Valaisan Towns
Take a break from your sporting activities and take in some of the rich history and famous museums around the valley.
- Take a leisurely journey east down the Rhône valley and discover some of the small towns on the valley floor.
- Stop in Sion - the capital of Valais and the oldest Swiss town.
- Visit Château de Valère, an 11th Century fortified village.
- Head further down the valley to Martigny - a melting pot of tourism, history and culture.
- Explore the Foundation Pierre Gianadda museum with its permanent gallo-roman exhibitions and ever changing art exhibitions of international repute.
- Learn about the great St Bernard Pass and the legendary canine lifesavers at the St Bernard Dog Museum.
- Stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants - maybe a fondue?
- Spend the rest of the day exploring the township of Martigny or start heading back and stop off at some other towns/villages on the way home.
- Arrive back at the doorstep of your hotel/apartment at the end of the day.
YOUR DAY
Start your day by heading to the capital of the Canton Valais; Sion. It has an exceptionally long history with archeological evidence points to the site having been inhabited during Neolithic times. We'll head up and take a look around the medieval castle of Château de Valère. Thought to have been built on the ruins of a Roman temple, the château dates back to the thirteenth century and is the home of the oldest playable organ in the world (1390). The hike up to the château yields excellent views along the valley and over the town.
Next, head to the dramatically sited city of Martigny. Flanked by forest on one side and terraced vineyards on the other, Martigny, a melting pot of tourism, history and culture, nestles in a magnificent mountain setting. Whilst here we'll take the time to visit one of the country's most prestigious art galleries, the Foundation Pierre Gianadda. Featuring permanent and travelling exhibitions there'll be something to captivate even the most discerning traveller. Then onto our last stop for the day, the St. Bernard Dog Museum; home to an array of artifacts that tell the story of the Great St. Bernard Hospice and Pass and the legendary St. Bernard dogs.
ABOUT THE AREA
Valais, the holiday kingdom does not only mean sporting activities, there are plenty of ways of enjoying yourself in the valley whilst taking a break from your sporting activities. The towns make it a point of honour to be attractive and welcoming. All the Valaisan towns add another dimension to your stay, an opportunity to spend a day under the triple banner of culture, leisure and gastronomy. Museums, art galleries and ancient Roman ruins for the intellect, window shopping and boutiques for fashion, small bistros and restaurants for culinary delights. An interlude to be savoured.
HOW TO ARRANGE THIS DAY TRIP
While on holiday either;
- Contact Swiss Trip personnel on the local number provided in your travel itinerary documentation or,
- Visit the local tourist office and have them provide the details for getting there and back.
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