe and buy what truly resonates with me. For instance, I never jumped on the vintage 1970s furniture bandwagon. There is so much to explore in Alpine art, which I find incredibly rich and diverse. The styles can vary greatly, especially between regions. For example, in St. Gallen and Appenzell, you can often find beautifully painted wardrobes. In contrast, they a rarer in the Saanenland, Pays-d’Enhaut, and Fribourg. These days, I also showcase religious art from all over Europe and the work of several local artists, including Yvette, my wife, whose work has been particularly well-received.

Yvette, how did you get started with traditional découpage?
Yvette Rossier (YR): About twenty years ago, when we moved his workshop to the Rougemont train station, I found myself looking after the antique store more often. Some days were quite long, so I decided to try my hand at traditional découpage, an art form I had always been curious about. I suppose my sense of proportion, harmony, and colour comes from my hairdresser background and the many beautiful objects that passed through the shop. Over time, I developed a natural eye for detail. It was one of those happy accidents. I still remember the first time I completed a piece; I was so moved that I cried with joy, seeing how it turned out. We decided to put the pieces up for sale in the store, and to my surprise, they received an incredible response. David has also created some pieces that sold very well.

How do you know if a piece is harmonious, and where do you find inspiration?
YR: I am lucky to have David’s expertise to rely on, and together we make a great team. But ultimately, this art is my passion and perhaps even my therapy. Every piece I create is infused with my life experience. Growing up in a farming family, my roots and the environment around me play a significant role in shaping my work. It’s very much in line with the folk-art traditions of the region, which I deeply admire.

Have any objects passed through your store left a lasting impression on you?
YR: I do love seeing these beautiful objects come through our store, but I do not tend to get overly attached to them. What truly makes me happy is when a piece resonates with someone else. There is something incredibly moving about seeing a client leave with an object that holds personal meaning for them. I feel grateful to be in a space filled with such beautiful things; it uplifts the soul.

DR: You must be able to let go of these objects, and I’m fortunate not to get too attached. It allows me to move forward and embrace new adventures once they are sold. I agree with Yvette: when you surround yourself with beautiful things, your subconscious is influenced positively.

How do you find the objects that fill your store?
DR: In several ways. First of all, I love this place; I am quite rooted here, so I make sure that I do not have to travel much. A lot of the time, I acquire pieces through photographs from private sellers. I also keep an eye on auctions and online sales.

It seems like auction houses are offering more and more antiques these days. Does that create more competition? DR: Yes, the landscape has indeed shifted. Before the rise of the internet, antique auctions were mostly for dealers. Now, anyone can subscribe to auction platforms and receive notifications about upcoming sales. It has undoubtedly brought more competition.

Have you had to adapt?
DR: We do have a website, but it’s not a complete reflection of everything we offer. We have so many items in store that it is impossible to capture them all online. We also pay great attention to the shop’s exterior, ensuring it is inviting for passersby. However, we have never relied heavily on marketing; it is all about word of mouth. Fortunately, we have built up a loyal clientele over the years, which has been our best form of promotion.

What other changes is the industry facing?
DR: I sense that people are planning less long-term than they used to. A chalet or a wedding used to be seen as a once-in-a-lifetime project. Today, things seem to move more quickly, and buyers may be less inclined to invest in valuable, long-lasting items. As a result, we are seeing a trend towards lighter, more temporary furnishings.

Are young people buying antiques as well?
DR: Young people are beginning to reconnect with their roots, which is a very positive sign. Of course, sometimes financial constraints play a role, but their growing interest in antiques is encouraging.

What was the most prolific period for artistic production in the region? DR: For découpage, I would say the 20th century. As for furniture, the period from the 17th to the end of the 19th century was particularly rich. Some beautifully crafted chests from the 17th century, marketed and painted, were often given as wedding gifts. At that time, the region was relatively poor, and the chest was typically the centrepiece of the home, often even the only piece of furniture aside from the wardrobe. More elaborate furnishings were reserved for the wealthier and notables.

Yvette and David Rossier have certainly built more than just an antique store – they’ve crafted a sanctuary where history and artistry come alive. Stepping in feels like uncovering a hidden gem, where each piece has a story to tell, and the tranquil atmosphere invites you to linger. Whether you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind addition to your home or simply craving a moment of quiet inspiration, Le Foyer is a place that stays with you long after you’ve left.

VICTORIA MARTIN

Le Foyer Antiquités et Art Populaire

Route du Vieux Couvent 1 | 1659 Flendruz

www.antiquiteslefoyer.ch