Gruyères: The Alpages

Des Alpages : Gruyères, CH

Yesterday, we went to Gruyères to meet some friends for lunch. We got a little lost and ended up caught in the annual Alpages where the Swiss bring their livestock down from the mountains for the winter. It was a beautiful day for it and it's always fun to see the Swiss holding on to their traditions in this 21st century world.

 All decked out... : Des Alpages : Gruyères, CH

These are definitely not filthy, stockyard American cows. These bovines have enjoyed summers in the high pastures and meadows of the Alps, eating grass and clover and soaking up the sun. If you're a cow in Switzerland, you're livin' the good life!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 10/11

Alpages a la Gruyères

Des Alpages : Gruyères, CH

This time of year in the Alps of Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France, and Germany, is the end of the grazing season for the cattle. Many of the villages and towns put together small parades or larger festivals celebrating the return of the cows--and in some places, the sheep and goats, too--from the mountains and hillsides. In French, it's called des Alpages. In German, it's called the Almabtrieb. I just call it "FUN!" Today, we went to Gruyères and had to pull onto the shoulder to let the cows and their herders by. Here is some video.

Video copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 10/11

Impromptu Almabtrieb

Almabtrieb : Lauterbrunnen, CH

As we were packing up and preparing to settle our bill with the hotel, the cleaning lady came down the stairs and loudly pronounced, in English, "They're bringing the cows down from the mountain." Maya and I had been telling Rachel all about des Alpages (French) / Alpaufzug (Austria) / Almabtrieb (Swiss) and lamenting that her visit wouldn't coincide with events being held in Annecy, France, in October. Much to our delight, these smaller villages don't have an organized event and we were present for Lauterbrunnen's Almabtrieb this year! More pictures here. You can see last year's photos of the Alpages in Annecy here.

 Decorated for the trip down the mountain for the winter : Lauterbrunnen, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 9/10

At the Alpage

Mischievous Twinkle : Des Alpage : Annecy, FR

Today's shot is from my archives. I took this gentleman's photo at the Alpage in Annecy, France, a few weeks ago. I love the mischievous twinkle in his eye. Sadly, no name since I don't parle vous Francais.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 10/09