The snow is melting, the chair lifts have closed, the ski season is over, and it’s still too early to lace up the hiking boots and go for a proper hike in the Alps, so what are all these people doing walking through Champex with backpacks, hiking boots and skis on their backs??? It’s that time of year, in-between seasons, where serious mountain lovers take on the "Haute Route", originally known as "The High Level Route". The Haute Route is a trail between Chamonix, France and Zermatt, Switzerland where serious mountaineers do a combination of skiing and hiking to cover a 180km trail, taking anywhere from 7 to 12 days. They go from the base of Mont Blanc to the base of the Matterhorn, 2 of the most famous mountains in the Alps. Spring is definitely a quieter time of year in the mountains and resorts, so if you’re looking for a real physical challenge and some peace and quiet in nature, this might be the thing for you ! And if you’re looking for a great place to stay in Champex, try the Hotel Mont Lac (with spa !) to rest for the night and recuperate for the next day ahead!
Switzerland may seem like the picture of perfect - serene, picturesque, clean, neutral, but there are some elements of Swiss culture that may surprise you. This particular tradition is specific to the Valais region, where I live. This unexpected tradition is cow fighting, otherwise known as "Le Combat de Reines", or the fight of the queens…
Every spring the cows belonging to the Hérens race instictually instigate a fight with their female counterparts to determine the "Queen" of the troop and who will lead them up the mountain to pasture. This practice happens spontaneously between the cows. One female will turn towards another, snort, and paw the ground to let her know she wants to fight. The opponent will either return the gesture or just walk away. If she accepts, they lock horns and continue to push each other with all their strength until one backs down and turns away. It is a bloodless and harmless fight .
In addition to these spontaneous combats, it has also become an organized spectator’s sport in the Valais . You can attend numerous fights throughout the spring and even place bets on your favorite.
This is an extremely unique event that the Valaisans are quite proud of and is growing in popularity in the realm of Swiss tourism. So next time you’re in the Valais and looking for something to do, check with your local tourist office to try to catch a "combat". You’ll get a real taste of the Valaisan spirit – anything but serene and neutral !
Get your very own hand carved fighting cow here!
I‘m starting a series of highlighting different Swiss designers and artisans that I feature in my store. That way, you, my faithful clients get to learn more about the Swiss people designing and creating these top quality products. Today’s highlight is Cocooning Biocosmetics.
As we head slowly into spring, trying to catch glimpses of « new life » and leave the longest winter ever behind, I find it therapeutic to pamper myself a bit and take care of my dry skin, so when spring and summer finally do come, my skin is ready. This is why I’ve chosen to highlight Cocooning Biocosmetics today as their products are ideal for great skin care.
Cocooning Biocosmetics was the brain child of a husband and wife whose son had allergic reactions to store-bought baby products. They were convinced that an all-natural approach was the solution to his skin problems. So in 2007 they created their business, creating products that combine this philosophy with their passion for all natural, high quality ingredients. They have since created a team of passionate artisans, who use ancestral methods, to create high quality skin care products.
Their mission statement claims that they produce products for our well being while at the same time respecting the environment and encouraging a humane society. They use only the highest qualtiy plant based products , use recycled packaging and materials whenever possible, encourage a healthy and respectful work environment, and never do any testing on animals.
For over 10 years this Swiss company has been providing beautiful skin care products to its clients. It’s a recognized brand and has made a name for itself in the Swiss market. Their products are definitely staying on my shelves as they a perfect fit for vachement suisse.
Thank you to mojotraveler for this nice article on Champex, the Mont Lac and my shop!
Swiss Souvenirs From an American Girl in Champex Switzerland
Pass by and check out the latest Swiss designs! Hope to see you all!
Celebrate Advent with Vachement Suisse's
special offers every day!
Vachement Suisse is offering a different special every day from December 1st to the 24th.
Follow us on Instagram @vachementsuisse to learn about each day's special offer. Use the code ADVENT to take advantage of the deals. All promotions will also be posted on the website.
This weekend, August 19th, is the 5th annual Champex music festival! Music for all tastes and ages. Free admission. Come enjoy the free music, the beauty of Champex and the activities it has to offer!
This Saturday, August 5th, come check out and participate in the Stand Up Challenge in Champex! From 10h - 19h you can try out the boards and even participate in races - for kids, adults, men and women. There will be a lakeside bar with homemade sausages and followed up by a concert by Jackstaff at the Promenade!
Celebrate August 1st with
Express your Swiss patriotism with Swiss designed items from our boutique! We have t-shirts and hoodies with the store logo as well as numerous items displaying the beloved Swiss flag. Show your Swiss pride!
Here's a fun article on how great Champex is! A nice nod to our wine bar, Mimi's Lounge, as well!
I have improved last year's Tour du Mont Blanc map design and added a new one to the mix. These designs are unique and can only be found at Vachement Suisse. The map is an original design showing all the stops on the tour, in all 3 countries. The new design has a retro feel. They are proving to be popular this year and are selling quickly! I've already had to place a new order to get yours quickly!
I'm also introducing a TMB patch for the first time. Check it out below!
It's almost Mother's Day! Celebrate your mom by offering her one of the boutique's great products - all natural bath and body products, beautiful Swiss designed jewelry, home goods, original handbags and sacks, candles, and much more!
Check out these adorable handmade bunnies, just in time for Easter! Each bunny is hand made by a local artisan here in Switzerland. Contact me if interested at vachementsuisse@gmail.com.
The shop will be open on the weekends until Easter.
Saturday 14h - 18h
Sunday 14h - 17h
If you'd like to visit the shop outside of these hours, please contact me!
Vachement Suisse is going stateside! Meet me in New York on March 9th for a glass of wine and a little shopping! I'm holding a pop-up event in the prominent ZieherSmith gallery in Chelsea, near the 20th street entrance of the High Line. Contact me for details or just stop by!
The boutique will be open in February during winter break - every Saturday and Sunday 13h30 to 17h30 and every day from February 25th to March 5th. Check with my Facebook page for up to date hours!
This weekend, January 21st and 22nd, there are some great events happening in Champex! For the first time ever the Ice Speedway is holding a motorbike race on the lake! All day Saturday and Sunday. For those who are looking to actually participate in an alternative kind of racing, there is an initiation to dog sled racing! And for those looking for something even more challenging, there's the Montée nocturne de la Breya - a race UP the slopes, either on skis or snowshoes! Prizes for the winners! The shop will be open Saturday and Sunday 13h to 18h. If you need a place to stay check out the great Hotel Mont Lac.Looking forward to welcoming you to Champex!
