Originally British, Claire has spent the last 21 years of her life living in Switzerland. She currently lives in the Swiss Alps, in Valais, with her husband and 3 children. Initially Switzerland had been for her a place to complete her university studies in Hospitality Management. After a global career working with multinational companies for a number of years, more recently she choose to follow her passion and move away from the executive life to join her husband working as a shepherdess on their alpine farm.
The title of shepherdess is something she holds dear to her heart with pride as it’s a true and often humbling apprenticeship with mother nature and all the uncertainties. For both Claire and her husband, shepherding in the mountains is a lifestyle choice rather than a career. They endeavour to live this vocation in a manner that respects and upholds ancient traditions that are being lost in modern society, bridging a path between the old and new.
This uncommon way of living provides Claire and her family with a unique experience and therefore understanding of nature and animals. Something that she shares with an international following on social media. You can find Claire and her family on Instagram and on Facebook.
The transhumance is the pinnacle of Claire Jeannerat’s farming year, bringing with it a seasonal shift in her family’s home life. With the summer transhumance behind them, she sits down to catch her breath. The Swiss Shepherdess reflects on why her family has chosen to practice traditional pastoralism and to embrace the magic, the symbiosis and the sacrifices of this way of life. […]
Meet Claire Jeannerat, who runs a sheep and goat farm with her family in the Swiss Alps. The title of shepherdess is is a true and often humbling apprenticeship with mother nature and all the uncertainties. Claire and her husband endeavour to live this vocation in a manner that respects and upholds ancient traditions that are being lost in modern society, bridging a path between the old and new. […]
Agricultural and Rural Convention