Though the last recorded instance of a Saint Bernard being used in a rescue was in 1955, the breed will always hold a special place in the hearts of La Rosiére locals. Every year on the first weekend in August, La Rosiére organizes a Saint Bernard festival, a two day celebration of the breed adopted by monks in the 17th century to act as guard dogs on the Grand-Saint—Bernard pass. Between 40 and 80 dogs travel to the resort to participate in the rally.

Why La Rosiére?

In 1963, a St. Bernard enthusiast and breeder,  Charles Clément, attempted to settle in the Petit St Bernard Pass with his own five dogs, but bad weather and the even worse conditions of available buildings made it impossible. Clement accepted an invitation from Jean and Helene Arpin to co-start a breeding program a few kilometers from the pass at the Relais du Petit St Bernard in La Rosière. A number of the Saints they bred there won prestigious dog show prizes, and to our knowledge, the program is functioning. During the festival in La Rosiere, one can meet the resort’s Saint Bernards. There are worse excuses to visit Europe!

Image of old postcard of La Rosiere found on Pinterest