Foire du Valais (Valais Fair)
Held annually from late September to early October in Martigny since 1959, the fair lasts ten days. Its highlight is the Hérens cow fights in the Roman amphitheatre, alongside wine and local-produce stands.
PlizioGo
A traditional melted cheese dish that tastes particularly authentic in this region.
The typical wine of Valais, well-suited as an aperitif or paired with fondue.
Try the famous pear brandy directly at the local Morand Distillery.
Buy dried meats, cheeses, and wines at the local delicatessens.
Find all the spirits and syrups from the famous local distillery in one place.
The hill below the castle gives quiet spots with great views.
The paths along the river are first-rate for a relaxing stroll.
Water temperature…
Martigny is located in the bend of the Rhone Valley in the Canton of Valais and is one of Switzerland's most historically significant cities. Under the name 'Forum Claudii Vallensium,' it was a major administrative center during Roman times on the road to the Great St. Bernard Pass. This is evidenced today by the well-preserved amphitheater and the foundations of the Roman temple district. The city is internationally famous for the Fondation Pierre Gianadda, a major art center hosting high-caliber temporary exhibitions and a collection of classic automobiles. Martigny serves as a vital transport hub for travelers heading toward France (via the Col de la Forclaz) and Italy (via the Great St. Bernard). The region is also a center for fruit cultivation, particularly for apricots and apples, as well as viticulture. A living cultural heritage is the breeding of St. Bernard dogs, documented at 'Barryland' and closely linked to the history of the nearby hospice. Modern Martigny combines this ancient heritage with a dynamic economy in the service sector.
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 |
See what it looks like near Martigny right now.
Ravoire › South-west: Domaine Baie-Attitude - Lac de Bovine - Pointe Ronde · 1.3 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your walking tour of Martigny begins in the lively Place Centrale, the heart of the city. From there, you'll delve into history with a visit to the modern Saint-Michel Church and the impressive Roman Amphitheater, a testament to bygone eras. At midday, a cultural highlight awaits at the Fondation Pierre Gianadda, followed by a heartwarming visit to the famous St. Bernard dogs at Barryland. The afternoon is reserved for a scenic climb to the Château de la Bâtiaz. The medieval fortress towers over the city, rewarding you with a breathtaking view of the Rhône valley and the surrounding Alps. This panoramic view provides the perfect conclusion to your day in Martigny.
The morning starts under the protective arcades of Place Centrale, with rain polishing the cobblestones. A short, umbrella-clad walk leads to Saint-Michel Church. At noon, the Roman Amphitheater offers a dramatic, wet backdrop before escaping into the dry world of the Pierre Gianadda Foundation. The afternoon is dedicated to the St. Bernards at Barryland, while the evening concludes with a glass of Valais wine in a cozy old town bar.
A frosty morning begins with a hot coffee at Place Centrale, as snow whitens the Alpine peaks. The walk to Saint-Michel Church is short and crisp. At noon, the amphitheater looks magical under a layer of powder snow. The warmth of the Gianadda Foundation is a blessing afterwards. After Barryland, Bâtiaz Castle glitters in the early evening light before retreating to a cozy fondue spot.
Explore Martigny on two wheels, starting from the central square and then cycling to the ancient Roman ruins. The route takes you on to the world-famous Fondation Gianadda, where art and history meet. After this cultural morning, you'll discover the region's industrial past with a stop at the historic Moulin Semblanet before taking on the athletic challenge: the climb to Château de la Bâtiaz. The panoramic view from the castle is worth the effort. In the afternoon, you'll roll to the Distillerie Morand for a tasting of local spirits and end your tour with a visit to the legendary St. Bernard dogs at Barryland. It's a day full of contrasts, from ancient history to art and living traditions.
A wet start from Place Centrale requires good rain gear. The ride to the amphitheater is short, but be careful with wet tires in the corners. At the Gianadda Foundation, both cyclist and gear can dry off. Passing Moulin Semblanet, the route leads to the Morand Distillery, where warm aromas await. The day ends after a visit to Barryland, as city lights blur in the falling rain.
A crisp winter day starts with a brisk ride through Martigny. The air is pure, and Place Centrale feels festive. At the amphitheater, tires crunch on the frost. Inside the warm Gianadda Foundation, the cold is quickly forgotten. The ride to the mill and Morand Distillery keeps the circulation going. After Barryland, the ride back is short as frost takes hold of the city.
Your day by car begins comfortably in the center of Martigny. You park in the "Old Town" cluster and explore Place Centrale and the nearby Roman Amphitheater on foot. Around noon, you drive to the "Culture" cluster, leaving your car at the Fondation Gianadda. From there, you visit the world-renowned art collection and then take a leisurely stroll to Barryland to see the St. Bernard dogs. In the afternoon, you travel to the final cluster, the Château de la Bâtiaz, towering high above the city. After a short drive, you park and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view, which perfectly rounds off your eventful day.
A relaxed start in the parking garage near Place Centrale. Rain drums on the roof while you take a dry stroll to the old town. It's just a short hop by car to the amphitheater. The Gianadda Foundation offers convenient parking right at the door – ideal for this weather. After Barryland, a short drive leads up to Bâtiaz Castle, where the view can be enjoyed from the car or the restaurant.
A cool morning begins with a drive to Place Centrale. The heater is on while outside Martigny shines in winter splendor. The amphitheater is quickly reached, and the parking lot is usually empty. At the Gianadda Foundation, enjoy the warmth and the art. The drive up to Bâtiaz Castle offers a fantastic panoramic view of the snow-covered peaks. The day ends safely and warmly as dusk falls early over the valley.
A bread oven landmark on the hill (Sur le Mont) in Martigny.
A transmission tower visible from afar on the heights of Ravoire near Martigny.
