Every September, the small town of Le Châble becomes the undisputed capital of melted cheese. Bagnes Capitale de la Raclette brings together producers, alpine farms and cheese lovers around a dish that embodies the spirit of the Valais better than any other. For the 2026 edition, we invite you to discover this beloved gathering, just a short drive from Verbier.
A Festival Rooted in Local Tradition Since 2004
For more than two decades, this event has celebrated the AOP raclette cheese of the Valais in all its forms. Behind every plate lies generations of know-how, precise craftsmanship and mountain pastures that shape the cheese’s distinctive flavour. The organisers have made their priority clear: putting taste back at the heart of the celebration and creating a genuine connection between visitors and the people who make what they eat.
This year, fourteen different raclette cheeses will be available to sample, sourced from dairies and alpine farms across the region, including Verbier, Lourtier, Liddes, Etiez and Orsières, alongside the alpine farms of La Forclaz, La Chaux, Le Lein, Mille, Le Tronc and Odonne. It’s a rare opportunity to compare flavours side by side and meet the artisans behind them.
Saillon, This Year’s Guest Village
New for 2026: Bagnes welcomes Saillon, the medieval town of Farinet, as its guest village. Nestled among vineyards and sun-drenched hillsides, Saillon brings its own warmth and way of life to the heart of the Val de Bagnes. It’s a meeting of two distinctly Valaisan terroirs, promising delicious pairings of raclette and local wine.
A Weekend of Tradition and Festivity
The programme unfolds over two lively days. On Saturday 26 September, raclette service begins at 11am, followed by a traditional cow fight (combat de reines) from 3pm to 6pm, and a dance that runs until 3am. Three live acts keep the energy going throughout the day: La Camelote des frangins Lindecher, the Pichette Klezmer Band, and accordion player Grégoire Fellay.
On Sunday 27 September, the festival opens with a grand parade through the streets of Le Châble starting at 11am from the Place de l’Église. Raclette resumes at the same time, followed by an official ceremony at 2pm and the prize draw at 4pm. The Fanfare Balkanique illimitée and Grégoire Fellay accompany the closing hours until the festival wraps up at 8pm.
Entry is free for everyone. On site, a token system (payable by card or cash) covers all food and drink purchases; bar payments accept bank cards, and TWINT is available for Saturday evening’s dance. The festival goes ahead rain or shine, with indoor spaces available for guests’ comfort.
Extend the Experience With a Stay in Verbier
The Val de Bagnes is far more than a single weekend of festivities: it’s a valley worth exploring at leisure, in every season. After a day of tasting in Le Châble, there’s nothing quite like returning to a comfortable chalet or apartment just minutes from the festival grounds. We offer a curated selection of holiday rentals in Verbier, from cosy studios to spacious chalets sleeping up to twelve guests, so the experience doesn’t have to end when the last plate is cleared.
Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying the whole weekend, having your own place nearby means enjoying the festival at your own pace, free from train schedules or return journeys. Get in touch with our agency for availability and booking enquiries.
Practical Information
Dates: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026
Hours: Saturday 11am–11pm (dancing until 3am), Sunday 11am–7:30pm
Location: Espace St-Marc, Route de Mauvoisin 45, 1934 Le Châble
By train: Le Châble station is just steps from the festival site, on the RegionAlps line. Journey times are approximately 25 minutes from Martigny, 1h05 from Sion, and 1h20 to 1h30 from Lausanne with a change at Martigny.
By car: free parking is available near Le Châble station, within easy walking distance of the venue. As spaces may be limited during the event, carpooling is strongly recommended.
Admission: free entry; food and drink purchased via an on-site token system.
Banner photo : © valais.ch
from 8:30 am to 12 pm and
from 2 pm to 6 pm
Sunday closed
Route des Creux 24, 1936 Verbier
from 8:30 am to 12 pm and
from 2 pm to 6 pm
Sunday closed
Route des Creux 24, 1936 Verbier