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.