Batailles de Reines - Mont-Blanc / Courmayeur Elimination

The Batailles de Reines, the soul of the Aosta Valley

The Batailles de Reines are one of the most deeply rooted and identity-defining traditions of the Aosta Valley. They are natural, non-violent combats between cows of the Aosta breed, robust and combative animals that, driven by instinct, face each other pushing head-to-head until the dominant cow of the herd is determined. There is no suffering for the animals: it is a behavior that the cows exhibit spontaneously in the mountain pastures to establish the group's hierarchy. The absolute winner earns the coveted title of Reina (queen).

The Courmayeur Elimination

The Mont-Blanc / Courmayeur elimination is one of the stages of the Regional Contest organized by the Association Régionale Amis des Batailles de Reines. It traditionally takes place in the splendid setting of Val Veny, at the foot of the Italian side of Mont Blanc, in the municipality of Courmayeur. During the day, the cows are divided into categories based on weight, and the combats take place in a natural arena surrounded by peaks, until the proclamation of the category queens who qualify for the grand regional final in Croix-Noire, Aosta.

A popular Aosta Valley festival

More than just a competition, the elimination is a true village festival that brings together breeders, families, and enthusiasts. Around the arena, food stands offer typical Aosta Valley products, from Fontina DOP to mountain cured meats, in a convivial atmosphere that tells the story of the rural and Alpine identity of Courmayeur and the entire Province of Aosta. For the visitor, it is a unique opportunity to discover up close a centuries-old tradition that is still alive and deeply felt by the Aosta Valley community.