Tourism in the Valais Plain

Contents

4-7 Map of Valais8-11 Nature

12-13 Well-being14-15 Fun

16 Golf17 Cycling

20-22 Wine26-61 The towns and their attractions

26-29 Saint-Maurice

30-35 Martigny

36-41 Sion

42-47 Sierre

48-51 Leuk

52-55 Visp

56-61 Brig

62-63 Events

The Valais Plain: A World of Ideas to Inspire You!The Valais P lain is a world of its own and a "countrywithin a country". Amid this landscape of contrasts, astrong sense of harmony is created by the river Rhone(to which the plain owes its very existence), the vine-yards that cover the hillsides and the region's architec-tural heritage. This brochure aims to present some ofthe aspects of this multi-faceted region – a brief com-pendium that we hope will arouse your curiosity. Thenit's up to you to set out on a voyage to discover theValais Plain. We couldn't put it more "plainly" – comeand see for yourself!

Did you know that our canton is bilingual?French is spoken in the Lower Valais (in the west) andthe central region, whereas German is the language ofthe Upper Valais (in the east of the canton). So don'tbe surprised if some places have two names! This tablewill help you to find your way around:

French German

Martigny MartinachSion SittenSierre SidersSalquenen SalgeschLa Souste SustenLoèche LeukLoèche-les-Bains LeukerbadVarone VarenTourtemagne TurtmannRarogne RaronViège VispBrigue Brig

Tourism in

the ValaisPlain

Pages 303mm (p1-6) E:Mise en page 1 13.07.10 16:18 Page1

St-Maurice

FRANCE

Martigny

Sion

Sierre

Leuk

Lake Geneva

Lake Emosson

Lake Dix

Lake Moiry

• Le Bouveret

• Port-Valais

Lavey

• Aigle

• Bex

• Monthey

• Morgins

• Torgon

• Evionnaz

• VernayazSalvan

Les Marécottes •

• Champéry

Val de Bagnes

Val d’Entremont

Vallon de Réchy

Val d’Illiez

Val d’Hérens

Saastal

Sim

Rhône

Turtmanntal

Mattertal

Lötschental

Val d’Anniviers

Fully •

Bovernier •

• Savièse• St-Léonard

• GrangesGrône •

Inden •

• Venthône• Varen

• Salgesch • Agarn

• Susten

• Albinen

• Goppenstein

• Zermatt

• Saas-Fee

Lake Mattmark

• Zinal

• Täsch

• St-Luc

• Chandolin

• Visperterminen

Ausserberg •

• Vercorin

• Crans-Montana

• Vétroz

• Chamoson

• Evolène

• Arolla

• Thyon

• Nax

• Veysonnaz

• Conthey

• Saillon

• Saxon

• Leytron

• Ovronnaz

Champex-Lac • Orsières •

• Nendaz

• Anzère

• Grimentz

• Leukerbad

• Verbier

• Le Châble

< Lausanne Geneva

Basel - Bern Zurich

La Forclaz pass

Great St. Bernard pass and tunnel

Lötschberg tunnel

• Erschmatt

• Turtmann• Gampel

• Guttet

• Oberems

Brig

• Blatten

Belalp •

Naters •

• M

• Riederalp

• Rothwa

S

• RoMund •

Birgisch • • Ried-B

Eggerberg •

Visp

• Grächen •

>

<

Basel Bern

Zurich

<

• St. Niklaus

• Bürchen • Unterbäch

• Raron• Niedergesteln

• Brigerbad • Eyholz

Glis •

• Stalden

• St-Gingolph

Our partner for your transport services in the Rhone Plain

The "RegionAlps" trains carry over 3 million passen-gers per year between St-Gingolph and Brig. Thetrains are easily recognizable because their liveryfeatures the colors of our canton: red and white ! Nomatter where you are in the Rhone Plain, there'sbound to be a station nearby. Use the to findthem – and "bon voyage". www.regionalps.ch

Valais, the Alpsand the Source of the Rhone

Fiesch

ITALY

Aletsc

h glac

ier

al

Simplontal

Rhôn

e

Goms

Binntal

• Saas-Fee

Lake Mattmark

erminen

Nufenen pass

Simplon pass and tunnel

Brig

Grim

sel p

ass >

Furka

pas

s >

• Blatten

Belalp •

Naters •

• Mörel

• Riederalp

• Bettmeralp

Oberwald •

Ulrichen •

• Breiten

• • Ernen

• Rothwald

• GondoSimplon •

• Rosswald d • h •

• Ried-Brig / Termen• Brigerbad • Eyholz

Glis •

10 km

N

S

EO

This map is a schematic view for indicative purposesonly. Please consult more detailed maps for your excursions.

