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Sunny summer morning in Zermatt village with Matterhorn (Monte Cervino, Mont Cervin) peak on backgroud. Beautiful outdoor scene in Swiss Alps, Valais canton, Switzerland, Europe.

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Overview

Natural beauty Valais has a tale of rags to riches, of changing seasons and celebrities, of an outdoors so fantastic it's always fashionable. Wedged in a remote corner of southern Switzerland, this is where farmers were so poor they didn鈥檛 have two francs to rub together a century ago and where luminaries flock today to sip Champagne cocktails in posh Verbier nightclubs.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • A hiker explores the Aletsch glacier.

    Aletsch Glacier

    Valais

    If ever a view in Switzerland is going to leave you dumbstruck (and there are a few great ones to choose from!), it will surely be the infinite swoop of鈥�

  • The Pierre Gianadda Foundation

    Fondation Pierre Gianadda

    Valais

    This renowned gallery harbours a stunning art collection with works by Picasso, C茅zanne and Van Gogh. The sculpture garden (with cafe and picnic area)鈥�

  • The medieval Ch芒teau de la B芒tiaz in Martigny, Valais, Switzerland.

    Ch芒teau de la B芒tiaz

    Valais

    Clinging to a crag above town, 800-year-old B芒tiaz Castle is worth the 15-minute uphill climb. Once there, add another 120 steps to the top of castle for鈥�

  • Autumn view from the Furka Pass, Switzerland.

    Furka Pass

    Valais

    Marking the cantonal frontier with Uri is the vertiginous Furka Pass (2431m), the run up to which offers superlative views over the fissured Rh么ne glacier鈥�

  • The Valere Basilica, an ancient fortified church in Sion, Canton of Valais, Switzerland.

    Ch芒teau de Val猫re

    Valais

    Slung on a hillock opposite Ch芒teau de Tourbillon is this 11th- to 13th-century ch芒teau that grew up around a fortified basilica. The church interior鈥�

  • Rhone Glacier.

    Rh么ne Glacier

    Valais

    Coming from Valais, the mesmerising Rh么ne Glacier is first seen from the tiny hamlet of Gletsch. This glacier is the source of the Rh么ne River, which鈥�

  • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

    Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

    Zermatt

    Views from Zermatt鈥檚 cable cars are all remarkable, but the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the icing on the cake. Ride the world's highest-altitude 3S鈥�

  • Fondation Pierre Arnaud

    Fondation Pierre Arnaud

    Valais

    Don't miss this stunning art gallery with mountain peaks looming large on its dazzling mirrored facade and silver-leafed edelweiss in the Alpine rooftop鈥�

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Places to Visit

This Swiss canton abounds with icons: soaring peaks, charming valleys, warm and gooey AOP Raclette de Valais cheese and slobbery St Bernard dogs.

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