Sion

Valais is a French- and German-speaking canton in southwestern Switzerland, shaped by the long Rhône Valley and some of the highest peaks in the Alps. It is best known for the Matterhorn, its glaciers and sun-drenched vineyards, combining dramatic mountain scenery with a strong wine and farming heritage.

The region's history stretches from Roman settlements in Martigny to medieval hill towns and historic Alpine passes. Sion, the cantonal capital, is crowned by the twin landmarks of the Basilique de Valère and the ruined Château de Tourbillon, while the Great St Bernard Pass remains one of Europe's most storied mountain crossings.

Valais is divided between a German-speaking Upper Valais and a French-speaking Lower Valais, giving it a distinctive bilingual character. Its best-known resorts include Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Verbier, Crans-Montana and Leukerbad, each with its own landscape and character, from high glacier ski areas to thermal springs and quieter village life.

The canton's economy blends alpine tourism, hydroelectric power, agriculture and wine production. Its food culture is built around raclette, dried meats, rye bread and apricots, while local grape varieties such as Petite Arvine and Chasselas flourish on the steep terraced slopes of the Rhône Valley. Events and festivals, including the Sion Festival and Caprices Festival in Crans-Montana, add to the region's year-round appeal.

For leisure travellers, Valais offers skiing and snowboarding in winter, hiking, cycling and mountain excursions in summer, and wine, spa and cultural experiences in between. For business travellers, its conference facilities, accessible rail connections and resort infrastructure make it a practical base for meetings, incentives and alpine events.