Monthey: Culture, Carnival and trails along the Vièze

Monthey lies in the heart of the Portes du Soleil–Chablais destination, at the foot of the Dents-du-Midi range and halfway between the mountains and the lake. The town combines historic buildings and culture with walking trails, events and nature experiences. You can plan your stay around a stroll through Monthey and excursions along the trails in the surrounding area.

History and culture in Monthey

In the town centre, the castle was built on a hill in 950, with the settlement’s first houses clustered around it. The Château de Monthey houses a museum and is used for exhibitions, concerts and other cultural activities. The Musée du Vieux-Monthey explores the development of the town, its residents and local associations, as well as the history of crafts and industry. Its collection includes objects and documents donated or loaned by the town, residents, associations and businesses. The Pont Couvert also tells the story of Monthey’s past: the historic bridge was built by Napoleon’s troops in 1809.

Other cultural venues offer a range of focuses. La Fabrik is an interdisciplinary arts space run by seven associations that occasionally organises cultural events and contemporary art exhibitions. The Théâtre du Crochetan presents dance, music and circus, among other performances; an art gallery is located on the upper floor. La Gare, arts et jeunesse offers performing arts for children, young people and families. Its programme includes theatre, dance, puppetry, music, participatory events and workshops. The Le Pont Rouge concert hall is dedicated to contemporary music.

Carnival and local tradition

The Carnaval de Monthey is an annual fixture in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday. From Thursday to Tuesday, masks, parade floats, Guggenmusik and other events fill the town centre. The Sunday parade draws on local, regional and international themes and attracts a large audience each year. Monthey’s century-old carnival tradition is considered one of the best known in French-speaking Switzerland. If you would like to plan your trip around the Carnaval, check the dates for the relevant year.

Hiking in the Vièze gorges

The short circular route through the Vièze gorges is 2.2 kilometres long, rated easy and takes about one hour and 15 minutes. At 6.2 kilometres and around two hours, the longer loop takes considerably more time; it is rated moderate and includes a dizzying section. This loop starts and ends at the Vieux-Pont in Monthey. The trail along the gorges also includes a 90-metre-long suspension bridge, 60 metres above the ground. The hiking options therefore differ not only in length, but also in time required and difficulty.

To reach the gorges, take a regional train to Monthey station, then continue by bus to the Monthey, Place centrale stop. Check the timetable before travelling. Another route, the Chemin de la Croix, is five kilometres long, rated moderate and takes about two and a half hours. It leads from the Chapelle du Pont Monthey to the Chapelle des Giettes and passes 14 crosses. The Catholic parish of Monthey established the route in 1996.

The Berges du Rhône route has a different character: this moderate hike covers eleven kilometres in about two hours and 40 minutes, linking natural and industrial landscapes along the Vièze and the Rhône. It passes the Gouille des Mangettes, a peaceful landscape with diverse wildlife, and can be walked year-round. For a challenging bike ride, the eleven-kilometre Monthey–Les Cerniers route climbs continuously from the Vieux-Pont to the Les Cerniers car park, passing through Choëx.

Walks and glimpses of everyday life

Five interconnected, smartphone-guided walks take you through Monthey. On walks to the historic fountains, you can learn more about their history and design, including fountains made of precious marble and works by renowned artists. The Ville insolite circuit takes you to distinctive buildings and well-known places around town. These routes offer different ways to explore the town, from architecture and art to local history.

The Demècre à Montà Wednesday market is another long-standing tradition, dating back to 1352. It takes place on the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville and features traders, producers and antique dealers. Monthey is also home to an 11,000-square-metre park that brings contemporary art together with municipal greenhouses and offers views over the town and the Vaud Alps. Whether you want to explore Monthey’s cultural venues, market and walking routes, or spend more time on a hiking trail, you can plan your stay around these different interests.

Discover more destinations

Val-D'illiez, Troistorrents, Torgon, Saint-Gingolph, Morgins, Champéry, Monthey, Vionnaz, Port-Valais, Vouvry

For the broader travel overview: Valais.