What signifies “autumn in Switzerland” for you? Is it the forest foliage showing off its vibrant hues, the sidewalk chalkboards announcing the arrival of La Chasse, or is it when the temperatures drop and your clocks get set forward one hour? For us, it’s a combination of all of these in addition to one of Switzerland’s most charming seasonal alpine traditions: les désalpes.
Picture a procession of gorgeous milk cows laden with elaborate flower crowns and clanging bells around their necks marching next to cowherds and their families, dressed in traditional embroidered clothing. It’s a tradition that marks the end of summer, bringing cows out of the mountain pastures back into the barns for the long winter—and it’s been going on since about 3000 BC. In addition to the actual parade, each town offers traditional food, music, animations and more.
If this is something you’re interested in, here are the top places you can watch the “cows come home” somewhat close to Lausanne.
La Fouly
21 September 2024
It's the 26th Edition with 310 cows from 4 different Alpine pastures. This year, in addition to the parade, they will welcome the Coracor alphorn group, the Aosta Valley music group Les Poudzo Valdoten and the folk group Les Boutsedoms d'Orsières. Plus lots of food, animations and more.
St-Cergue
28 September 2024
The désalpe in St-Cergue this year will be a feast for the eyes and stomach. Food stalls, animations, and the sound of the alpenhorn will all surround you while watching the gorgeous cows descend in the La Côte region.
Charmey
28 September 2024
Maybe one of the most iconic désalpes, Charmey's charming village center will ring with the joyful clanging of bells and alpenhorns, will be filled with the vibrant colored flower crowns, and have lots of food stalls, horse rides for kids, folk music and local craftsmen selling their products.
Albeuve
5 October 2024
You'll see the "armaillis" dressed in "bredzons" and their ladies in "dzaquillons". As for the cows, thundering bells will be hanging from their necks, and brightly colored flowers on their heads. Come for the parade, and traditional music and find lots of local produce among other things.
Blonay
21 September 2024
For the first time, two mountain pastures, Les Guedères and La Neuve, will take part in the traditional Désalpe. The procession covers a dozen kilometers before crossing the village to arrive at Grand-Pré. Catering, sales of regional products and entertainment are on offer to visitors.
Semsales
5 October 2024
It's a two-day celebration here, the Saturday will feature the parade with cows, an artisanal market, and animations (including a cheesemaking atelier and a lutte demonstration). Bars, food stalls, music, and lots more for the whole family will be available. On Sunday there's a special church service at 10h with an aperitif offered after.
