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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Easter egg hunt
Our dear Easter Bunny has lost his eggs in the villages of Champéry, Morgins and Val-d’Illiez… He needs your help to find them! -
In the footsteps of the Easter Bunny
For budding young riders, this is the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with your favorite animals! -
Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt
L’Antre d’Eux has put together a lovely program for the festive season! -
Fête du bétail
For one festive day, farmers from all the local alpine pastures gather in town to show off their bovine beauties! -
Illustrated musical show | Aliose regarde ailleurs
A unique live visual creation in which images and music come face to face and interact live… A magnificent show in the region, offered as part of Culture on Tour. -
Annual concert by the St-Cécile and La Caecilia men’s choirs
The St-Cécile de Val-d’Illiez and Caecilia de Troistorrents choirs are delighted to welcome you to their annual concert! -
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. TOUT FEU, TOUT FEMME will feature Edith Piaf, Céline Dion, Zazie, Véronique Sanson and Patricia Kaas, among others. -
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.