Discover Vex: Heritage, Bisses and Winter in Thyon

Vex stretches from the plain into the mountains on the left bank of the Borgne and lies at the western entrance to the Val d’Hérens. When looking for a hotel in Vex, it helps to decide what you want to focus on: cultural heritage, trails along the Bisse de Vex and winter activities in Thyon appeal to different travel interests.

Cultural history in architecture

Tour Tavelli is an octagonal defensive tower and is considered the only known example of its kind in 13th-century military architecture in Valais. Its shape and historical period make it a tangible starting point if you are interested in medieval fortifications. La Majorie adds the story of a fortified house dating from the 15th century. It was the residence of the major, an official of the Chapter of Sion. The surviving foundations support a building reconstructed around 1910; a spiral staircase also remains, despite later alterations.

The two churches also represent different periods. The bell tower of the old Saint-Sylve church dates from the 14th century. The new Saint-Sylve church in Vex dates from 1962 and was designed by André Perraudin. It is made of wood and stone; its bell tower, separate from the rest of the building, has visible bells. The stained-glass windows by Albert Chavaz depict the Stations of the Cross. The choir also contains a Renaissance-era figure of Christ, found in the attic of the presbytery. Together, the churches offer a perspective on church architecture ranging from a medieval tower to the design and furnishings of the new church.

Orchards and local traditions

The orchards of Vex are part of the area’s local character, producing apples, pears, cherries, plums, apricots and walnuts. Vex was long known for the “Canada” apple; according to local tradition, it is particularly well suited to pies and baked apples. A traditional dish also features apples: cressins made with wheat flour and apple slices were baked alongside a batch of rye bread. The fruit varieties, the apple-growing tradition and the recipe passed down through generations give the culinary theme a distinctive regional character.

Trails along the Bisse de Vex

Restored and once again carrying water, the Grand Bisse de Vex is an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. The Grand Bisse de Vex trail starts and ends in Les-Mayens-de-Sion and passes through a forest of densely packed larches and spruces. The bisse along the trail is also used for irrigation. The sections open to the public run from Mayens-de-Sion Est through Mayens-de-Sion Ouest to Veysonnaz, as well as from Veysonnaz to Chiti. Check conditions before your visit if you plan to walk these routes.

Winter and activities in Thyon

To drive from Vex to Thyon, follow the signs for “Thyon-Les Collons”; check road conditions and signage according to the season. In winter, Thyon is connected to the 4 Vallées ski area, which has 410 kilometres of pistes. In the Thyon ski area, the snowpark is located between the La Muraz and Theytaz II ski lifts. It features two lines, one blue and one red, the “Gaspard” play zone and a rest area. As facilities may change between seasons, check the latest information before your trip.

Other activities offer a different focus: the outdoor escape game “Escape game en pleine nature” takes place in the Forêt de Thyon and starts at the Thyon Tourist Office. Allow around three hours, including one to two hours on foot; route conditions may affect the duration. Check the meeting point before booking. A visit to the Alpage de Thyon explains how raclette and other regional cheeses are made and ends with a tasting; arrangements may vary by season. On request, the children’s activity at Ranch le Caribou includes caring for horses and ponies with Julia, followed by a pony ride in the paddock. On the mountain bike route from Thyon to Veysonnaz, the final section to the Bisse de Vex is more technically challenging, before the route continues back to Veysonnaz.

Discover more destinations: Thyon, Les Collons, Mase, Eison, Vex, Saint-Martin Vs, Ayent, Les Masses.

For the broader travel overview: Hérens.