7

Nature: the wellspring

8

The natural wonders of Valais: a symphony of colorswhose movements are the four seasons, astonishingin their abundance but easily accessible. Sometimeswild, always authentic, the ideal source of regenerationand relaxation. This brochure presents a subjectivechoice of "must-sees".

Pages 105mm E:Pages 105mm 31.05 13.07.10 10:16 Page8

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Parks and nature reserves –true Gardens of Eden

The people of Valais are truly apprecia-tive of their native land. We live in closeharmony with it and take active steps topreserve it, but at the same time we in-vite you to travel its length and breadth.

A few suggestions from the wealth ofideas on offer: the Bois-Noir pine forest(between Evionnaz and Saint-Maurice),the gorges of Trient (Vernayaz) andDurnand (Bovernier), the nature reservesof Les Follatères (Fully) and Montorge(Sion), the Maya/Mont-Noble biospherebetween Grône and the Hérens Valley,the Finges nature park between Sierreand Leuk, the Turtmann waterfalls andthe Brig region (Jungfrau-Aletsch) andits UNESCO world "Heritage of Humanity"site.


11

Bisses and theme paths: your chance to commune with nature

Throughout Valais, every region offers theme pathsand bisses (rural irrigation channels) for visitors to discover. For more detailed information, each TourismOffice will provide you with suitable maps and detailedroute suggestions.

The Rhone: a river that laughsat frontiers

From the sources ofthe Rhone Glacier toLake Geneva, thebanks of the riveroffer over 140 km ofwalks that combinefresh cool air, tran-quility and naturalbeauty.


12

Thermal resorts: wellsprings of good health

Water – gushing forth as the snows melt, or pouring inabundance from a host of thermal springs – the bestpossible source of well-being. No matter where you arein the Rhone Plain, you're sure to be close to a thermalresort.


13

The Lavey Spa1892 Lavey-les-Bains+41 (0)24 486 15 55www.lavey-les-bains.ch

The Saillon Spa1913 Saillon+41 (0)27 743 11 70www.bainsdesaillon.ch

The Brigerbad Spa3900 Brigerbad+41 (0)27 948 48 48www.brigerbad.ch


14

Theme Parks: for thrills and spills

AquaparcThe Caribbean on Lake Geneva – fun and wellness.Rte de la Plage1897 Le Bouveret+41 (0)24 482 00 00www.aquaparc.ch

Swiss Vapeur ParcMiniature railways that bringSwitzerland's architecturalheritage alive.Rte de la Plage1897 Le Bouveret+41 (0)24 481 44 10www.swissvapeur.ch

To complement the entertainment afforded by the natural beauty of the plain, the region also offers several theme parks of international standing.

Parc AventureFollow the trails amid thetrees. (Children aged 4 ormore).Domaine des Îles, 1950 SionCh. du Fahy, 1860 Aigle+41 (0)24 466 30 42www.parc-aventure.ch


15

HappylandA park covering 25,000 m2

with a mix of attractionsfor the whole family.Rue du Foulon, 3977 Granges+41 (0)27 458 34 25www.happyland.ch

Fun PlanetAn indoor complex covering5,000 m2 with go-karts,bowling and a variety offun and games.Kantonsstr. 4083900 Gamsen+41 (0)27 923 22 11www.funplanet.ch

Plenty of other activities are available in the RhonePlain – bowling, go-karting, canyoning, rafting, paint-ball and horse-riding, to name a few examples. Be sureto ask for information from the nearest Tourism Office!

Labyrinthe AventureA natural maze (with 18,000thuya trees), toboggan runsand children's games.Rte des Iles Vieilles 301902 Evionnaz+41 (0)27 767 30 90www.labyrinthe.ch


16

Golf courses: sources of pure delight

Sion Golf Course

18 holes – par 70Rte de Vissigen 1501950 Sion+41 (0)27 203 79 00www.golfclubsion.ch

Sierre Golf Course

18 holes – par 723977 Granges+41 (0)27 458 49 58www.golfsierre.ch

Leuk Golf Course

18 holes – par 723952 Susten+41 (0)27 473 61 61www.golfleuk.ch

Tee-off amid terraced vineyards or in the lee of thou-sand-year old castles, in a nature park or even near aUNESCO natural world "Heritage of Humanity" site? Allthese options are open to you here!


