Martigny: Museums, History and Trails

Martigny lies in the Rhône plain, where the river forms a bend, and is part of Lower Valais. The town is the capital of the Martigny District in the Canton of Valais. When looking for a hotel in Martigny, you can choose the focus of your stay based on whether you are interested in museums, historic sites, art in public spaces, or trails on foot and by bike.

Museums and cultural collections

The gardens of the Fondation Pierre Gianadda contain Gallo-Roman remains, including baths and the wall of the temenos, as well as a permanent sculpture exhibition. Since 1978, the Fondation has been a leading museum in Switzerland and Europe; it also hosts major temporary exhibitions. The Musée gallo-romain was built around the remains of a Celtic temple discovered in 1976 and presents important archaeological finds from Martigny.

Other collections have their own focus: the Musée des Sciences de la Terre features giant quartz crystals, fluorescent crystals and a scale reconstruction of a mine tunnel. The Musée de l’automobile displays historic vehicles representing automotive history before the First World War; all the vehicles are roadworthy. The collection at the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Compassion includes colourful 18th- and 19th-century ex-votos and stained-glass windows by Father Kim En Joong.

Saint Bernards and Château de la Bâtiaz

Barryland is a 22,000 m² theme park in Martigny, Valais, devoted entirely to the Saint Bernard, Switzerland’s national dog. At certain times, visitors can observe the dogs being cared for in a glass-enclosed room. Activities include treasure hunts, agility challenges, brainteasers and mobility exercises. The Barry Foundation’s collection also includes historic objects, engravings, stamps and postcards relating to the Saint Bernard.

Château de la Bâtiaz was built in the mid-13th century. Visitors can discover various medieval siege engines there. The château can be reached on foot, by Baladeur, by free shuttle bus or by taxi. As transport arrangements may change, check the latest information on the options listed before making your journey.

Historic district and art in public spaces

Martigny-Bourg is the oldest inhabited part of the town. Narrow lanes, archways, old buildings and squares shape this historic district. The history of the bishop’s see also goes back a long way: it was established in Martigny in the 4th century and moved to Sion in the 6th century.

You will also encounter art at the roundabouts: each of the 17 is adorned with a sculpture by a Swiss artist. Together, the roundabouts form an artistic trail that you can explore by day and by night. The Moulin Semblanet offers a different perspective on local craftsmanship: it is one of the oldest mills still in operation in French-speaking Switzerland and processes grain into flour for breadmaking.

Walks and trails through the landscape

The archaeological trail takes you through the Roman and medieval history of Martigny. The route is 4 km long and takes about 1.5 hours on foot. Each stop has explanatory text, photos of the structures and remains, and audio content. This combines a set walking time with information along the route.

Other routes focus on the landscape. One hike leads from Martigny to Vernayaz and the Trient Gorge, which is accessible via wooden walkways. The Tour de la Vallée du Trient gravel route starts in Martigny and follows the historic Route des Diligences, once a wild and historic link between Valais and the Mont Blanc region. The Chemin des vignes en terrasses leads, among other places, to the covered bridge of La Bâtiaz, the vineyards of Martigny, Château de la Bâtiaz and the hamlet of Plan-Cerisier, and runs along a section of the Dranse. The Martigny Région route is a peaceful loop through the vineyards, orchards and villages of the Martigny region.

Getting around and local experiences

Martigny is a road junction with connections to Italy, France and Switzerland. One route crosses the Great St Bernard Pass to Aosta, while another goes over the Col de la Forclaz to Chamonix. The Mont-Blanc Express has connected Martigny with Chamonix for more than a century; RégionAlps carries passengers to Orsières and Le Châble.

Ticket validity is also relevant when getting around by bus: single tickets, multi-ride tickets, and monthly and annual passes for the Martigny town bus are valid on all PostBus services within the municipality, including routes to Chemin, Dorénaz, Trient, Ravoire and Sion. Timetables and validity rules may change; check this information for your specific journey. During the Jeu de piste gourmand, participants use riddles, questions and games to find participating retailers and collect regional products. As the participating shops may change, it is advisable to check which ones are taking part before you go.

Discover more destinations: Riddes, Saxon, Arbarey, Saillon, Trient Vs, Martigny-Combe, Isérables, Fully, Leytron, Martigny.

To the main travel overview: Valais.