Sion offers a range of options for a stay: a medieval Old Town, museums and vineyards, as well as trails along historic irrigation channels. Other attractions include the Alaïa Bay surf pool and Domaine des Iles. You can tailor your stay to your interests, choosing from culture, walks and sporting activities.

Old Town and location in Central Valais

Sion is the capital of the canton of Valais and the district of Sion. The city lies at an altitude of about 510 metres above sea level in Central Valais, on both sides of the Rhône and where the Sionne flows into the river. The historic settlement centre is north of the Rhône; the Sionne stream runs through it. The medieval Old Town is considered one of the best-preserved in Switzerland.

The wine-growing landscape also shapes the views of Sion. From the terraces of the Musée d’art du Valais, you can see the Old Town, the surrounding castles, vineyards and the mountains of Central Valais. Sion is located in one of Switzerland’s most important wine-growing regions. Fendant, a particularly renowned white wine, is one of the region’s wines.

Art, cultural history and historic sites

In the heart of the Old Town, the Musée d’art du Valais presents the art collection of the State of Valais and artistic projects. The museum terraces offer views of the Old Town, castles, vineyards and the mountains of Central Valais. Here, art and the cityscape can be appreciated as two distinct sides of the same place.

The permanent exhibition at the Musée d’histoire du Valais offers a different perspective. It features more than 1,000 original objects and explores the cultural history of Valais, from the lives of Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers to 21st-century tourism throughout the four seasons. The museum is located on the exceptional heritage site of Valère’s fortified historic centre. While the Musée d’art focuses on the art collection and artistic projects, the Musée d’histoire takes visitors on a journey through a long span of cultural history.

Sion’s historic sights include the ruins of Tourbillon Castle and the fortified church of Valère; several museums bring the city’s heritage to life. Tourbillon Castle was built around 1300 by the Bishop of Sion as his residence. Alongside the extensive history presented in the museums, these sites offer tangible reminders of the medieval city.

Trails, vineyards and activities

Sion’s bisses were built from the 13th century onwards to irrigate meadows and vineyards. Gently sloping walking trails run alongside the channels. The historic irrigation system and gentle gradients shape the landscape as you walk along Sion’s bisses. You can also walk along irrigation channels in the nearby vineyards of Valais, though conditions vary from trail to trail.

The 55-hectare Domaine des Iles also offers opportunities for walks. It has walking trails, a recreational area and a picnic area. Alaïa Bay offers a different kind of activity: its surf pool covers more than 8,300 square metres and is designed for surfers of all levels. You can choose between walking along the irrigation channels, enjoying the trails and recreational areas, or surfing as a separate activity. As facilities at Domaine des Iles and operating arrangements at Alaïa Bay may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Getting there and planning

Sion is easily reached by public transport and is accessible via the A9 motorway. Numerous bus services run from the city to the valleys of Valais. If you are planning to travel on to the valleys, check the timetables for your travel date; traffic conditions may change. To plan your visit, you could start by choosing between the Old Town and museums, trails through the vineyards, and other activities.

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