Half the world in 18 days! – Part 2 JCB Désalpe

I landed in Zurich at 11pm on Friday the 11th. Normally when travelling on business the weekend is spent in solitude as I love exploring new places in the luxury of my own time and space. However this time around something unplanned but truly wonderful was occurring the next day.
The next morning was an early rise, as I had to get to the Zürich Hauptbahnhof to catch the earliest train to Vevey. The train ride takes about 2-3 hours and you get to see the petite village postcard landscape that typifies Switzerland.

Approaching Vevey and Lausanne one can appreciate the beautiful scenery around the Lake Geneva area. It comes as no surprise that scholars, actors ‘Charlie Chaplin’ and men of writing such as Victor Hugo and Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky, chose to reside here in their autumn days.

Arriving at Vevey, I made my way to the........

Scenically located in the heart of Vevey, between Montreux and Lausanne, Hotel Des Trois Couronnes offers the most enchanting views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. A jewel among the leading Swiss small hotels, the hotel has always been a happy retirement for royalty and other dignitaries. A complete renovation of this palace, built in 1842, has recreated the unique charm and the environment reminiscent of the Belle Epoque.

To get into the spirit of things, it was time to relax with glass of Champagne and plan out the rest of the day’s activities.

Back in the room, the real purpose of my visit to Vevey is revealed.

I was invited to attend Mr Biver’s Désalpe with his family and friends. During September and October, "Désalpe" is the best-known of all traditional mountain festivities. After more than four months of grazing in alpine pastures, cows make their way down to the plain. 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 coloured flowers on their heads.

It was a shame that I could not be here since Friday and watch JCB lead his cows from the fields (La Neuvaz) where they stay in summertime, to the farm house down the mountain (where he lives himself). This is the place the cows stay in wintertime. The way down the mountain is 18 km long, and Mr Biver walks down with the cows and the farmers who were up in the mountain during the summer to make the cheese.
Here are some photos of the celebration.





Yummy Cheese

Once Mr Biver made it down to the farm the festivities really started.

Time to eat the wonderful Gruyère cheese, sausages, and sample some other local produce.

Some serious local wine tasting was also conducted.


This has certainly been a glorious experience. Hublotista certainly know how to indulge in the best of life. I must thank Emil (also for sharing your pics) and the gracious team at Swiss Prestige and Hublot for giving me the opportunity to attend and to share this special time with the Biver family.