Batailles de Reines — Valtournenche Elimination

What are the Batailles de Reines?

The Batailles de Reines ("battles of the queens") are one of the most iconic traditions of the Aosta Valley. The protagonists are cows of the Aosta Valley breed, robust and combative animals that, by natural instinct, challenge each other to establish the herd's hierarchy. In a series of non-violent encounters, the cows face off, pushing head-to-head until one retreats: the one that resists advances in the competition. The event, organised by the association Amis des Reines, has its roots in the Aosta Valley peasant culture and has been documented in an organised form since at least 1958.

The Valtournenche Elimination

The Regional Competition of the Batailles de Reines is divided into a series of elimination rounds held in various municipalities of the region between spring, summer, and autumn: the winners qualify for the regional final in Aosta, where the absolute queens are crowned in different weight categories. In Valtournenche, in the province of Aosta, one of the summer elimination rounds takes place, in an exceptional setting dominated by the pyramid of the Matterhorn.

More than a competition: a community celebration

The day of the Batailles is not just about competition: a true village festival is created around the arena, with refreshment stands, local products, and encounters between breeders, enthusiasts, and curious visitors. For the visitor, it is an opportunity to discover up close a still-vibrant rural world, where the passion for the "reines" is passed down from generation to generation and accompanies the entire season, from spring to autumn. Witnessing an elimination round in Valtournenche means entering the heart of Aosta Valley identity.