Our next stop was the annual Verbier E-Bike festival in the Le Châble valley. We followed a not-so-gruelling five-part itinerary that celebrated the local gastronomy and culture of the Val de Bagnes, rewarding every 30 minutes or so of soft pedalling with a glorious stop-off for fresh croissants, cheese fondue, red wine, hot sourdough and charcuterie platters. This kind of cycling we could get thoroughly on board with, and the power-assistance of our E-bikes meant mother and daughter could travel at the same pace, covering some 26.5km of hilly mountain terrain with blissful ease.
We were struck by the wonderful sense of community in Le Châble, and the impact of Covid on their tightly knit circles. There was a sense of optimism and determination as they looked ahead to the winter season – ‘we’re here in the world’s greatest outdoor playground’ the locals told us, ‘where else could you want to be?’ And we agreed entirely. The fresh Swiss air, breath-taking postcard views and gentle way of life were all completely intoxicating – a perfect oasis of mountain bliss.
The final pit-stop was a visit to the PALP music festival – an annual week of musical events staged against dramatically beautifully backdrops, and with the wonderfully named ‘Rocklette’ stand serving up, of course, hearty plates of oozy Swiss cheese that promised to keep party-goers dancing into the small hours. ‘One more song’ at PALP and it was time to board our coach and start the descent back down to reality. Upon our arrival back to drizzly Heathrow, we took comfort in knowing that our idyllic mountain bubble was just a short plane ride away – a gastronomic delight and the perfect destination for all ages.
Juliette was a guest of Verbier – Val de Bagnes, Office du Tourisme
Fact Box
For more information about Verbier please visit
www.verbier.ch
Flights: SWISS operates flights to Switzerland from various UK airports.
www.swiss.com
Transfers by train: The Swiss Transfer Ticket covers a round-trip between the airport/Swiss border and destination. Prices are approx. £70 in second class and £130 in first class.
Hotel: B&B accommodation at 3* Hotel Bristol from145chfs/£120 per night per room. Please visit
www.bristol-verbier.ch
Gourmet Foraging for more information visit
www.cherrieswalks.com
Biking: From 4 July to 27 September, guests can explore the Swiss Alps by E-bike, choosing either a Rando Gourmande tour or one of the four guided Discovery Trails, each catering to varying levels of ability and touring different areas of the Valais mountainside. The trails range from 25 km to 40 km and can be done solo or with a guide. The Rando Gourmande allows guests to discover authentic, local cuisine whilst experiencing the stunning landscape where it is produced. Each of the two Rando Gourmande itineraries include four stops which offer a variety of local delicacies such as fresh pastries, aged meats and fine wines. The Verbier E-Bike weekends begin on 4 July and run each Thursday to Sunday until 27 September.
Palp Festival – more information & tickets, visit
www.palpfestival.ch
Verbier Infinite Playground (VIP) Pass: The VIP Pass offers free entry or discounts to more than 25 of Verbier’s top activities and attractions including free admission to mountain lifts on foot, 50% discount on mountain lifts for mountain bikers, free transport by postal bus and more than 45 free activities or at reduced prices. For more information visit
http://www.verbier.ch/en/vip-pass.htm
