Experience the sparkling Valais autumn

Dear journalists,

Once the effervescence of summer has passed, and before you hit the snowy slopes, autumn offers a chance to live at a gentler pace, enjoy the pleasures of life and experience the glorious Valais landscapes in beautiful autumnal colours. Discover our ten finest autumn walks, ten mouth-watering wine experiences and our top tips for autumn – along with news of our upcoming press trips. And meet Ilona Thétaz and David Crettenand, two inspiring Valais people who have created local projects that are original, daring and eco-friendly.

Would you like to find out more about Valais? Don’t hesitate to contact us: we would be delighted to provide you with further information or organise interviews.

The Valais climate is among the sunniest in Switzerland. Autumn is the ideal season to make the most of the warm temperatures and sunshine to explore nature in its finest colours. We have chosen the ten finest walks to enjoy at this magnificent time of year. From Leukerbad, hike down the spectacular Dala valley towards the vineyards that overlook the only wild stretch of the River Rhône. Alternatively, enjoy a panoramic walk towards a spectacular mountain pass high above the Val d’Illiez, the Col du Cou, on the border between Switzerland and France. Did you know this was a prized smuggling route for sugar, butter, tobacco and watches until the 1950s?

With 5,000 hectares of vineyards, Valais is Switzerland’s leading winegrowing region. The favourable climate – dry and sunny – and the diversity of soils enable nearly 60 grape varieties to flourish. Learn all about the wines of Valais and the traditional expertise used to make them as you explore the region’s scenic terraced vineyards, with their 3,000 km of dry-stone walls. For example, set off on an adventure through the Valais vineyards with the electric bikes at “Les Celliers de Sion” and stop off at a “guérite” – a converted winegrower’s cabin within the wine estate – to enjoy a dish of local specialities.

In former times, Valais was responsible for a large share of Switzerland’s chestnut harvest. Visitors today can enjoy delightful walks in the magnificent chestnut forests, and experience the traditions surrounding this heritage at the groves in Fully and Mörel – and at the big chestnut festival held in Fully every October. Book a table at one of the many restaurants that offer “brisolée”, a delicious local dish of roast chestnuts served with a variety of cheeses, dried meat and autumn fruit.

An excursion up to Croix-de-Culet with a cheese fondue and 360° panoramic views of the Région Dents du Midi, a hike along a historical “bisse” irrigation channel with a delicious Raclette meal at Nendaz, an exploration of the capital of Valais and its history through the “Sion Wine & Dine Culture Tour”, a tasting of the region’s emblematic wines at “Les Celliers de Sion”… These are some of the highlights of the “Wine and Gastronomic delights in Valais” press trip from 12 to 16 October 2021.

Tempted to join us? Or would you like to find out about the other press trips we have planned? Don’t hesitate to get in touch.