17

Throughout the Rhone Plain, this free cycle hire serviceis open from Wednesdays through to Sundays, fromJune to October.

You'll find pick-up and drop-off points at Port-Valais,Monthey (end of 2010), Saint-Maurice, Martigny, Fully,Sion, Sierre (7 days a week), Leuk, Gampel, Raron, Vispand Brig.

www.valaisroule.ch

"Valais by bike!"


– Free travel on all Matterhorn Gotthard Bahnrailway lines and on the PostBus lines in the Upper Valais.

– 50% discount on the remaining coach lines, cablecars, ships, bike rentals, many museums and various adventure points.

– Valid on 2, 3 or 5 days of your choice within a month.

Adventure CardMulti-day tickets or attractive trips !

Matterhorn Gotthard BahnBahnhofplatz 7, CH-3900 BrigTelefon 027 927 77 77www.mgbahn.ch, [email protected]

Tickets and information: At all Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn railway stations and from the PostBus drivers within the field of application. www.erlebniscard.ch

Families:Children freeof change!

PostAuto Schweiz AG, Region WallisBahnhofstrasse 1, CH-3900 BrigTelefon 058 386 99 10www.postauto.ch, [email protected]


20

Let the wine flow!

The wines of Valais – to taste themis to love them!

Valais is Switzerland's premier wine-gro-wing canton. The facts: almost 5,100hectares of vines, 120,000 plots, 45 mil-lion liters or 40% of the country's entireproduction!

Valais also leads the field in terms of di-versity. 49 varieties of grape are grownhere at altitudes ranging between 400and 1,150 m (a European record!). Theirnames are evocative and full of promise,inviting you to embark on a voyage ofdiscovery: whites such as Petite Arvine,Fendant (Chasselas), or Amigne and redssuch as Cornalin, Pinot noir and Syrah…to name but a few!

www.lesvinsduvalais.ch


21

The vineyard route

From Martigny to Leuk, this route takes you throughcountryside with terraced vineyards where you willmake some surprising discoveries as you visit the vi-neyards and wine producers. You can choose to coverthe route on foot (66 km), by bicycle (83 km) or onroads suitable for cars (55 km).

www.cheminduvignoble.ch

A detailed guide (price: CHF 10) is available from yournearest Tourism Office.


22

Wine-tasting centers

There are plenty of places where you can taste winesin the Rhone Plain. The following wine centers are open7 days a week.

Fol’terres Agritourism Pavilion – FullyCh. du Rhône 135, 1926 Fully+41 (0)27 746 13 13www.folterres.ch

Leytron Wine-tasting CenterRte de Riddes, 1940 Leytron+41 (0)27 307 13 30www.oeno.ch

"Le Verre à Pied" – SionGrand-Pont 29, 1950 Sion+41 (0)27 321 13 80www.sionpassion.ch

Villa Castle – SierreRue Sainte-Catherine 4, 3960 Sierre+41 (0)27 456 24 29www.chateaudevilla.ch


The Valais train.Whether it is to visit Brig and its famous Stockal-per Castle, take an excursion on the exotic Aquaparc Island in Le Bouveret or explore Entremont Valley and its wonderful Countryside, RegionAlps is the best partner to take you to the right places at the right time. Time schedules can be checked at www.regionalps.ch.


FRENCH VALAISC U LT U R A L H E R I TA G E T O U R S

Discover our rich cultural heritage with guided

tours through historic towns and scenic villages :

defined programs or on visitor’s wishes

walking in nature

French, German, Italian, English

Visit our website :

[email protected]+41 27 723 12 12

Advice or information required ?

Please, contact us !

Fondation Tissières Avenue de la Gare 6

Portail patrimoine CH - 1920 Martigny

>> monuments

>> architecture

>> history

>> archaeology

>> nature


ANUNDERGROUND

WORLD

TO DISCOVER ABSOLUTELY

ENT IRELY CRAFTED BY HUMAN HANDS

w w w. m i n e s . c h • Phone +41 24 463 03 30 • [email protected]


Saint-MauriceRegion

Lower Valais

Rich in art and history, the town of Saint-Mauricenestles between the shores of Lake Geneva andthe Alpine peaks. This charming miniature city isdominated by a majestic cliff.

