A nugget of history and delicacies! The castle, which used to be a tower, was built by Pierre de Venthône in the 13th C. This very typical house served as the Lord's residence, as well as the seat of administration. Centuries passed and different owners were in charge. However, they left behind a panelled hall, an incredible snail staircase, a fireplace, and even prisons!  

Danièle Marchand now works in this secular building. The young chef blends French cuisine with her own personalized creativity. The result is a delicious menu full of inventiveness: lemon thyme striped bass, spiced cocoa and Muscat beef filet, Humagne wine entrecôte steak, and for those who are unfamiliar with the land, the Valais plate. The wine list, which highlights local producers, is well worth the visit. Valais' treasures include these more or less mature wines: humagne, petite arvine, and ermitage. A nice place to visit and a tasty excuse to discover a page of interesting history.

- Historical walk: the Commune of Venthône is filled with architecture from the 12 - 19th C, and is a site of national importance (the famous ISOS listings).  Along the trail, you'll discover a Romanesque castle, the «post-gothic»  St. Sébastien church, an Anchettes hamlet and stately homes (map of historical walk).

- From Sierre, in the direction of Veyras, you'll discover a museum dedicated  to the painter Charles-Clos Olsemmer, and the Château de Muzot, which welcomed Rainer Maria Rilke in 1921.  The path then leads to Venthône and  Randogne, where you can visit the Crételles church, which was built in 1953 and features stained-glass windows created by Pierre Louy. End in the old village of Lens. 

- Other walks suggested by the Commune of Venthône (see here)

- For your information: if a route leads up to Venthône, it's more entertaining to take the funicular (SMC) from Sierre. This funicular is said to be the longest in Switzerland (4,192m) with a dip of 930m.

Photo: Venthône and castle