A fortified wall with four gates surrounds Saillon’s medieval town centre; its landmark, Tour Bayart, was built in 1260. There are also paths through the vineyards and the Les Bains de Saillon thermal centre. A stay offers a choice of different discoveries: local history, landscapes, wine or thermal waters.
Town Centre, Tower and Local History
The town centre was built around the year 1000. Tour Bayart is a striking historic landmark: visitors can climb an interior staircase to the summit, which offers a 360-degree panorama. Those interested in the history of money can gain a different perspective on the town at the Musée de la fausse monnaie. The exhibition presents the history of Swiss money through coins dating from the time of the Gauls to the present day, and also tells stories about Joseph-Samuel Farinet, the local counterfeiter. Guided tours are offered by a guide specialising in counterfeit money.
Near Sainte-Catherine Church, a medieval-inspired garden showcases some of the plants used in the Middle Ages. Marble is also part of Saillon’s history: cipollino marble from Saillon was used for the bases of several sculptures set into the walls of the Opéra Garnier in Paris. The climb to the former marble quarry above the town reaches an elevation of 1,000 metres. For safety reasons, the quarry itself is off-limits; it can only be viewed from outside the barriers.
Trails, Bridge and Outdoor Art
Saillon offers more than 60 kilometres of walking trails on signposted, easily accessible routes. For an art-themed walk, follow the Sentier des vitraux to the Vigne Ă Farinet. The round trip is 2.8 kilometres long and takes about 55 minutes. Along the way, the trail features 21 works of art by stained-glass artist Imboden, based on drawings by painter HĂ©ritier. The three vines at the Vigne Ă Farinet grow Fendant, Pinot noir and Petite Arvine grapes and produce a few decilitres of must.
The Passerelle à Farinet offers a different view: the 92-metre-long suspension bridge crosses the Salentse gorge at a height of 136 metres. From there, the panorama extends over the Rhône plain and Saillon’s vineyards. The flat path from Les Places to the footbridge takes 15 minutes and is accessible to people with reduced mobility. The Via Farinetta is a different route: a via ferrata along the sheer walls of the gorge. It is divided into three sections of increasing difficulty and is considered the first via ferrata in Valais to connect the plain and the mountains.
Bird enthusiasts can choose the Sentier des oiseaux, with its illustrated panels about local bird species. It consists of a 45-minute northern loop and a 35-minute southern loop. The southern loop is suitable for pushchairs, although some sections through the woods are a little narrower. Trail conditions and guided visits may vary seasonally. Other walks include the Chemin des amandiers, which starts at Place Farinet and passes through Amandoley, and the Sentier au fil des saisons, which runs from the medieval town centre to the recently restored Canal de Gru.
Wine, Food and the Thermal Centre
Since 2005, Saillon has officially been known as the “Cité de l’asperge” (Asparagus Town). Wine is also an important part of the town: fifteen local winemakers have opened their cellars in Saillon. On the first Thursday of every month, the Caveau de Saillon hosts a tasting led by a local winemaker; check the dates before your trip. The Sentier viticole can be explored by car, bicycle or on foot. Its second stage passes through the sunlit vineyards of the Rhône Valley, from Saillon to Sion.
The Balade Gourmande en VTT Électrique à Saillon is described as a longer experience: the route takes about four hours and covers 20 kilometres. It includes an interactive quiz, an aperitif stop in the vineyards and a tasting in a wine cellar at the end. As availability and details may change, it is advisable to check before your trip.
At the Les Bains de Saillon thermal centre, the pools have a water temperature of between 32 °C and 34 °C; the thermal river also falls within this temperature range. The wellness area offers massages, facial treatments and rituals inspired by traditions from around the world. Check the latest information on opening times and services before planning your visit.
Getting There by Bus
Bus route 311 connects Saillon, via the Saillon Collombeyres stop, with Martigny CFF, Riddes CFF and Sion CFF railway stations. Check the timetable when planning your journey. That way, you can choose how to balance a visit to the town centre, walks, wine experiences or the thermal centre according to your interests, rather than trying to fit everything into a single trip.
Discover more destinations: Fully, Martigny-Combe, Trient Vs, Arbarey, Leytron, Isérables, Martigny, Saxon.
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