Rando’péro: a brand-new local gourmet experience

One lunchtime at the end of February, we swapped the staff room for the mountain tops. The goal? To test the brand-new Rando’péro launched in Villars. The concept? A 100% local apéro backpack, ready to take away, designed to turn a simple walk into a convivial moment.

First stop: collecting our precious loot from Boucherie Erard in Chesières. The bag is generously filled and carefully prepared. On the way past the grocery shop, we add a few fresh tomatoes and, with a sweet tooth to satisfy, a little chocolate for the finishing touch. Backpacks on, we head towards the Col de la Croix.

A quick climb up to the Cabane du Scex

We leave the Col de la Croix road and take the path that winds through the forest towards the Cabane du Scex. At this time of year, in late February, a few patches of snow still remain, but the trail is largely accessible.

Allow around 15 minutes for a gentle uphill walk – just enough to build up an appetite.

And at the top… a guaranteed wow moment. We overlook the whole of Villars, the sun is shining brightly, the sky perfectly clear and the surrounding mountains are simply stunning. Today, we can even clearly make out Mont Blanc on the horizon.

Behind us, families are enjoying picnics while children take turns racing down the Col de Soud toboggan run before stopping off at the cabin. The atmosphere is lively and cheerful, yet everyone easily finds their own little spot.

We open the backpack… and the magic begins

Time to taste. We unpack the bag and discover its contents, carefully selected from local producers:

• White wine from Le Caviste – Vignerons d’Ollon
• Iris fruit juice
• Cheese from the Alpage des Chaux
• Salami pearls, honey-glazed bacon and ham croissants from Boucherie Erard
• Pickles by Hugo Reitzel
• Fresh bread from Boulangerie Charlet

We nibble, raise a glass and soak up the sunshine. The products are fresh, flavourful and perfectly portioned for a generous apéritif.

After this suspended moment between sunbathing and tasting, it is already time to head back down along the same forest path, backpack on our shoulders (a little lighter than on the way up).

Verdict?

The Rando’péro is the perfect excuse to head out for a walk, whether as a pair or in a group, and enjoy a delicious, convivial moment combining local produce and nature. We love it!