Saint-Maurice Tourism Office

Av. des Terreaux 1, 1890 Saint-Maurice [email protected]

+41 (0)24 485 40 40 www.saint-maurice.ch

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Saint-Maurice

1 Abbey of Saint-Maurice A visit to the abbey of Saint-Maurice, foun-ded in 515, will bring to life almost 1,500years of uninterrupted monastic life.

Av. d’Agaune 15, Saint-Maurice+41 (0)24 486 04 04www.abbaye-stmaurice.ch

2 Fairies’ CaveOver the millennia, water has worn its waythrough the rock to create the Fairy Grotto.Visitors have been delighted by its small un-derground lake and waterfall since 1863.+41 (0)24 485 10 45 www.grotteauxfees.ch

3 Castle of Saint-Maurice Standing guard over the gateway to theRhone Valley, this castle proudly displays itsrich past and also hosts a variety of tempo-rary exhibitions.

Rte du Chablais, Saint-Maurice+41 (0)24 485 24 58 www.expochateau.ch

4 Historical Fortress The galleries in the forts of Scex and Cindeyreveal the hidden side of military structuresthat used to be classified as "top secret".

+41 (0)24 485 40 40 www.forteresse-st-maurice.ch

5 Salt Mines of Bex In the Bex Salt Mines, visitors discover ahuge labyrinth of galleries, wells, stairwaysand underground caverns covering morethan 50 km.

Rte des mines de sel – Le Bouillet, Bex+41 (0)24 463 03 30www.mines.ch

Guided tours are available


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1

Martigny

BexMonthey 5

Av. des Terreaux

Gra

nd-R

ue

Av.

d’A

gaun

e

Av.

du S

implo

n

Av. du Midi

Lavey-Les-Bains

RH

ÔN

E

Rue de la Cime de l’Est

Rte

du L

ém

an

Rte

du S

implo

n

SAINT-MAURICE


A center of the arts that enjoys a southern climate:at Martigny, you can discover Roman ruins, the Towerof La Bâtiaz, two museums that are unique in Switzer-land, and an impressive collection of sculptures.

Martigny Tourism Office

Av. de la Gare 6, 1920 Martigny [email protected]

+41 (0)27 720 49 49 www.martigny.com

Martigny RegionLower Valais

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Martigny

1 Pierre Gianadda Foundation This major art museum has been a "must-see"on every visitor's itinerary since 1978, thanksto its prestigious exhibitions. Its extensivepark containing 35 sculptures, an automobilemuseum and the Gallo-Roman Museum.

Rue du Forum 18, Martigny+41 (0)27 722 39 78www.gianadda.ch

2 St Bernard Museum and Dogs

The famous dogs frolic around the park whileupstairs, the permanent exhibition narratesthe history of the pass and hospice. Souvenirshop, restaurant and beautiful terrace.

Rue du Levant, Martigny+41 (0)27 720 49 20www.museesaintbernard.ch

3 Archeological Walk Discover Roman Martigny with its amphi-theatre that can seat 5,000, a temple to Mithra that is unique in Switzerland, theChurch cellars and the Gallo-Roman Museum.

Av. de la Gare 6, Martigny+41 (0)27 723 12 12www.portail-patrimoine.ch

4 La Bâtiaz CastleAfter the castle was restored in 2000, its at-tractions include a medieval tavern for 90people, a torture chamber, a 3D film show andan extraordinary view of the town from thetop of the keep. Open from May to October.

+41 (0)27 721 22 70www.batiaz.ch

5 Manoir de la Ville (Town Manor)This 18th-century residence hosts contempo-rary art exhibits with a mix of plastic arts, lite-rature, music and philosophy. The attic housesthe Guex-Joris collection on the history ofaudio recording down to the present day.

