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Valaisan Museum of the Bisses

The Musée valaisan des Bisses is located in Botyre (Ayent) in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, in the 17th-century Maison Peinte building. Its permanent exhibition, spread over more than 270 m² and around ten themed rooms, explores the history, geography, construction and watering techniques, and the social organisation of the bisses, the traditional irrigation canals of Valais, a know-how inscribed by UNESCO on the intangible cultural heritage list in 2023. Hundreds of historical objects, films, reconstructions, archive documents and interactive media bring this living heritage to life, while a full-scale bisse reconstruction outside invites visitors to operate the sluices. The museum also hosts changing temporary exhibitions and offers guided tours and discovery walks along the bisses.

Families and Kids

Outside the museum, children can play with sluices and a warning hammer along a real bisse, and discover the guard's hut and construction techniques. A playful educational trail lets children visit the museum independently, and a birthday treasure-hunt activity is offered for children aged 7 to 10.

Information

  • Visit duration: 90min
  • Barrier free: No
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Free entrance: No
  • Pushchair accessible: False
  • Price range: $
  • Topic: History
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Interactive exhibits, Workshops, Tours and demonstrations, Events and birthdays

Opening hours

Open from 18 April 2026. In spring and autumn: Wednesday to Friday 14:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–19:00, Sunday 11:00–19:00. In summer (July and August): Monday to Friday 14:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–19:00, Sunday 11:00–19:00. Closed on 1 August.
Monday
14:00-19:00 (Summer (July and August))
Tuesday
14:00-19:00 (Summer (July and August))
Wednesday
14:00-19:00 (Spring and autumn)
14:00-19:00 (Summer (July and August))
Thursday
14:00-19:00 (Spring and autumn)
14:00-19:00 (Summer (July and August))
Friday
14:00-19:00 (Spring and autumn)
14:00-19:00 (Summer (July and August))
Saturday
10:00-19:00 (Spring and autumn)
10:00-19:00 (Summer (July and August))
Sunday
11:00-19:00 (Spring and autumn)
11:00-19:00 (Summer (July and August))

Admission fees

10 CHF
Adult admission
8 CHF
Reduced (student/AVS/AI – on presentation of a card): CHF 8.–
5 CHF
Child admission
25 CHF
Family admission
0 CHF
Group (from 7 people): free entry for the group leader (collective ticket)

Contact

Webpage
musee-des-bisses.ch
Email
contact@musee-des-bisses.ch
Address
Maison Peinte, Rue du Pissieu 11, 1966 Botyre (Ayent)

Access

Nearby stops

  • Botyre (Ayent), bif. Blignou150 meters walking distance
  • Botyre (Ayent), centre150 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Sion
23m
Martigny
42m
Brig
58m
Thun
1h 30m
Lausanne
1h 36m

FAQ

  • Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users or with a pushchair?
    No. The museum is housed in the 17th-century Maison Peinte building, whose spiral staircases with high, uneven steps, small rooms and high landings make the visit difficult in a wheelchair, with crutches or with a pushchair.
  • Are there activities for children at the museum?
    Yes. Outside the museum, children can play with sluices and a warning hammer along a real bisse, and discover the guard's hut and construction techniques. A playful educational trail lets children visit the museum independently, and a birthday treasure-hunt activity is offered for children aged 7 to 10.
  • Can I visit the museum with a guided tour?
    Yes. Guided tours of the permanent exhibition are offered in French, German or English, by reservation at least two weeks in advance, for groups of up to 15 people. Various accompanied discovery offers, including walks along the bisses, are also available by reservation.
  • Is the museum open all year round?
    No. The museum opens from 18 April each year, with spring/autumn and summer opening hours, and is closed on 1 August. The Chemin du Musée (museum path) is accessible all year round.
  • Are there reduced or free admission options?
    Yes. Reduced admission is available for students and AVS/AI card holders, and a family ticket is offered. Free or preferential entry is granted with various passes such as the Passeport Musées Suisses, the AG culturel / Kultur GA, the Carte Culture Valais and others.

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