At an altitude of 900 metres, Orsières is home to a number of architectural treasures, the undisputable jewel in the crown being the church and its bell-tower.

Orsières enjoys a mild and relatively dry climate, being protected by the imposing mass of the surrounding mountains, including Le Catogne. On its slopes grow innumerable medicinal and aromatic plants, used to make herbal and iced teas, or in the manufacture of beauty and healthcare products.

Orsières claims a multitude of attractions, not least of which is Jean Maurice Joris, Michelin starred chef awarded a score of 17/20 in the Gault Millau restaurant guide. Passionate about nature, his creations use a large number of regional specialities to combine products and flavours in a mixture of skill and artistry. For example, the summer venison or the black pudding, the tournedos de canette (duckling), just ahead of the cheese, and not forgetting the delights of a heavenly dessert... Cuisine is an art form, and in his kitchen, the chef is a master craftsman.

Excellent food is available not only in the superb local restaurants, but also from local, traditional producers who, with the knowledge of previous generations, have perpetuated the traditions of salting, cheesemaking (including the famous raclette AOC), producing red fruits, mountain honey, rye bread and wine. All these products can be combined in a gift or display basket; see ‘La Corbeille d’Entremont’ at www.corbeille.ch.

In summer

The village of Orsières is ideally placed mid-mountain, thus offering a multitude of leisure pursuits. In summer, hiking is the most popular activity, with over 400 km of trails open to walkers of all abilities. You can follow the educational trails, or climb one of the neighbouring mountains such as the Aiguille d’Argentière, with its peak at 3901 metres constituting the highest point of the region. There is a whole host of sporting facilities, including tennis courts, sports halls and mountain biking paths.

In winter

Marked snowshoe trails provide the main activity starting from the village, and the nearby ski routes cater for all styles and levels. Orsières is an ideal place to stay, being less than 20 minutes from the resorts of Champex-Lac, La Fouly, Vichères, Espace Super Saint Bernard and even Verbier-4 Valleés, one of the largest and most beautiful skiing regions in Europe.