Guigui

Guigui is a small municipality situated in the canton of Valais in southwestern Switzerland. The village lies in the upper Rhône Valley, surrounded by the Alpe Devero and the foothills of the Pennine Alps. It is part of the district of Sierre and falls within the administrative jurisdiction of the municipality of Champéry.

The local economy is largely based on alpine tourism, with several guesthouses, ski facilities, and hiking trails catering to visitors in both winter and summer. In addition to the hospitality sector, mixed farming—particularly dairy and alpaca breeding—provides a traditional source of income for residents. The region is known for its production of Valais cheese, most notably the hard, nutty variety that is exclusively produced from the milk of local cows raised on alpine pastures.

Guigui has a population of approximately 300 residents, many of whom are descendants of long-established families that have inhabited the valley for centuries. The community is known for preserving its cultural heritage through the promotion of the Romansh language, which coexists with French and Swiss German in daily life. Local festivals and seasonal markets serve to reinforce communal bonds and attract tourists interested in authentic alpine traditions.

The municipality is accessible by regional road networks and is connected by bus routes that link Guigui with neighboring towns such as Champéry and the city of Sierre. Public transportation is supplemented by seasonal service for tourism. While small in scale, Guigui maintains a vibrant local identity, balancing the preservation of cultural practices with the demands of contemporary rural tourism.