Sun city, the sunniest in all Switzerland. The Romans called it “the town of a hundred hills” and it stands in a privileged position  between upper and lower Valais. Castles rise from its hilltops and hamlets surround its slopes to form a town with a welcoming, southern air about it.

 

The charm of Sierre and the region have attracted many important figures such as Goethe and Valéry. These have contributed greatly to the renown of Sierre, spreading its reputation as de facto ambassadors. Sierre hosts an annual festival of comic strip art, although this year its organisation is in doubt because of budgetary difficulties.

The old town, the castles and the museums make the capital of the Valais one of the most important crossroads in western Switzerland. Sion also benefits from an international airport and good motorway and rail connections. The city nestles in the heart of one of the major Swiss wine-growing areas and is particularly renowned for its “fendant” that one can taste in any number of outlets in the city. Its proximity to many famous resorts (Zermatt, Saas-fee, Crans-Montana…) as well as numerous sporting, cultural and astronomical events make it a focal point for visitors.

 

Known since Roman times, an alpine crossroad, Martigny is situated on the margins of the hillside vineyards and woodlands that overhang it. Its geographical position (75 km from Aoste in Italy via the Great Saint-Bernard pass, 40 km from Chamonix by way of the Forclaz pass) and its 15,000 inhabitants make it an important commercial centre.

 

Martigny is renowned for its Gallo-Roman remains, notably its amphitheatre and because of the Gianadda Foundation whose annual exhibition has become a draw for the whole of Europe. It is also a starting point for walks to the most attractive tourist spots in the Alps.