+41 (0)27 722 22 30www.manoir-martigny.ch



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3

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La Forclaz passChamonix(France)

Sion

Martigny-Bourg

Verbier

Saint-Maurice

8

5

Rte

de

la F

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az

10

9

6Av.

du

Gra

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Rue du Leva

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Placecentrale

Av. d

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Rue d

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Rue du Léman

Rue M

arc-Morand

Rue d’Octodure

Rue du Simplon

Av.

de

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Rue du Simplon

Av. des Neuvilles

Ch. des

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La Dranse

MARTIGNY

Pages 204mm rabbats E:Mise en page 1 13.07.10 10:31 Page2

History MuseumChâteau de Valère, Sion Tel. 027 606 47 15 The cultural history of the Valais from the Stone Age to tomorrow A monument and site of international interest

Nature MuseumAv. de la Gare 42, Sion Tel.027 606 47 30 The natural heritage of the ValaisCollections on biodiversity

www.musees-valais.ch

Art Museum Place de la Majorie 15, Sion Tel. 027 606 46 90The artistic heritage of the ValaisA collection specialized in landscapes and mountains

35

Martigny

6 Louis Moret FoundationIn an open area of natural greenery, theFoundation stages 5 exhibitions each yearfeaturing contemporary artists including pain-ters, sculptors, architects and photographers.

Ch. des Barrières 31, Martigny+41 (0)27 722 23 47www.fondationlouismoret.ch

7 Morand Distillery Ever since 1889, the Morand family has beenproducing the best brandies from fruitsgrown in our orchards. Williamine® and abri-cotine are the distillery's flagship products.

Place de Plaisance, Martigny+41 (0)27 722 20 36www.morand.ch

8 Museum of Earth SciencesBe amazed by the collection of minerals,enjoy the temporary exhibitions and lectureseries, and explore a reconstructed under-ground mine.

Av. de la Gare 6, Martigny+41 (0)27 723 12 12www.fondation-tissieres.ch

9 Semblanet Mill One of the few watermills dating back to the18th century that is still in operation invites youto discover the works of local artists or samplethe bread (Fridays), accompanied by a localvintage and a typical dish of the region.

+41 (0)27 722 51 98www.moulinsemblanet.ch

10 Plan-Cerisier A typical little village amid the vineyards,with slate roofs, vines and a cafe with ashady terrace offering a superb panoramicview of the entire Rhone valley. There's alsoa small wine-growing museum to discoverhere.



Sion RegionCentral Valais

Sion, the capital of Valais, embodies the urban aspects of the canton. You're sure to be enchantedby its castles and monuments, its modernized his-toric center and its local produce.

Sion Tourism Office

Place de la Planta, 1950 Sion [email protected]

+41 (0)27 327 77 27 www.siontourisme.ch

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Sion

1 The CastlesValère and Tourbillon

Signature landmarks of Sion, two majesticcastles dominate the Valais capital from theirhillside location: Tourbillon (14th century,open in summer) and Valère (11th to 13th cen-turies, open all year).

2 The "Meeting Zone"In the town centre, the shopping areaboasts 700 outlets and restaurants, featu-ring a paved "meeting zone" dedicated topedestrians, with plenty of terraces whereyou can sit and relax.

3 Valère History Museum Heading the list of Valais' three cantonal museums, the recently refurbished ValèreHistory Museum chronicles the history of Valais from the Neolithic age to the presentday.

+41 (0)27 606 47 15www.musees-valais.ch

4 Art Museum Accommodated in two castles, the CantonalArt Museum hosts a collection of art relatedto mountain life in general – and Valais inparticular – ranging from the 18th century tomodern times.

+41 (0)27 606 46 90www.musees-valais.ch

5 The "P’tit sédunois" TrainFrom May to September, at modest cost,you can take a miniature train – the "P’tit sé-dunois" – through the narrow streets of thehistoric center.



Rue Tra

versiè

re

Rue du Scex

2

3

4

1

Martigny

Sierre

Anzère

8

5

7

10

Av. d

e la G

are

Av. de France

Rue Oscar-Bider

Rue de la Blancherie

Ch. St-H

ubert

Rte des R

onquoz

Rte de la Drague

Rte de Riddes

Rue de l’IndustrieR

te d

e la P

iscine

Rue d

es C

ham

ps-d

e-Tabac

Place du Midi

Rue de Lausanne

Av. de Pratifori

Av. Ritz

Av. de Tour

billo

n

Rue d

es

Châteaux

Rue d

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Av. du Petit

-Chasseur

Rte du Sanetsch

Rue de Gra

velo

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Rte de SavièseRue de Lo

èche

Rue de la D

ixence

9

6

RHÔNE

La Sionne

Ch. des Collines Espace de

s Remparts

SION


THE GREATESTAMUSEMENT PARK

IN SWITZERLAND More than 15 attractions

A 15-m fal l !

