In Valais, Ardon leads from church architecture and Roman history to winegrowing and nature observation. Cultural highlights include the church of Ardon-Magnot, Roman finds at Saint-Jean and the history of Château du Crest. The landscape can also be explored in various ways: as a vineyard, wetland or high-altitude alpine pasture. When planning your trip, it is worth noting the differences between a church visit, a set route and a seasonally open place such as the Itre du Bouis.
Church and Roman History
The church of Ardon-Magnot is dedicated to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. It has a Gothic bell tower; the nave and choir are Neo-Gothic and date from the late 19th century. Its features include the original stained-glass windows, a Gothic crucifix from the early 15th century, a statue of the Virgin and Child, and a Baroque baptismal font. Here, you can encounter different architectural styles and furnishings from various periods. The church can be visited. Audio and visual information systems are available in French, German and English, and two explanatory panels provide additional information. Check local access arrangements before your visit.
Roman remains were uncovered at and around the church of Saint-Jean from 1959 onwards. They are interpreted as part of a larger complex of a villa rustica. Two Roman votive altars were discovered north of the church in 1894: one was dedicated to Jupiter, the other to Mercury. The finds offer different ways to explore the Roman past: here, an archaeological interpretation comes to the fore; there, the altars’ dedications provide specific clues about Roman religion.
Château du Crest in Its Historical Period
The medieval Château du Crest was built on the heights of Isières above Ardon. With a 23-metre-high keep and two towers, each about 13 metres high, it dominated the Rhône plain. Its history can be marked by two clear dates: the Château had been in ruins since 1384, and was finally demolished in 1475. The information thus distinguishes between its earlier state as a ruin and its later complete demolition; the measurements refer to the historic structure.
Wine Route and Seasonal Visit
The wine route starts in Ardon and runs for 11.2 kilometres through the vineyards of VĂ©troz and Conthey. Bilingual information panels in French and German describe the diversity of grape varieties grown here. The route is accessible year-round, although local conditions may affect it. Its length makes the trail a destination in its own right; check local conditions before setting out. Local attractions can also be discovered on walks.
The restored Itre du Bouis was formerly used for cheese-making, as well as for sleeping and cooking. Today, it is open to passing hikers in summer. This seasonal opening differs from the information that the wine route is accessible year-round. If you plan to visit the Itre du Bouis, check local access information before your outing.
Vineyards, Alpine Pasture and Wetland
Isières above Ardon was once an area reserved for grazing livestock, with mayens. Today, it is a sunny vineyard surrounded by deciduous trees and coniferous forests. The change from former pasture use to today’s winegrowing gives this landscape its own history.
The Einzon alpine pasture covers 98 hectares. It lies below the foothills of Haut-de-Cry, between Mont à Cavouère and Le Cheval, at an altitude of 1,600 to 2,000 metres. Its area, altitude and the named mountains distinguish it from the vineyards of Isières.
The wetland of Ardon and Chamoson has been protected since 2005. It is one of the few remaining wetland habitats in the Rhône plain and plays a special role in preserving the associated animal and plant biodiversity. The Marais d’Ardon has a nature trail and an observation point where numerous animal and plant species can be seen. Thus, both winegrowing and the importance of a rare wetland habitat feature among Ardon’s different nature themes.
Discover more destinations: Chamoson, Nendaz, Conthey, VĂ©troz
Back to the main travel overview: Conthey.
