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Saint-Maurice
Saint-Maurice is situated at a strategic bottleneck of the Rhone Valley, at the base of a dramatic rock wall. The heart of the town is the Abbey of Saint-Maurice d'Agaune, founded in 515 AD by King Sigismund of Burgundy, making it the oldest continuously inhabited monastery in the Western world. The abbey houses one of Europe's most significant church treasuries, featuring exquisite goldsmith work from several centuries. Visitors can tour the archaeological excavations beneath the abbey, which reveal insights into early Christian settlements. Beyond the abbey, the town features Saint-Maurice Castle, which now serves as a museum for caricatures and graphic arts. The Grotte aux Fées, a natural cave system with an underground waterfall, is a highlight for nature enthusiasts. Its location makes Saint-Maurice an excellent base for hiking in the surrounding Alps. The town is conveniently reached by train on the Lausanne-Simplon line or via the A9 motorway. A visit is particularly rewarding in spring or autumn, when the climate is mild and the sites are easily accessible.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Les Bains de Lavey · Fort du Scex · Chapelle des Martyrs
- Nearby: Monthey (5 km)
- Population: ~3.701 (2014)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -7 | -6 | -3 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 5 | -1 | -5 |
| Rain mm | 107 | 77 | 94 | 74 | 117 | 105 | 103 | 105 | 76 | 86 | 94 | 110 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Abbey founded in 515 AD
- Oldest active monastery in the West
- Roman name: Agaunum
- Site of the Theban Legion martyrdom
- World-class ecclesiastical treasury
- Castle houses a caricature museum
- Grotte aux Fées cave with waterfall
- Strategic pass in the Rhone Valley
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Saint-Maurice (8)
La Grotte aux Fées📍 landmark
Show cave with stalactites and stalagmites at the foot of the Dents du Midi near Saint-Maurice.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the historical significance of Saint-Maurice Abbey?
Can you visit the abbey treasury?
What is the Grotte aux Fées?
Are there parking spaces near the abbey?
Is Saint-Maurice easily accessible by train?
Saint-Maurice: where is it located?
Saint-Maurice: what is there to see?
Saint-Maurice: when is the best time to visit?
Saint-Maurice: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
