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! -
Top event
Lumberjack competition
Morgins will be alive with the sound of axes and chainsaws on July 19! -
Alpine Grooves
Champéry’s Saturday meeting place for relaxing, enjoying a drink and admiring the mountains with music and good company! -
Walk around the Champéry Oratories
The parishes of the Valley and the “Patrimoine Champérolain” Foundation invite you on a pilgrimage around the local oratories, followed by a picnic. -
Children’s show | Football referee Juez Casarozzi
A burlesque clown show in which an eccentric referee transforms each match into a delirious show combining prowess, dance and challenges with the audience! -
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! -
Cheese-making demonstration
A culinary and traditional journey to the heart of the senses! -
Pool & grill
Want to party like you’re at the seaside, but in the mountains? -
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. -
Val-d’Illiez Village Festival
The Val-D’Illiez Village Festival is back this summer and is full of surprises! -
Jazz & Wine
The must-see summer event! The magical summer meeting of music and gastronomy. -
Beer trail
Regional beers brewed with love to be savoured during a lovely gourmet walk in the heart of the village of Val-d’Illiez!