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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The highest cabaret in the world
Come and celebrate with Olivier Lejeune and the whole Maxi-Rires Festival team! -
Concert | NC Vox Choir
Singing to light up the world and hearts… -
Children’s workshop | Advent wreath making
The afternoon begins with a cani-kart with the huskies, followed by a creative workshop to delight the children! -
Conference | Nadine Louguinine’s heroic adventure by Fabrice Ducrest
The captivating story of mountaineer Nadine Louguinine… -
Advent windows | Troistorrents & Morgins
Discover the Advent Windows every evening from 1 to 24 December in the villages of Troistorrents and Morgins! -
Advent Windows | Champéry
Discover the windows of Advent every evening from December 1 to 24! -
Children’s workshop | Snowball and Christmas tree making
A magical moment for children in the company of huskies! -
Et si on parlait de…
Nine evenings of discussions on taboo or little-known topics -
Vernissage | “Impression vivante” by Michèle Pruvost
Michèle Pruvost, architect and artist, captures life and femininity in vibrant paintings that invite you into a colorful and luminous dance. -
St. Nicholas Day | Concert and Market
How about warming up with a delicious mulled wine, while enjoying a nice musical atmosphere offered by the Echo de la Vallée brass band? -
Top event
It’s Winter! Morgins Festival 20 years
This flagship event has been part of Morgin traditions for two decades, and promises a musical evening with an eclectic, high-quality line-up! -
Christmas tree sales
The tradition of the Christmas tree dates back thousands of years and has many different origins. Choose the freshly cut tree that will adorn and perfume your living room during the festive season!