Saint-Maurice Vs: Abbey, Martolet and Château

Saint-Maurice Vs lies in Lower Valais on the western bank of the Rhône. Its cultural highlights range from the abbey and the archaeological site of Martolet to the history of the château, exhibitions on graphic storytelling and Fort de Cindey. If you are looking for a hotel in Saint-Maurice, these themes can help shape your stay: sacred art, archaeological remains, comics and illustration each offer a different focus.

Abbey and Martolet: art and archaeological remains

Areas of the abbey open to the public include the basilica, the archaeological site, the catacombs, the treasury and the cloister. The treasury displays reliquaries and liturgical objects from the collection of sacred art. An abbey visit therefore brings together a range of different themes: the basilica, archaeological traces and objects of religious art. If you are particularly interested in sacred objects, the treasury offers a specific focus.

The archaeological site of Martolet preserves evidence of a monumental complex shaped by a succession of several churches dating back to the end of the Roman period. The focus is therefore not just a single building, but a development spanning several churches. Martolet thus offers a different way to explore the abbey's history from the works of art displayed there.

The history passed down about the basilica also connects Saint-Maurice with a long history: according to legend, Mauritius, leader of the Theban Legion, was martyred in the 3rd century at Agaunum, present-day Saint-Maurice. Between 360 and 370, Theodul, the first bishop of Valais, had a basilica dedicated to Saint Maurice built there. It is important to distinguish between the two accounts: the story of the martyrdom is a tradition, while a period is given for the construction of the basilica.

The château's history and exhibitions

Château de St-Maurice offers a different cultural focus. The historical exhibition, which opened in 2018, tells the story of seven centuries of the château's history. Since 2005, the château has been devoted entirely to original exhibitions on graphic storytelling. These include comics, illustration, animated film and press cartoons. These themes offer an alternative to the abbey's archaeological and sacred highlights.

When planning your visit, consider the historical exhibition together with the temporary exhibition: admission to the historical exhibition is combined with the current annual temporary exhibition. Check the visiting conditions before your trip. This will help you account for the admission requirement if you are particularly interested in the history of the château.

Fort de Cindey and Tour de la falaise

Fort de Cindey was built during the Second World War, between 1941 and 1946. Its dates provide a clear contrast with the remains at Martolet, whose history reaches back to the end of the Roman period.

The Tour de la falaise combines hiking with sightseeing and passes the Grotte aux Fées, historic fortifications, Château de St-Maurice and the abbey. The route thus brings together several of the cultural themes mentioned above with a hike. The Grotte aux Fées was closed for renovation work as of 26 August 2026; check before visiting whether this restriction is still in place.

Getting there and choosing a hotel

Cantonal roads 9 and 146 and the Swiss A9 motorway run through Saint-Maurice; the municipality has its own A9 exit. The railway station on the Lausanne–Brig line connects the town to the public transport network and is a regional rail hub. This means both road and rail connections can factor into your travel plans.

When choosing a hotel, you can consider your planned mode of arrival as a point of comparison: for train travel, the Lausanne–Brig connection is relevant; for car journeys, consider the road links and the A9 exit. The local cultural highlights range from the abbey and Martolet to the château and Fort de Cindey. You can choose what to explore in Saint-Maurice based on the theme that interests you most during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Vernayaz, Finhaut, Mex Vs, Salvan, Dorénaz, Vérossaz, Massongex.

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