Saillon lies on a hillside amidst beautiful terraced vineyards. This small town captivates visitors with its unique medieval centre, dominated by an ancient tower. In the mid-13th century, the Savoyards fortified the site and built the Bayart Tower as part of the old castle complex. After being burned down by Valais troops, the castle was completely destroyed in 1475, when the Upper Valaisans took over the town. Today, only the sturdy tower remains, rising above the rooftops and defining the skyline of Saillon.
As early as 1875, a marble quarry above the town was already being mined. Its marble can be found today in the Paris Opera House, the British Museum in London, and the Federal Palace in Bern. Saillon is also famously associated with the legendary counterfeiter Joseph-Samuel Farinet.

The Simplon Pass, connecting Switzerland and Italy, is one of the most majestic crossings in the Alps. At its summit stands a stone eagle over nine metres tall – a symbol of vigilance. On the southern slope of the pass lies Simplon Dorf, a member of the prestigious “Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland” association. For an in-depth experience, consider hiring a local guide.
A must: the hike to Lake Hopschu or the Gabi via ferrata – a challenging yet safe climbing route. For a gentler option, follow the path along the Chrummbacheri bisse, where clear mountain water flows peacefully through alpine scenery. To dive into the rich and fascinating history of this legendary pass, don’t miss a family stop at the Alter Gasthof Museum.

Getting there: Accessible by car or public transport from Brig or Domodossola (Italy). From Brig, take the PostAuto bus to Simplon. The pass is open in winter, but check road conditions before travelling.

Leuk sits at the heart of terraced vineyards on the sun-drenched slopes above the Rhone. Its skyline is defined by several towers: the Ringacker chapel, the former Vidomne castle—now the town hall—and the parish church, whose unplastered Romanesque bell tower is among the most beautiful in Valais.
The crenellated episcopal castle is equally striking. It was renovated by the Ticino architect Mario Botta, who added the now-iconic glass dome.
Also worth a visit is the residence of the noble Werras, one of Valais’s most distinguished secular buildings. Originally a Baroque mansion, it was extensively remodelled in 1800 and expanded in the Classical style.

Albinen, one of the most picturesque alpine villages in Valais, lies near Leukerbad and its renowned thermal springs. This sunny side of the Rhone Valley invites visitors to unwind and reconnect with nature. While Leukerbad is famous for its thermal baths, Albinen enchants with the “Egu” trail, where you can discover alpine medicinal and aromatic plants.
At the heart of the village lies a fragrant medicinal herb garden—an olfactory paradise. Alpine flavours take centre stage at the Godswärgjistubu restaurant, where guests enjoy a four-course menu made from garden-grown ingredients, all served in a room dating back to 1636.
For longer stays, Albijou offers charming holiday homes and apartments in and around the village. “A village that elevates the spirit and soothes the soul,” say the locals—and that sense of peace is also shared by mountain bikers tackling the steep but sun-kissed trails.

Getting there: By bus from Leukerbad (approx. 15 minutes).

Nestled at the entrance to the Rhone Valley between a sheer rock face and the river, the small medieval town of Saint-Maurice is home to a famous abbey and a historic castle.
Thanks to its highly strategic position on the route into the Rhone Valley, the Romans established a customs post here. The town derives its name from the martyrdom of Saint Maurice.
The site gained religious significance as early as the fourth century, when the relics of Saint Maurice were transferred to a chapel that was later expanded into a basilica. In 515, King Sigismund of Burgundy founded a monastery on this site and commissioned the construction of a new basilica. Today, the Abbey of Saint-Maurice stands not only as an important historical monument but also houses one of Europe’s richest ecclesiastical treasures. Despite several architectural changes over the centuries, it remains an exceptional heritage site.
The town grew between the abbey and the Rhône River. Its oldest area, largely rebuilt following a fire in 1693, runs along the Grand-Rue — a main street dating back to Roman times, now pedestrian-only. The castle, first recorded in 1150, lies to the north, somewhat apart from the rest of the town.

Situated in the heart of the 4 Valleys ski area, Nendaz is a popular mountain resort. Below the main resort lies the old village, renowned for its authentic charm. Wander through its shady streets, lined with rustic chalets and historic barns. Highlights include the Chapel of St. Michel (1499) and the Chapel of Planchouet, located about 10 minutes by car from Nendaz. Nestled among larch trees, the latter is close to hiking trails that follow the Bisse du Milieu and the Bisse Vieux irrigation channels. These paths are popular for being relatively flat and shaded; the white water stays cool even on hot summer days. The area is a paradise for both hikers and mountain bikers. For longer stays, consider a traditional inn such as the Gîte de Planchouet (1500 m), ideal for nature and mountain lovers.

Getting there: Daily bus connections run between Sion station — easily accessible — and Haute-Nendaz. The nearest airport to Sion is Geneva.

Situated at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level and relatively isolated, Chandolin offers several attractions to captivate visitors, starting with the Ella Maillart Museum. This remarkable woman—an explorer, traveler, writer, journalist, photographer, and sports heroine who competed in the 1924 Olympics—once called the village home. Why did she choose to settle in Val d'Anniviers? A guided panoramic tour of the valley in a convertible coach reveals the answer! Chandolin is among the sunniest villages in Europe, transforming into a vast flower garden during summer. Discover the mountain trails and unwind at the Chandolin Boutique Hotel, a cozy retreat that brings the natural beauty indoors. Have you ever tasted the famous glacier wine? You can enjoy it in the cellars of the Maison de la Bourgeoisie. For more local flavors, be sure to attend the annual culinary fair held every August.

Getting there: Accessible by bus from Sierre (approximately 1 hour).