Sion

The capital of Valais, Sion is a charming medieval city dominated by two hilltop castles and offering a rich cultural heritage with museums and historic architecture. Its central location in Valais makes it an excellent base for exploring the region's wine country and mountains.

Things to do

• Château de Valère — Explore this 12th-century hilltop castle with its famous Basilica of Valère, home to the world's oldest playable organ (13th century).
• Château de Tourbillon — Climb to the ruins of this 13th-century fortress on the opposite hilltop for panoramic views of Sion and the Rhône Valley.
• Musée Cantonal d'Histoire Naturelle — Discover Valais's natural history through extensive collections of geology, paleontology, and Alpine fauna.
• Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Sion — Visit this 15th-century Gothic cathedral in the old town featuring ornate architecture and religious artworks.
• Rue de Conzieu Medieval Quarter — Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with Renaissance mansions and historic buildings in Sion's charming old town.
• Musée de la Majorie — Browse regional art and archaeology collections housed in a 16th-century palace overlooking the city center.
• Parc de la Cure d'Orsières — Relax in this scenic park along the Sionne river, ideal for picnicking and enjoying views of the twin castles.

Food to try

• Raclette Valaisanne — Melted cheese scraped from a wheel and served with potatoes and pickled vegetables, a quintessential Valais specialty.
• Fondue Valaisanne — A creamy cheese fondue made from local Valais wines and cheeses, perfect for communal dining on cool evenings.
• Bisane — A traditional fried pastry dessert from Valais, often dusted with powdered sugar and enjoyed during festivals.
• Dried Meat (Viande Séchée) — Locally cured beef and other meats dried in the Alpine air, a traditional Valais delicacy perfect for snacking or appetizers.
• Fendant Wine Tasting — Sample the region's signature white wine made from Chasselas grapes at local wine bars and cellars around Sion.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit During Festivals — Sion hosts vibrant events like the Festival of the Castles (July) and the International Festival of Puppet Theatre, showcasing local culture.
• Learn About Raclette Etiquette — When sharing raclette, it's customary to scrape cheese onto your plate individually and enjoy it with the group in relaxed conversation.
• Explore Wine Cellars — Many local winemakers offer cellar visits and tastings; it's polite to book in advance and expect knowledgeable, passionate conversations about terroir.
• Respect the Historic Sites — The castles and cathedral are significant cultural monuments; dress modestly when entering religious spaces and follow posted visiting hours and guidelines.