Chablais
The Chablais is a tourism region in the Swiss canton of Valais, framed by Lake Geneva and the Dents du Midi mountains. Stretching from St-Gingolph to Evionnaz via Monthey, Vionnaz, Torgon, Vouvry and Le Bouveret, it offers a varied landscape that runs from the Rhône valley plain through vineyards up into the mountains. Lake Geneva bathes its shores, while mountain lovers find plenty to do in the higher-altitude resorts. The region combines rural villages and small towns with abundant nature, and is known for summer hiking, winter sports and cultural discoveries. Monthey acts as the economic and cultural hub at the heart of the region, while the mountain resort of Torgon opens onto the Portes du Soleil ski area.
Summer activities
In summer the Chablais offers hiking trails through alpine pastures and mountain lakes, such as the Sentier des alpages de Vionnaz and the path to Lac de Taney, a nature reserve at 1500 m. Road cycling and mountain biking are strong here, with routes like the Tour du Haut Lac through the Rhône plain and climbs up to Torgon, an official training base of the World Cycling Centre. The lakeside town of Le Bouveret adds water sports and family leisure parks, while Monthey offers outdoor pools and pumptracks.
Winter activities
The Chablais is a winter sports destination centred on the mountain resort of Torgon, which is part of the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest ski areas in Europe. Beyond downhill skiing and snowboarding, the region offers ski touring on the Rando parc Torgon, and Monthey serves as a starting point for numerous ski and snowshoe outings.
Culture and entertainment
The Chablais has a lively cultural scene centred on Monthey, the economic capital of the region, known for its cultural and festive character. The town is home to the Théâtre du Crochetan, a theatre that also hosts dance, music and circus, and the Le Pont Rouge concert hall specialising in contemporary music, as well as a century-old carnival that is among the best known in French-speaking Switzerland. The lakeside town of St-Gingolph preserves the region's maritime heritage, while Vouvry's historic castle hosts cultural exhibitions.
