Bells and Banquet
Fest-goers clap as the cows with brass bells march past with dancers and local bands.
Sep 27
Désalpe of St-Cergue
Désalpe de St-Cergue
Saint-Cergue, Switzerland
Sep 27, 2025ExpectedSource
Each autumn, the village of Saint-Cergue in the Jura Vaudois rings with cowbells for its Désalpe. Herders called armaillis parade their decorated cattle back down into the valley after four months on the high pastures, in a warm celebration of the old transhumant rhythm of life in the Swiss Jura.
Key moments
Day 1 · Sep 27
Where it happens
Place du Village
Saint-Cergue, Switzerland
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Warm sweater (mountain climate even in fall)
Ask before close-up photos
Camera
Respect local boundaries
Stay interactive - local families often offer samples of mountain cheese
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: moderate.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Désalpe of St-Cergue
Désalpe de St-Cergue
Saint-Cergue, Switzerland
Each autumn, the village of Saint-Cergue in the Jura Vaudois rings with cowbells for its Désalpe. Herders called armaillis parade their decorated cattle back down into the valley after four months on the high pastures, in a warm celebration of the old transhumant rhythm of life in the Swiss Jura.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Sep 27, 2025Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Like other Vaud désalpes, this event marks the end of four months on the high alp pastures. It honors the armaillis (herders) and their cattle, and has become both a rural folk gathering and local spectacle for city neighbors.
Key moments to know
Day 1Sep 27Approximate
Bells and Banquet
Fest-goers clap as the cows with brass bells march past with dancers and local bands.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Warm sweater (mountain climate even in fall)
Ask before close-up photos
Camera
Respect local boundaries
Stay interactive - local families often offer samples of mountain cheese
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Sep 27, 2025
Estimated
City / Area
Saint-Cergue
Vaud
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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