Bex at a glance: population, territory, economy, local life, health and leisure. The figures come from public sources; missing data is indicated and will be added.
Population and territory
- Age structure (2023): 0–19 years: 23.8%; 20–64 years: 58.3%; 65 years and over: 17.9%.
- Language: French. The inhabitants of Bex are called Bellerins and Bellerines.
- District: Aigle, canton of Vaud, on the border with Valais.
Economy, work and industry
Bex has a long economic tradition: the Salines (salt mines) have been worked since the 17th century (first gallery in 1684) and remain a symbol of the municipality. In the 20th century, industry developed (plaster, paper, electric foundry, metal recycling), and the Sublin hydroelectric plant has supplied the region since 1897. The municipality also has vineyards on its slopes. Bex is recognised as an Energy City (Cité de l’énergie).
To be completed: number of jobs and businesses by sector, unemployment rate and main current companies. These figures are published by the Federal Statistical Office and Statistique Vaud, and will be added after verification.
Associations and local life
The association scene is rich: sports clubs (aikido, karate, tennis, rowing), shooting societies, and the Harmonie du Chablais, among others. The municipality also supports a Youth Commission and Youth Council, activities for seniors with Pro Senectute, and the “Acheter à Bex, c’est top !” (Buy in Bex, it’s great!) campaign in support of local shops. Bex is twinned with Tuttlingen (Germany).
Events
- Bex & Arts: a triennial open-air contemporary art exhibition at the Domaine de Szilassy, one of the most important in Switzerland.
- Brisolées at Pont-de-Nant in autumn (traditional chestnut-and-cider gatherings).
- Lotos of local societies (for example the Grand Loto of the Harmonie du Chablais).
- End-of-year events at the Salt Mines (special Christmas visits).
For up-to-date dates, see the municipal calendar: bex.ch.
Health
Bex has medical practices, physiotherapy, home care, a nursing home (EMS) and a temporary day care centre. The reference hospital is the Hôpital Riviera-Chablais (Rennaz). The Bureau régional d’information et d’orientation (BRIO) of the Réseau Santé Haut-Léman guides people towards existing support. See: the professionals of Bex, the healthcare system, the medico-social actors, emergencies.
Enjoying life in Bex
- Bex Salt Mines: a visit to an underground labyrinth, several kilometres of which are open to the public (seldesalpes.ch).
- Pont-de-Nant: alpine botanical garden (founded in 1891), hiking and brisolées.
- Domaine de Szilassy: an English-style park overlooking Bex and the Rhône valley.
- Mountains and nature: from the Rhône to the Diablerets, hiking, e-bike rides and vineyards.
Sources: Federal Statistical Office (via localcities.ch), Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, municipality of Bex, Swiss Spectator. Last checked: October 2026. Historical data (industry, vineyards) dates from the cited source and may have changed.