Explore Les Agettes through its striking contrasts: a protected cultural landscape, religious architecture and routes with very different profiles. There is also a recurring cheese-tasting event and a rich sporting history. This lets you tailor your trip to your interests without having to combine the different themes into a set itinerary.
Landscape and location of Les Agettes
Les Agettes is close to the Rhône plain and its amenities, as well as the mountain area, the gondola lift de l’Ours, and Veysonnaz’s tourist infrastructure and services. The villages of Les Agettes overlook the Rhône plain and offer views of the Bernese Alps. Both the plain and the Alpine panorama are therefore part of the area’s landscape.
The protected agricultural zone preserves orchards, hay meadows, relatively extensively used pastures, dry grasslands, remains of irrigation channels, hedgerows and dry-stone walls. The municipal landscape protection areas preserve sites considered worthy of protection for their scenic beauty, rarity, cultural significance or recreational value. Those interested in the cultural landscape will find not just a general view, but also specifically identified features such as walls, hedgerows and old waterways.
The Bisse de Salins is also of cantonal significance and is protected under the zoning plan of the municipality of Les Agettes. Its history dates back to 1435. This combination of a dated structure and protected status adds another historical dimension to the landscape.
Chapel and local history
The Chapelle de la Visitation was built in 1680 and dedicated to the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. A sacristy was added in the 18th century and a small bell tower in the 20th century. The coat of arms of the de Platea-de Riedmatten couple is carved into the entrance door, and the stained-glass windows bear the signature of Richard Seewald. These details trace the building’s history across several periods.
The Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Visitation is listed in the cantonal inventory of cultural property under Sion (Les Agettes), with a B rating; this status is current as of January 1, 2024. To learn about the area’s cultural heritage, you can look at the building’s alterations and furnishings, as well as its inventory rating. A walk can also be a way to discover the region’s cultural treasures. Before your trip, check locally which specific walking tour is available for this purpose.
The Piste de l’Ours is part of the area’s sporting heritage: it has hosted Ski World Cup races as well as numerous European and Swiss championships. This is a historical reference, not a statement about the piste’s current operation.
Trails and mountain bike routes
A route to the Bisse de Salins is described from La Vernaz: the trail starts south of the church near the cemetery and leads to the bisse. This specific starting point can help you find your way if you want to include the bisse in a walk.
The Thyon–Sion MTB route descends through the villages of Les Agettes and Salins, alternating between mountain bike trails and roads. The Veysonnaz–Vex–Les Agettes loop has a different profile: after a more technically demanding section, it passes through the orchards of Misériez via Pradurant to the bend on the cantonal road near Les Agettes. Technical conditions and access rules can change, so it is advisable to check them before setting out.
Racl’Agettes and mountain cheese
At Racl’Agettes, visitors can sample nine mountain cheeses as they please. The tasting includes a wooden plate, wooden cutlery, a tasting glass, a pepper mill and a jar of gherkins. Racl’Agettes has been held for 22 years on the last Saturday in September. Check the exact event date for your trip, as individual event details may change.
Discover more destinations: Les Mayens-De-Sion, Eison, Les Masses, Nax, Vex, Evolène, Evolène, Vernamiège.
For the broader travel overview: Ering.
