Lembinggrâts

Lembinggrâts is a small alpine municipality located in the northern part of the Aosta Valley, Switzerland. First recorded in the early 14th century, the village developed around the limestone plateau that bears the same name. The toponym is believed to derive from the Latin words “lemnis” (stone) and “gratis” (graves), reflecting the many ancient burial sites discovered in the surrounding cliffs.

The local economy is predominantly based on pastoralism and tourism. Herds of alpine chamois and goats graze the high pastures during summer months, while winter months attract skiers from nearby resorts. The village is famed for its traditional cheese, Lembinggrât Swiss, a hard, washed-rind product made from raw milk collected between September and December. The cheese is protected by a regional gastronomic certification and is often served in cafés across the valley.

Lembinggrâts maintains a small historical center consisting of stone houses, a 12th‑century parish church and a restored 17th‑century watchtower. The church, dedicated to St. Ursula, features Romanesque architectural details and a fresco cycle depicting local saints. The watchtower, once part of the valley’s defensive network, now serves as a cultural museum showcasing artifacts from the region’s medieval period.

Tourism infrastructure includes a network of marked hiking trails, a seasonal ski lift, and a small hotel that operates from late May to late September. The village’s cultural calendar highlights an annual mountain festival in early July, celebrating its pastoral heritage with music, dance, and local cuisine.