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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Concert | Folk Sundays
Savor a delicious local dish while enjoying a sumptuous panorama and country music… It’s THE Sunday folk rendezvous! -
Finished
Workshop | Balm and natural cosmetics
A creative and original workshop to introduce you to the creation of 100% natural products and discover their benefits. -
Milking Cows & Raclette Tasting
Put yourself in the shoes of a mountain farmer as you discover how cows are milked, then enjoy a delicious raclette. -
Crochetan Mobile – The Mont-Blanc affair
Sit back, enjoy the breathtaking views, put on your headphones… and relive one of the great tragedies in mountaineering history! -
Jazz & Wine
The must-see summer event! The magical summer meeting of music and gastronomy. -
Top event
33rd Livestock Fair
It’s the folkloric summer highlight in Les Crosets! Despite the absence of cows this year for health reasons, the 33rd Crosets Cattle Fair will offer even more entertainment, stalls, and new attractions for the whole family. -
Alpine Grooves
Champéry’s Saturday meeting place for relaxing, enjoying a drink and admiring the mountains with music and good company! -
Fête patronale in Champéry
See you at the Champéry church for this day of sharing! -
Milking Cows & Raclette Tasting
Put yourself in the shoes of a mountain farmer as you discover how cows are milked, then enjoy a delicious raclette. -
Jazz & Wine
The must-see summer event! The magical summer meeting of music and gastronomy. -
Raclette Festival
Epicureans, and raclette fans in particular, can delight their taste buds with a host of Valais cheeses! -
Milonga +
The +Art association invites you to a unique festive and cultural event in the heart of the Val d’Illiez, to discover and celebrate the richness of Argentine culture.