Martigny
Martigny is a tourism region in the heart of the Valais Alps in southwestern Switzerland, open towards France and Italy. The region combines the historic town of Martigny, which styles itself as the cultural capital of the canton, with a rural landscape of vineyards, orchards and villages spread across the Rhône plain. It is framed by high mountains, gorges and waterfalls, with the Rhône river running through its centre rather than a lake. The area is culturally vibrant, with a rich Roman and medieval heritage, while the surrounding communes offer abundant nature, thermal spas and family-friendly resorts. The town of Martigny lies at the centre of the region, which brings together thirteen communes including Saint-Maurice, Saillon, Saxon, Fully, Trient and Salvan-Les Marécottes.
Summer activities
The Martigny region is a prime base for road cycling, with the Tour de France having passed through twice, and offers extensive mountain biking on Mont-Chemin, in the Vallée du Trient and at the Bike Park of Fully. Hikers can explore gorges such as the Durnand and Triège, waterfalls like the Pissevache, the archaeological trail through the old town, and high-altitude lakes such as Emosson. Water sports, via ferrata, climbing walls and thermal baths complete the summer offer.
Winter activities
Winter in the Martigny region offers alpine skiing at the small freeride resort of Les Marécottes and access to the Verbier/Bruson ski area, the largest in Switzerland. Cross-country skiing is available on a 10 km trail at Trient, while ski touring routes lead up the Arpille and around Les Marécottes. Sledging runs at Marécottes, Saxon and Trient, snowshoe trails and ski joering round out the winter activities.
Culture and entertainment
Martigny presents itself as the cultural capital of the canton, with a dense concentration of museums, galleries and foundations, including the internationally renowned Fondation Pierre Gianadda with its sculpture park and year-round exhibitions and concerts. The town's rich Roman and medieval heritage is visible in its archaeological sites, amphitheatre and medieval castle, while a network of theatres, concert halls and cinemas sustains a lively performing-arts scene. A busy calendar of events, from the Foire du Valais trade fair to the children's festival Hérisson sous gazon, keeps the region animated throughout the year.
