Vineyards and castles are key features of Sierre and Sion. With the towers of the ruined castle of Tourbillon and fortified church of Notre Dame de Valère rising skyward, Sion is recognisable from afar. Here, in the capital of the bilingual canton of Valais the past and the future blend together seamlessly. Boasting an international airport as well as good railway and postbus connections, Sion is regarded as one of Switzerland's main hubs. The old town, castles and museums bear testimony to bygone times.