Heritage & Know-how

Revisit the past

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…
 

A Know-how transmitted from generation to generation

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…

Good to know
Named for the traditional wooden basket famers carried on their backs, the La Cavagne shops are your one-stop-emporiums for everything homemade, farm-fresh and locally sourced. The two shops, one in Troistorrents, the other in Champéry, overfl ow with delectable specialties including robust cheeses, organic fruits and vegetables, cured and smoked meats, yummy jams, crusty breads, delicious wines and more!
→ Visit the stores