Rol ler coaster

GRANGES-SIERRE, Highway exits: Sion-Est/Sierre-OuestGRANGES-SIERRE, Highway exits: Sion-Est/Sierre-Ouest

41

Sion

6 Weekly MarketThe "Sion terroir urbain" (or "Sion – Townand Country") initiative links the ancienttown of Sion with the wines and gastronomyof the region. The weekly market on Fridaysshowcases these different aspects to bestadvantage.

www.mvvsion.ch

7 The Clavau WaterChannel (Bisse)

Follow the Clavau bisse (small irrigationchannel) and the footpath alongside it todiscover the spectacular terraced vineyards,with plenty of chances to taste the wines onthe way.

8 Sound and Light showUnique in Switzerland: on four evenings aweek throughout the summer, you can enjoya spectacular sound and light show – free ofcharge – featuring the magnificent Valèreand Tourbillon Castles.

9 Les Îles Public ParkLes Îles Park, with its lakes, greenery, picnicarea and sports center (Parc Aventure) is asuperb place to relax, much appreciated bythe locals.

www.bourgeoisie-de-sion.ch

10 Discovery WalkTake the "Discovery Walk" with 14 stops thatshowcase the treasures of Switzerland's oldest town.

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes. Distance: 2.3 km. Accessible all year.



The Sierre region is sure to stir your emotions. Natural beauty, outstanding produce and purepleasure – the ideal place to relax and enjoy.

Sierre, Salgesch and Surroundings Tourism Office

Place de la Gare 10, 3960 Sierre [email protected]

+41 (0)27 455 85 35 www.sierre-salgesch.ch

Sierre Region Central Valais

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Sierre

1 Saint-Léonard Underground lake

300 m long, 20 m wide and 10 m deep, theunderground lake of Saint-Léonard is thelargest of its type in Europe that is accessibleto the public.

Rue du Lac, Saint-Léonard+41 (0)27 203 22 66 www.lac-souterrain.com

2 Valais Wine and Vine MuseumSplit between two sites (Sierre and Salgesch)that are linked by a path through the vi-neyards, this museum traces the develop-ment of wine-growing in Valais.

Rue Sainte-Catherine 4, Sierre+41 (0)27 456 35 25Museumstr., Salgesch+41 (0)27 456 45 25www.museevalaisanduvin.ch

3 Villa CastleDating back to the 16th century, this castlehosts a restaurant specializing in local dishesand a wine cellar that offers some of thebest Valais vintages.

Rue Sainte-Catherine 4, Sierre+41 (0)27 455 18 96www.chateaudevilla.ch

4 Vineyard PathThis path linking Sierre and Salgesch followsa panoramic route through the vineyards(open all year), with a chance to learn allabout the varied landscapes and the historyof wine-growing.

5 Mercier Castle Completed in 1908, this castle is named aftera famous family of tanners from Lausanne.Its gardens (covering 35ha) are open to thepublic all year – a real haven of peace in themiddle of town.

Montée du Château, Sierre+41 (0)27 452 23 23www.chateaumercier.ch



Rte

du R

awyl

Av. du Marché

Rte

des

Lacs

Rte du Simplon

Rte d

e Sio

n

Rue St-G

eorg

es

Rue d

e Lam

berson

Rue de l’IndustrieSionSt-Léonard

Lac deGéronde

Petit Lac

2

3

2 3

1

Sierre BrigBrig

Salgesch

Anniviers

Crans-Montana

Chippis

5

4

4

8

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SALGESCH

Rte

de S

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Géro

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Rte

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la P

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Av. d

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Rue

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Rte

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Bahnhofstr.

Unte

rdo

rfst

r.

Varenstr.

Av. des Alpes

Av. des Ecoles

Rue du BourgAv. du Rothorn

Av. Général-Guisan

Rue de l’Ancien Sierre

Rue de la Monderèche

Larschästr.

