Escapades gourmandes
THE HERENS COW, FROM HORN TO RACLETTEVISIT TO A TRADITIONAL FARMVISIT TO A CHEESE DAIRYMEETING AND TERROIRA GOURMET TOUR OF EVOLÈNE’S HISTORYSALES OUTLETS FOR LOCAL PRODUCELOCAL RESTAURANTS
THE HERENS COW, FROM HORN TO RACLETTE
Spend a whole day discovering the Hérens cow, a breed of cattle native to the Val d’Hérens. Visit alpine pastures and dairies, taste our products, follow an educational trail with a guide: learn more about the different sides of this cow with an attitude!
VISIT TO A TRADITIONAL FARM
Visiting a farm is the best way to find out more about the famous Hérens cows. Come and meet them in their natural setting at Ferme de Clos-Lombard, in Evolène, and spend a special moment with one of their breeders! For those with a sweet tooth, it is possible to combine the visit with a tasting of cow products.
Tours available in French, German and English.
VISIT TO A CHEESE DAIRY
The Laiterie des Haudères opens its doors to you to learn more about the making of delicious Hérens products. Enjoy your discovery!
Reservations at least 24 hours in advance.
MEETING AND TERROIR
On this tour, you will have the opportunity to meet many of the Val d’Hérens’ culinary artisans… and taste their products, made using traditional know-how! Meat, cheese, bread and much more: taste this unique terroir.
A GOURMET TOUR OF EVOLÈNE’S HISTORY
Culture and terroir blend particularly well. On this tour, you will discover 4 unusual places, immerse yourself in the past… and finish with a tasting of wine and local produce. Sounds enticing, right?
SALES OUTLETS FOR LOCAL PRODUCE
A fully stocked picnic is the ideal accompaniment to a hike in the region; find all the products you need for it at the various local produce outlets! The cheese dairies, bakeries and butchers are waiting for you!
LOCAL RESTAURANTS
The Val d’Hérens has a particularly rich culinary scene, with restaurants, cafés and bars, as well as alpine refreshment stands, sure to satisfy and hydrate even the most demanding gourmets with products from the region. You have but to choose!
OTHER DISCOVERIES
Visiting Val d’Hérens means learning all about the famous Hérens breed through visits, events, and tastings.
But there is so much more to do! In summer/fall and spring/winter, special offers allow you to discover all facets of the valley.
IN THE HEART OF NATURE
The landscapes of the Val d’Hérens are particularly varied. Mountains, lakes, forests, meadows, gorges, mountain pastures… ideal for reconnecting with nature! There are many ways to discover these exceptional panoramas.
In summer, indulge in hiking, mountain biking, trail biking, climbing, scootering or paragliding. In winter, ski and snowboard, snowshoe and hike, skate, sled… and even dog sled!
Download the Outdoor Experience Val d’Hérens app to find out about all the outdoor activities.
A LITTLE CULTURE!
Val d’Hérens is all about nature and culture. The valley’s traditional villages lend it enormous charm. Book your visit to find out more about this architectural heritage.
To delve deeper into the valley’s history, you can also enjoy guided tours with the locals… and discover some fascinating places! There are also several museums where you can learn more about the local culture.
For the more playful among you, opt for a treasure hunt or educational trails!
Recurring events
RACE D’HÉRENS TOUR
The Race d’Hérens Tour brings together the various queen fights that take place between Race d’Hérens cows throughout the year. It is a living tradition that is deeply rooted in the canton of Valais.
Queen battles begin in autumn, with the selection of the most hardened queens. Further battles take place in spring, from March to April. The National Final finally takes place at the beginning of May, during a festive weekend that brings together over 15,000 people around the arena. It is an opportunity to witness the crowning of the queen of queens.
MID-SUMMER FESTIVAL
Every year on August 15, the people of Evolène celebrate midsummer in the tradition of their forefathers. A traditional mass, a helicopter rescue demonstration, traditional music and dance, vintage cars, and a grand procession light up this summer day!
AUTUMN GOURMET MARKET
In mid-September, Evolène hosts a gourmet market. A chance to stroll through the streets of this charming village and discover Valais wines and regional produce!
Various activities are organized throughout the day, for young and old alike.
EVOLÈNE’S TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL
The Evolène Carnival kicks off every year on January 6, the Feast of the Kings. And has been since the dawn of time! The festival lasts until Mardi Gras, in mid-February.
Carnival traditions are still very much alive in the village of Evolène, with the Peluches and the Empaillés, the strange characters emblematic of Carnival, as well as the Maries.
SPECIAL PACKAGES
The Hérensard Pass entitles adventurers to free public transport in the region, as well as significant discounts during their stay. Ask for it at your accommodation provider or at the Tourist Office as soon as you spend one night in the valley!
ACCOMMODATION
It takes just a few days to explore all the facets of the Val d’Hérens, so choose the accommodation that best suits you – hotel, B&B, chalet, campsite, hut or agriturismo – and enjoy your stay!
Regional Actors
