Things to see and do Sion

The majestic castle overlooks the Rhone Valley, opposite the castle of Valère. It is one of the four castles of Sion. Built in the 13th century by Boniface de Challant, it was damaged in the 15th century by the Valaisan patriots, then restored by William VI of Raron, who added a chapel. The castle of Tourbillon was then the summer residence of the bishops until the fire of 1788. Classified as a historic monument by the Canton of Valais at the beginning of the last century, Tourbillon was recognised as a site of national importance by the Confederation in 1970.

This former episcopal residence, converted into a museum, houses the archaeological finds of the Petit-Chasseur site. It is made up of two large historical sections dating from 50,000 BC to 2150! You can follow in the footsteps of the history of the Valais. We discover ceramic remains from the Roman period, and coins. An entire room is devoted to the magnificent wooden chests dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, known to be one of the most beautiful sets in Europe.

Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, the building harmoniously combines Romanesque and Gothic styles. See the altar and the statue of the Virgin from the 14th century. On the walls and the vault of the apse, all the paintings were made in the 15th century, especially the second register with the representation of twelve prophets. In the choir, there is a painting of the Adoration of the Magi and sculpted stalls that hide a 15th century fresco representing the Annunciation.

In the 18th century, a section of the mountain collapsed, transforming a charming mountain pasture into a field of rocks. The latter being rarer in Switzerland than the former, Derborence has at least gained fame, well helped by Ramuz' novel of the same name. The valley is ideal for exploring the surrounding nature where you will see the black cows native to the Val d'Hérens. You are in the heart of the mountain pastures and many walks from the lake are very accessible to all. Authentic, the mayens are the typical rural habitat of these mountain pastures.

A magnificent site both in terms of nature and heritage! Property of the Chapter, cited in the 11th-12th centuries, this castle served as a residence for the canons. The site is composed of an enclosure of four towers which enclosed the individual houses of the residents and their fortified church. The enclosure dates from the 12th century. Inside is the museum, which displays a variety of collections: Valaisan furniture from Roman times to the present day, gold and silverware, pewter, ironwork, costumes, portraits, Romanesque and Gothic statues.

The Valais Tourist Office promotes the destination. You can subscribe to the newsletter to receive all the latest news and events taking place in the Valais. The website is packed with great ideas for discoveries, reports, portraits... As well as being a mine of information, you can put together your stay with the hotels listed, choose ski passes, activities and public transport tickets. Nothing's missing!

This 13th century building, which has been altered several times and was once a bishop's residence, now houses a rich museum. Valais painters are very well represented here with, in particular, the works of Raphaël Ritz and Raphy Dallèves, bequeathed by their authors. Contemporary paintings by the Valaisan Edouard Vallet. See also the print cabinet. This museum takes you on a journey of discovery through fifty thousand years of the evolution of migratory cultures.

Housed in a building dating from 1618 with facades painted in Mannerist style, the museum allows visitors to grasp the full extent of these constructions that have shaped the mountain landscape. The bisses are small irrigation canals on gentle slopes (0.5 to 1%). They are the legacy of Roman ingenuity, but it was not until the Middle Ages that farmers began to tame the run-off water. The effigy of the CHF 100 banknote since 2019 is the great bisse of Ayent.

A fun way to discover Sion's historic town center, as well as other routes such as Lac de Montorge and Domaine des Îles. Kids love this little red-and-white train that looks just like a big one! For adults, it's a great way to discover the region while saving a little money. It runs all summer long, but can also be privatized for events involving ten or more people. Along the way, listen out for historical information.

The online travel guide presents the Valais Cantonal Museums in Sion. These museums include the Musée d'art du Valais, the Musée d'histoire du Valais and the Musée de la nature du Valais. Located in the upper old town of Sion, they offer visitors opportunities for discovery and enjoyment. The collections of these museums cover the entire cultural history of the Valais. The mission of the Cantonal Museums of the Valais is to assemble, conserve, study and make accessible to the public reference collections. The museums also maintain privileged relationships with other Valais cultural institutions, such as the Jardin alpin Flore-Alpe in Champex, the Musée de Bagnes in Le Châble, the Musée d'Isérables, the Musée des bisses in Ayent, the Musée du vin in Sierre and Salgesch, the Musée Olsommer in Veyras and the Lötschentaler Museum in Kippel.

The tourist office has lots of ideas for visits. The capital of the Valais, with its southern flair, offers a wide range of things to discover. Culture, gastronomy, sports, events: the city is dynamic and has retained its charm of yesteryear. Lose yourself in the cobbled streets, climb the castles of Valère or Tourbillon... Take a 2.5 km walk through the old town and discover seven thousand years of history.

If you want to know everything about the specific wines of the Valais, here is a huge cellar where you can discover all the aspects of wine making. From the reception of the grape harvest to the bottling process and to finish the visit in the oenotheque where you will taste a selection of wines according to the chosen formula. Here you will be shown everything up to the wine ageing cellar where the oak barrels rest. Tradition, technology and respect for the environment are the key words of this establishment. Various Swiss AOC grape varieties are represented, more than 500 wines to taste or buy.

Important scientific collections which are a reference for the identification of species present in Valais and the Alps: about 3 500 rocks and minerals, 650 fossils, 20 000 plants in Valais and 3 500 animals.