Rte

des

Lon

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rés

SIERRE


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Sierre6 Courten Cellars & Rainer Maria Rilke MuseumThis house contains the Courten Cellars(used for exhibitions and theatre produc-tions), as well as the Rilke Museum honoringthe poet who lived at Veyras.

Rue du Bourg 30, Sierre+41 (0)27 456 26 46www.cavesdecourten.chwww.fondationrilke.ch

7 Nature Center and Pfyn-Finges Countryside

This Center is an extension of the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park. Visitors can see a yearlyexhibition on a specific subject and buy pro-duce from the park, as well as obtain all theinformation they need for their trips.

Kirchstr. 4, Salgesch+41 (0)27 452 60 60www.pfyn-finges.ch

8 Green Lizard Path (Salgesch)Switzerland's largest lizard awaits you be-neath the drystone walls on the hillsideswith their Mediterranean vegetation.

9 Lake GérondeAgainst a backdrop of hills and vineyards,this lake is a self-contained bathing resort.Twelve minutes on foot from the town cen-ter, deck-chairs and a swimming pool makeit the ideal spot to relax.

10 "Les Halles"An unusual venue for cultural events andstage productions, open to everyone, "LesHalles" offers theatrical and musical perfor-mances, dance shows as well as plastic andpictorial art exhibits.

Rte Ancien-Sierre 13, Sierre+41 (0)27 455 70 30www.leshalles-sierre.ch



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Leuk RegionUpper Valais

With castles and century-old vineyards close athand, Leuk has an ideal spot at the center locationin the center of the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park.

Leuk Tourism Office

Bahnhof 5, 3952 Susten [email protected]

+41 (0)27 473 10 94 www.leuk.ch


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Leuk

1 Bhutanese Bridge With a span of over 134 m above the turbu-lent Illgraben stream, the Bhutanese bridgelinking Upper and Lower Valais is also a sym-bol of the cultural ties between this regionand the Himalayan nation.

2 Leuk CastleThis castle, restored by architect Mario Botta,will take you back in time to the 13th century,while the medieval village of Leuk moves youforward to the middle of the 15th century.

+41 (0)27 473 44 24www.schlossleuk.ch

3 Ossuary in the Church of Saint-Stéphane

The ossuary contains over 20,000 skulls buried in a 22 m-long wall.

4 Ringacker ChapelOne of the finest baroque buildings in Valais,on the site of a former cemetery for plaguevictims. Over 200 angels and some magnifi-cent stucco work adorn the interior, whichalso has a historic organ decorated withpaintings.

5 TurtmannWith its stone buildings dating from the 17th

century, Turtmann is an outstanding histori-cal village.

+41 (0)27 932 32 03www.altesturtmann.ch



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ExploringValais

Cultural and tourist guide to Valais

Valais Guide

Valais GuideCultural and tourist guide

Planet Wallis/Planète Valais

rich illustrated,extraordinary stories

Rotten Verlag

Terbinerstrasse 2

3930 VispT 027 948 30 32

[email protected]

www.rotten-verlag-visp.ch


Visp RegionUpper Valais

Visp is an excellent base for shopping and excursions.Enjoy strolling along the traffic-free Avenue de laGare, relax on terraces adorned with flowers, discoverthe perfectly preserved old town and take advantageof the town's cultural activities and sports facilities.

Visp Tourism Office

Bahnhofstrasse 10, 3930 Visp [email protected]

+41 (0)27 946 18 18 www.vispinfo.ch53


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Visp

1 Culture and Congress Center – La Poste

As well as productions by local groups, thiscenter stages performances of operas,concerts and theatrical works from all overthe world.

La Poste Platz 4, Visp+41 (0)27 948 33 11

2 Country Market An enticing place to discover local productsand meet people. Every Friday from 16.00 to19.00 hours in winter, and until 20.00 insummer.

Kaufplatz, Visp

3 The Historic CenterA superb old town with a typically Italian at-mosphere.

4 PrintoramaDiscover the history of printing, from Guten-berg's typesetting to digital printing.

Pomona, Visp+41 (0)27 948 30 30www.mengis-visp.ch

5 Raron, Rilke's VillageA village with a knightly past and the grave ofRainer Maria Rilke, the lyric poet. Take timealso to discover the old village of Niedergesteln.

Bahnhofstr., Raron+41 (0)27 934 31 00www.raron-niedergesteln.ch



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BrigerbadBrigerbad - the largest thermal outdoor pool of the Alps

The baths are open from May 1st until November 1st 2010.

