Vallée du Rhône in Switzerland

Between the peaks of the Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva, the Vallée du Rhone is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful regions. Located throughout the canton of Valais, this part of the Rhone Valley has stunning Alpine landscapes, vineyards, and charming villages. From tasting wine to enjoying hiking trails, historic castles and Roman ruins, the Vallée du Rhone has it all.

In this article, we’ll first explore the location of the Vallée du Rhone before moving on to a detailed look at the Carte Vallée du Rhone. Next, we’ll review its renowned wine culture, highlight must-see attractions, and, finally, share tips on where to stay with Alpvision Residences.

Where is the Vallée du Rhone?

The Vallée du Rhone is within the Valais canton in southwestern Switzerland. This iconic valley is marked by the Rhone River, which originates at the Rhone Glacier in the Furka Pass. The river passes along popular Swiss towns, including Sion and Brig. Each of these towns has local traditional and outdoor activities to enjoy.

The Swiss section of the Rhone Valley ends at Lake Geneva. From there, the Rhone continues through France, eventually emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. But in the Swiss portion, the Vallée du Rhone has many cultural points, like Nendaz and Veysonnaz. These are ideal locations to access the valley’s best trails and slopes.

Map and important regions of the Rhone Valley

To truly understand the diversity of the Vallée du Rhone, it helps to start with a visual overview. A carte Vallée du Rhone (map of the Rhone Valley) shows that the landscape is shaped by the river.

🗺️ Swiss Rhone Valley

In the Upper Valais, the Rhone begins at the Rhone Glacier. Here, it goes through steep valleys and past historic towns such as Brig. As the river moves west, the valley broadens and is full of vineyards, orchards, and forested slopes.

Key towns and regions include:

Sion: The capital of Valais, known for its twin hilltop castles and old town charm.
Martigny: Cultural town with Roman ruins and the Fondation Gianadda art museum.
Monthey: A lively town near the French border, surrounded by vineyards and mountain trails.
Villeneuve: Where the Rhone flows into Lake Geneva, just below Montreux and the Lavaux wine terraces.

⛰️ Access to Alpine Resorts

One of the best features of the Swiss Vallée du Rhone is just how close it is to world-class alpine ski resorts. From the valley floor, you can quickly ascend into mountain villages, such as:

Nendaz: A gateway to the 4 Vallées ski area, with panoramic views of the Rhone Valley and year-round hiking.
Verbier: Known for its luxury ski experience and vibrant après-ski scene.
Veysonnaz: Another excellent base linked to the 4 Vallées, offering peaceful surroundings and alpine charm.

Wine, culture, and history of the area

The Vallée du Rhone in Switzerland is the heart of the country’s wine culture. The Valais canton is the largest wine-producing region in Switzerland, with over 5,000 hectares of vineyard.

🎭 Culture and Traditions

The Rhone Valley is home to a French-speaking population, and the local culture blends Alpine customs with southern European traditions. You’ll find traditional mountain festivals, folklore music, and artisan food markets throughout the year. Try local cheese, dried meats, and apricot-based products (from the famous Valais apricots).

🍇 Grape Varieties

The unique microclimate of the Rhone Valley, which is sunny, dry, and well-ventilated by alpine winds, makes it ideal for viticulture. The region grows more than 50 grape varieties, but it’s especially known for its indigenous Swiss grapes such as Petite Arvine, Fendant and Cornalin.

The wine terraces in Sion and Salgesch are a must-visit, with stunning vineyard paths and local cellars offering tastings.

🏛️ History and Heritage

Full of Swiss culture and history, the area was once used by Via Augusta, a Roman trade route connecting northern Europe to Italy. Today, you can still walk parts of this ancient road and visit Roman ruins in Martigny, including an amphitheatre and a temple dedicated to Mercury.

Alternatively, in Sion, there are two medieval castles that you must visit when in the area, the Tourbillon and Valère.

What to see and do in the Vallée du Rhone

The Swiss Rhone Valley is full of experiences. Here’s a checklist of our most recommended must-do activities in the region.

✅ Wine Tasting in the Valais

Start your exploration of the Valais wine region by visiting the renowned wine cellars of Sierre and Salgesch. These two neighbouring towns are along the famous Valais Wine Trail. Here, you can enjoy guided tours, wine tastings, and delicious local food pairings that showcase the area’s rich culinary heritage.

✅ Go Hiking in Switzerland’s Alpine Landscapes

Begin your adventure with a walk along the Bisse Trails. Near Nendaz, the Bisse du Milieu and Bisse de Saxon are especially popular and suitable for families. From there, head to the Val d’Hérens to find traditional wooden chalets. Finally, for a more dramatic experience, make your way to the Rhone Glacier and step inside the blue ice grotto.

✅ History and Culture

Visit the hilltop castles of Tourbillon and Valère. Then, travel to Martigny, where you can explore well-preserved Roman ruins, including an amphitheatre, ancient baths, and temple remains.

✅ Relax at Thermal Spas

There are many spas in the Alps for you to discover. Enjoy mineral-rich pools with views of the surrounding cliffs, open year-round.

✅ Explore by Bike

Ride along the Rhone Route (Route 1) is a scenic, mostly flat cycling path stretching from Oberwald to Geneva, passing through key towns like Sion and Monthey.

Explore the Vallée du Rhone for your next trip

The Swiss Vallée du Rhone is a destination that offers something for everyone. For a comfortable and scenic base near the heart of it all, Alpvision Residences provides the perfect holiday rental in the Rhone Valley. With our properties located in Nendaz and other charming Swiss Alps accommodations, you are bound to find the best option for you.

Book your stay with Alpvision and discover the best of the Vallée du Rhone!