History has left us with a rich and multifaceted heritage, from traditional lore passed down through generations to rural customs upheld since time immemorial. Despite the inroads of tourism and thanks to the hardy folk of the Val d’Illiez who proudly maintain centuries-old traditions and customs, visitors to the Region Dents du Midi can experience our Terroir in a multitude of different ways. We ‘locals’ take great pride in our strong regional identity, but this doesn’t mean we’re rooted in the past.
Culture
While traditions and folklore are carefully guarded, our love of culture means we are also innovators, looking ever
forward to a future filled with multicultural exchange, events, exhibits, art, literature, music and shows.
History & Traditions
From tall tales to unbelievable-but-true local legends, the Val d’Illiez is a history buff’s dream! Our past is ever-present, thanks to various heritage associations who work tirelessly to preserve the architectural, geographic and cultural heritage left by our ancestors. Take a lesson in patois, our ancient local dialect, find out about the larger-than-life ‘Gros Bellet’ who inspired a revolution in 1790 or follow in the footsteps of the daring smugglers who criss-crossed our alpine valleys in the dead of night…
Know-how
The Val d’Illiez has a long history of alpine craftsmanship and these ancestral techniques have been carefully preserved and transmitted from generation to generation. Despite the inroads of tourism, local artisans, shops and restaurants still welcome visitors to the region with the same hearty simplicity as in days gone by. Revisit the past at an old grain mill, a communal bread oven, a traditional bell foundry…
Alpine Pastures
These uncultivated, high-altitude grasslands were hard-won from the thick forests which covered the untainsides hundreds of years ago. Generations of farming families ave brought their herds of hardy sheep, goats, and cattle to spend the summer grazing in the sunshine, helping to keep the forests at bay and, in the process, creating unique ecosystems of plants, wild animals and traditions which vary from one hillside to another.
Agenda
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Let’s talk about…
From Lutry to North Cape, the story of an incredible bicycle trip. -
Everyone on the track!
A show performed under a big top by Champéry schoolchildren, who have been introduced to the circus arts with the support of ArtScénik. -
Chante-Vièze Mixed Choir Annual Evening
The Chante-Vièze mixed choir presents a program focusing on female performers as part of its annual evening program. -
Café rencontre on autistic literature – Autism Open House Weekend
As part of the “Portes ouvertes à l’autisme” weekend in the Chablais region on May 9 and 10, the Troistorrents library invites you to a special evening devoted to autistic literature. -
Annual concert | l’Écho de la Montagne
The musicians of Champéry’s l’Écho de la Montagne are delighted to present the fruits of their musical labor, under the baton of their young and talented new director: Victor Mariétan. -
Country ball with the BerGex
Composed of 5 musicians from the Vallée d’Illiez, the BerGex group plays a mainly traditional country repertoire, spiced up with more contemporary pieces. -
Artists’ Day
The annual meeting in Troistorrents with Miss Mosa & Sir Isier, Yves Moulins and other local artists. -
Inalpe at Vieux They
Experience this traditional event in the heart of the magnificent Vallon de They! -
Fête de la Nature | Balade contée
For the 14th edition of the Fête de la Nature, we invite you to go on a storytelling walk in the footsteps of the Little Red Ant. -
Fête des moulins
Join us for a day of traditions and festivities, celebrating our local heritage! -
Et si on parlait de…
Ma vie, ma mort : l’assistance au suicide, un droit fondamental ? -
50th Giron des Musiques de la Vallée d’Illiez
A not-to-be-missed event that will send joyful, colourful notes ringing across the skies of Val-d’Illiez!