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Brig RegionUpper Valais

At the very heart of the Alps, Brig is the startingpoint for a wide variety of excursions. The squaresand gardens of this very lively town are full of thefragrances of the South.

Brig-Belalp Tourism Office

Bahnhofplatz, 3900 Brig [email protected]

+41 (0)27 921 60 30 www.brig-belalp.ch


58

Brig

1 Stockalper PalaceThis Baroque building dating from the 17th century bears witness to the wealth ofKaspar von Stockalper, known as the "Kingof the Simplon", who made his fortune byexporting salt.

www.stockalperschloss.ch

2 Swiss Guards MuseumFor the last 500 years, the commune of Naters has provided most of the SwissGuards at the Vatican. Located in the old military fortress, the museum narrates thislong and continuous history.

www.gardemuseum.ch

3 The Little Simplon ExpressThe Little Simplon-Express travels across Brigand Naters, along an interesting route withplenty of unusual attractions.

www.kleiner-simplon-express.ch

4 Guided ToursThe Tourism Office can suggest various optionsfor fascinating tours, including the StockalperPalace and the Swiss Guards Museum via Brig,Naters and Blatten.

www.100tipps.ch

5 Shopping at Brig, Glis and NatersNaters and Brig, two lively Alpine towns,stand at the gateway to the site protected byUNESCO. They combine atmosphere, charmand the joys of shopping.

www.cityaktiv.ch



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Events where you're sureto feel welcome

61 62

Brig

6 Culinary Capital of the Alps Brig, which was elected "Town of the Alps"in 2008, offers an exceptional range of culi-nary delights. Each season, over 20 restau-rants offer their signature specialties.

www.alpmove.ch

7 Brigerbad BathsThe Brigerbad Baths feature Switzerland's lar-gest open-air thermal swimming pool, as wellas a 182 m toboggan run.

+41 (0)27 948 48 48www.brigerbad.ch

8 Naters Village Fascinating attractions and legends aboutthe magic mountain abound in the center ofNaters Village.

www.naters.ch

9 Glis and Gamsen A historical place of pilgrimage, Glis is renow-ned for its church, which combines a varietyof styles (romanesque, renaissance and go-thic), while Gamsen features famous defen-sive walls constructed in the 14th century.

www.brig-glis.ch

10 Country Market Brig holds its country market every Saturdaymorning. Shoppers can buy vegetables, fruit,charcuterie and dairy produce – all of thembio-products from the surrounding region.

www.100tipps.ch

From the Battles of the Queens to sports contestsand wine-tasting sessions, the Rhone Plain offers avast range of events throughout the year.

Each Tourism Office can provide a detailed calendar,and you find full information for the entire canton atwww.valais.ch



63


A SPACE DEDICATED TO UNIQUE OCCASIONS

AND FOR THE PLEASURES OF THE PALATE

MO-FR 09.30 - 12.00 13.30 - 18.30SA 09.30 - 12.00 13.30 - 17.00

ESPACE PROVINS - RUE DE L’INDUSTRIE 22 - 1950 SIONPHONE +41 (0)27 328 66 79 - WWW.ESPACE-PROVINS.CH

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03.81-03.3100.21-03.90RF-O

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Publication and production Tourism Offices of the main Valais towns in cooperationwith Valais Tourism. Printing Mengis Printing Press, Visp. Graphic design and layoutAtelier Grand, Sierre. Town plans Victor Fiorini of Sierre. Copyright on photographs p. 28 – 1) Patrick-Alexandre Braem – 2) Jörg Haefeli – 3) Séverine Rouiller – 5) GrégoireMontangero, p. 32 – 1) Fondation Gianadda – 2) Gaël Papilloud – 4) Florence Kielholzand the Tourism Offices of the main Valais towns, Thomas Andenmatten, Alban Mathieu,www.photo-genic.ch, www.swiss-images.ch, Les Vins du Valais and Valais Tourisme.Content and context this brochure was created at the initiative of the main Valais towns,based on a common desire to showcase the tourism activities available in the Rhoneplain. It aims to complement the information available on the surrounding mountain resorts, which we also urge you to discover. The content of this brochure was checked inJune 2010 and we decline all liability in case of subsequent changes.

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Tourism in the Valais Plain

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