Drive into the quaint town of Sion, to have you breath taken away with the sight of lush vineyards planted down the slopes of the valley and two hills serenely guarding the town. On the one hill is the Tourbillon Castle, which was built in the early 1300’s and facing it on the opposite hill is the fortified church, Basilique de Valere. Built in 1435, this beautiful sample of Swiss architecture has a functional organ regarded as one of the oldest in the world, and hence justifiably hosts the International Organ Festival during the month of July or August every year.
The 7000-year-old history of Sion promises a good dose of culture with museums, yet more castles and sights spread through the picturesque Old Town. Consult your Sion tour guide for schedules of live performances and art exhibitions at the Ferme Asile cultural centre. As one of the most prolific wine growing areas of Switzerland, the dry and sunny conditions of Sion have prompted irrigation channels to be built in the side of the mountain. These channels have doubled up as perfect hiking trails to appreciate the splendour of the area. End your enthralling day with a well-deserved glass of Fendant, the region’s well-known white wine or one of their locally brewed beers from the Brewery of the Valais.