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Canton of Valais |
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 A land of contrasts situated in the heart of the Alps, the Canton of Valais is crossed by the Rhone River and has an exceptionally mild and sunny climate. The valley is dominated by imposing summits that each year attract numerous adepts of mountain sports, hikers and climbers; The Valais extends to the south-west of Switzerland along the 150 kms that make up the Rhone valley, between Lake Léman and the Rhone glacier. The diversity of the countryside, its natural beauty and its culture incite exceptional interest among tourists. Valais offers a wide range of holiday opportunities, from mountain resorts, water delights for the children and golf courses through to those oases of comfort, the thermal complexes.
Canton of Valais: all you need to know| Population | About 280’000 | | Capital | Sion with about 27'000 habitants | | Communes | 160 | | Districts | 13 | | Area | 5'224 km2, or 12,7% of Switzerland | | Altitude | From 4,634 metres at Pointe Dufour down to the lowest village at Port-Valais, 384 metres. | | Languages | French and German |
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History of Valais |
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Since the dawn of time, life in the Valais has been based on contacts between local communities and their southern neighbours beyond the mountain passes. Prehistoric life has left its mark, not only in the valleys but also at the foot of the Matterhorn at an altitude of 2,500 metres. As for the Roman period, the most important sites are naturally found on the route through the Great-Saint-Bernard pass. Following the decline of the Roman Empire from the 4th century, this route lost its economic importance and the Valais returned to an almost autarchic state and adopted Christianity. |
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Switzerland, french part 
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