Caroline Frey on the farm

Some families have decided to breathe new life into the disused mountain animal stalls. Among them the Zermatten family from Trognes in Val d’Herens, who have converted two old, family-run farmsteads into alpine accommodation for agritourism use. The project started with the purchase of shares in these two huts. Historically, the farmers who owned land in this area also owned some shares in these mountain farms. By taking over these shares, the Zermatten family gradually became the sole owners and renovated the properties with the help of their nephew, a young professional architect. The result is a perfect balancing act between authenticity and modernity.

An opportunity for my daughter and me to enjoy a long-awaited break in the mountains!

Marie-France Zermatten welcomes us above the village of Trognes, where we park our car. “Don’t use a suitcases on wheels, take your backpacks with you instead – because access is only via a small footpath.” The tone is set: secluded tranquillity in the midst of nature guaranteed! Perfect for our mother-and-daughter weekend.

From Sion it is about a 30-minute drive to the meeting point. Our smiling, warm-hearted host Marie-France takes us and our backpacks to our quarters for the weekend. The little path leads past some chalets and then up to the alp, where we see the two farmsteads. After this short warm-up phase, we arrive to a spectacular panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains of the Val d’Herens, from Dent d’Herens to Pic d’Artsinol.

Marie-France opens the door to “Le Terrier”, a small and cosy “gîte” for two people. The kitchen and bathroom are very well equipped, and a small ladder provides access to the mezzanine bedroom. My daughter and I are really looking forward to spending our weekend in this unique location in the mountains.

The weekend begins with a small snack on the terrace, where we enjoy the fabulous view and the beautiful sunset. We bathe in the late evening glow, feasting on local delicacies and a delicious Tomme cheese from Saint Martin, purchased in the village dairy. Of course, we continue with a fondue. In a setting like this, we’re certain that this is going to be the nicest fondue of the year!

The sun goes down, and the temperature drops. We’re left in no doubt of our altitude of 1,600 metres above sea level! It’s time to climb into bed so we can make the most of the following day. On a completely dark and quiet night, we sleep curled up like marmots.

The glorious sunshine that greets us in the morning means that we can enjoy our breakfast on the terrace. The equipment provided allows us to set the table nicely. A few hikers pass by on the narrow path in front of the farmstead. It is time for us to take one of the many hiking trails that start just below the farmstead to discover the alpine flora and fauna of this region, which is famous for the conservation of its rich biodiversity. There are so many trails to choose from, and we could even walk all the way to the village of Evolène. We choose a trail with a reasonable climb for my daughter. Two hours of unalloyed happiness as we walk past mountain meadows, forests and waterfalls on a beautiful hilly path.

Before we leave, Jean-Yves and Marie-France come by to see us off. This family runs a farm with 200 organic sheep. We visit the other two “gîtes” housed in these 19th-century barns and stables. These are two larger, beautifully maintained “gîtes” that can accommodate up to eight people. They can be booked for large families, and privacy is guaranteed.

The weekend was spent hiking in this protected natural environment and satisfying a child’s dream of sleeping in a meadow in the mountains. Everyday life, school, work and everything else… seemed so far away during this wonderful break in Val d’Herens. We can’t wait to come back again!

You’ll find plenty of photos and videos from our stay on our Instagram page @caroline__frey.

There are, of course, many opportunities to spend the night on a farm all over Switzerland.