30 September 2021
How about a break dedicated to gastronomy and wine tourism? Awaken your senses, immerse yourself in sunbathed vineyards, and meet chefs with a passion for local produce.
Today we're following in the footsteps of Kim Leuenberger, an epicurean traveller who came to spend two days in Crans-Montana in early autumn. She is delighted to share a few ideas with you that you could pinch if you come to spend a few days in Crans-Montana!
"I love autumn in Valais because it’s the time of the grape harvest, of walks surrounded by dazzling colours, the days getting shorter and it’s a time to share the good things, things that warm our soul”.
Set off to explore the village of Lens, which has an architectural and historical heritage as rich as it is varied, with 2 museums (the Foundation Opale, a real jewel of modern art, and the Grand-Lens Museum, which reveals the secrets of the village’s history), its GaultMillau-rated restaurant, its cafés, many walks and the Christ-Roi statue high above the village, overlooking the Rhone Valley.
Just a stone's throw from the Christ-Roi statue, from which the restaurant takes its name, Le Monument stands opposite the church of Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens, built in the mid-19th century in Piedmontese style. On the terrace, in the bistro or in the dining room, Italian accents and a cheerful atmosphere reign, and the cuisine reflects this. The menu changes every season and naturally, we are offered an autumnal menu.
The afternoon continues with a visit to the Grand-Lens Museum and a chance to explore one of the region’s irrigation streams, the Lens Bisse, with Catherine Antille, a guide from Valais Wine Tours. This connoisseur of Valais history, vineyards and local walks gives us the keys to understand Valais today.
The day ends in the very heart of the vineyards, with a visit and wine tasting at the Château de Vaas. "A place that is full of history, and which houses a wine library, perfect for combining theory and practice. Also the little terrace here is charming and cosy, a perfect end to the afternoon".
Finally, take the road up to the Hameau de Colombire for a magical night in a period ‘mayen’, or mountain chalet. A breathtaking view, an incomparable getaway and absolute calm will make this night in the mountains a real interlude in the heart of nature. An evening meal, delivered in a basket, can be arranged.
"I started the day with a morning walk along the Tsittoret bisse, with the birds and the soothing sound of flowing water as my companions", says Kim.
The plan is to go down to Chermignon and have dinner at the Café-Chermigon, another GaultMillau award-winning establishment in the region. It's "adorable and affordable" according to the famous culinary guide. The café and its small dining room extension wonderfully combine the charm of days gone by with an elegant modernity that puts everyone at ease. The chef, Serge Coustrain-Jean, only works with local and seasonal vegetables, and the journey from fields to plate is reduced to a minimum. Serge Coustrain-Jean even has a vegetable garden in front of his establishment, and harvests as much as possible directly from it.
The afternoon can be spent walking in the vineyards, or watching the grape harvest and admiring the gold and red of the vines (here at the Cave la Romaine cellar).
Finally, before leaving Crans-Montana and its authentic villages, don't hesitate to take a walk as the sun is setting. As you stroll, you’ll see the architecture of all the old buildings that make up the charm of our region.
Discover Crans-Montana and its autumn colours here.
