Sion between castles, museums and wine trails

Sion lies in the Rhône Valley, in the heart of Valais. Its distinctive, hill-shaped topography is part of the city’s history: over time, the heights served as observation and defence sites. Sion’s history stretches back 7,000 years; its historic monuments also include buildings that are closed to the public. Those looking to combine cultural heritage, museums and trails through the Valais wine landscape will find several different starting points in Sion.

Castles and the Basilica of Valère

Tourbillon Castle was built around the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries for Bishop Boniface de Challant, who came from Savoy. The well-preserved Chapelle Saint-Georges et Saint-Grat is located among the ruins. Its first painted cycle was created at the beginning of the 14th century, and a second was added in the mid-15th century. The two cycles reflect different periods in the chapel’s history.

The ruins of Montorge also tell the story of the area’s past: they are the remains of a castle built by Count Aymon of Savoy around 1230. The site offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Valère comprises a basilica and the former fortified castle district, which is now home to the Valais History Museum. The basilica combines Romanesque elements from the 12th century with a raised section dating from the 13th century. It also features painted decorations from the 15th century, as well as choir stalls and Baroque altars from the 17th century. At the same time, it remains a living place of prayer.

Museums, the old town and theatre

The Valais History Museum is housed in the former canons’ houses in Valère’s medieval fortified castle district. It takes visitors through some 50,000 years of history, from traces of Neanderthals to the present day; the former houses contain around 1,000 objects. The Valais Art Museum presents the art collection of the State of Valais and contemporary art projects designed specifically for its historic premises. The exhibition programme may change; if a particular exhibition is important to your plans, check the current programme.

At the Valais Nature Museum, you can encounter mammals, birds, insects, plants and minerals presented in the context of Valais’s different natural environments. It was the first museum to dedicate space to the Anthropocene. The Maison de la nature focuses on exhibitions and fun, educational activities for a wide audience. Each year, it features a new theme.

The historic old town is considered labyrinthine. The local tourist office offers a Discovery Walk covering the sights and historic centre. Guided tours of the old town are available year-round on request and subject to availability. For performing arts, Le Spot brings together the Théâtre de Valère and the Petithéâtre de Sion under a shared artistic structure focused on contemporary creation. Sion’s theatres present contemporary and classical plays, comedy, dance and performances for young audiences throughout the year; individual programmes change seasonally.

Hiking trails and wine country

The Bisse de Clavau ends in Sion after 14 kilometres and around three hours and 30 minutes of walking. The trail follows the historic route, runs alongside old wooden irrigation channels and passes through a short tunnel. Along the way, numerous guérites invite visitors to sample local products; the availability of individual guérites may vary. Check the latest route details before setting out.

Another hiking route leads from Ardon to Sion, passing through Valais vineyards and the villages of Ardon and Vétroz. As it descends into the city, it offers views of Valère and Tourbillon Castle. The third stage of the Parcours viticole Sion–Venthône follows a different route, from Sion to Venthône near Sierre. Cycling is another way to explore the region. Sion is considered a starting point for cycling tours in Valais and the Rhône Valley, suitable for families as well as experienced cyclists.

Wine, the market and getting there

Tasting options in Sion include Sion wines served with a selection of Valais dried meat. The Sion Wine Tour takes in three historic locations in the old town: Place de la Planta, Tour des Sorciers and the Roman baths. It runs year-round from Monday to Saturday by reservation and subject to availability. Sion is also home to the largest weekly market in French-speaking Switzerland.

Sion is connected to public transport and accessible via the A9 motorway. If you are travelling by car, check current road conditions before setting out. This makes it easy to plan your journey, whether you want to spend your time in the area mainly visiting historic sites and museums, exploring the market or following trails through wine country.

Discover more destinations: Savièse, Veysonnaz, Grimisuat, Saint-Léonard Vs, Arbaz, Sion, Entremont, Martigny.

See the main travel overview: Valais.