Sion

From a distance, Sion is an impressive sight, with the hills of Valère and Tourbillon standing tall in the middle of the plain. Up close, you discover a modern, bustling town that has managed to preserve its historic heritage.

The capital of Valais and located in the French-speaking part of the canton, Sion has been occupied since Neolithic times, but seems to have flourished in Celtic times, as its name comes from the Latin Sedunum, derived from that of the Celtic people who lived there, the Sedunes.

Until the end of the Roman era, Sion remained in the shadow of Massongex and Martigny, which lay on the strategic Great St Bernard route. But in the 5th century, the bishop moved the episcopal see there, and Sion became the socio-cultural centre of the region.

Sion was the object of much envy and was destroyed and pillaged several times until 1475, when the Savoyard troops were repulsed, allowing it to grow until it was almost destroyed by a terrible fire in 1788.

Rebuilt, it lost its ramparts in the 19th century, but its old town is particularly well preserved. In addition to the châteaux of Valère and Tourbillon perched on their hillsides, there are many old buildings to admire, including the Castle of the Majorie, the Cathedral Notre-Dame, the Church of Saint-Théodule and the Tower of the Sorcerers and the Watchtower, remnants of the city walls, to name but a few.

Let's face it, the modern town doesn't have much charm, except in the town centre, which is very lively in all seasons. The Place du Midi, with its many restaurant terraces, is a particularly good place to discover the spirit of the place while sipping a glass of Petite Arvine, one of the delicious Valais grape varieties...