Vex stretches from the plain into the mountains on the left bank of the Borgne and lies at the western entrance to Val d’Hérens. Its architectural history, paths along the Bisse de Vex, regional cheese-making and seasonal activities in the Thyon area offer different ways to plan a trip.

Architectural heritage between the watchtower and the churches

The Tour Tavelli is an octagonal watchtower and is considered the only known example of its kind in 13th-century military architecture in Valais. La Majorie also tells a story of former administration and building techniques: it was the residence of the major, an official of the Chapter of Sion, and was originally a fortified house dating from the 15th century. The surviving foundation walls support a building reconstructed around 1910; a spiral staircase has survived later alterations.

At the churches of Saint-Sylve, visitors can distinguish different periods of construction and architectural details. The bell tower of the old church dates from the 14th century. The new church in Vex was designed by architect André Perraudin in 1962; it is made of wood and stone. Its bell tower stands separately from the rest of the building, with the bells visible. The stained-glass windows by Albert Chavaz depict the Stations of the Cross. The choir also contains a Renaissance-era figure of Christ, found in the attic of the parish house. From May to September, the bell tower of Saint-Sylve church is home to a colony of greater horseshoe bats, a bat species that is rare in Switzerland.

Walking along the Bisse de Vex

The Grand Bisse de Vex brings together cultural heritage and landscape: the restored bisse, once again carrying water, has significant heritage value and is also used for irrigation. The path passes through a forest of closely spaced larches and spruces. A Bisse de Vex path runs from Lavantier to Mayens de Sion along an easy, wide route with scenic views. The Grand Bisse de Vex starts and ends in Les-Mayens-de-Sion.

For 2026, two sections of the Bisse de Vex are listed as open to the public: the section from Mayens-de-Sion Est via Mayens-de-Sion Ouest to Veysonnaz, and the section from Veysonnaz to Chiti. Check the conditions before setting out. This will let you choose your route according to the relevant section, rather than combining different route details into a single route.

Winter days and activities in the Thyon area

In winter, Thyon is connected to the 4 Vallées ski area, which has 410 kilometres of pistes. The snowpark is located between the La Muraz and Theytaz II ski lifts. Its listed features include two lines, one blue and one red, the “Gaspard” play zone and a rest area. Facilities can change from one season to the next, so check the information for your visit. When driving from Vex to Thyon, follow the signs for “Thyon-Les Collons” and take seasonal road conditions and signage into account.

Cyclists can also choose from different routes: the final section of the Valais Cycling Tour stage to Veysonnaz passes through Vex and the municipality of Les Agettes. On the mountain-bike route from Thyon to Veysonnaz, a more technically demanding section leads to the Bisse de Vex and then back to Veysonnaz.

The outdoor escape game “Escape game en pleine nature” takes place in the Forêt de Thyon and starts at the Office du Tourisme de Thyon. It lasts about three hours, including one to two hours of walking. At Ranch le Caribou, guided rides on horseback or ponyback take visitors through the pastures of Thyon, accompanied by Julia or Jade. On request, the children’s activity includes caring for horses and ponies with Julia, as well as a pony ride in the paddock.

Fruit and cheese-making traditions

Local food culture includes orchards growing apples, pears, cherries, plums, apricots and walnuts. Vex was long known for its “Canada” apple; according to local tradition, it is especially suitable for cakes and baked apples. One traditional preparation is cressins made from wheat flour with apple slices, baked alongside a batch of rye bread.

A visit to the Alpage de Thyon explains how raclette and other regional cheeses are made and ends with a tasting. As tasting arrangements may vary by season, it is advisable to check the details for your planned visit in advance. This gives you a choice of different focuses for your stay: architectural history and local character, paths and landscapes, or seasonal activities and food.

Discover more destinations: Les Collons, Thyon, Les Masses, Vex, Saint-Martin Vs, Les Agettes, Nax, Mase.

For the general travel overview: Hérens.