Top tips for autumn
In autumn, as the Valais forests take on their finest colours, sunny days give way to fresher evenings.
This is the season of good living, of sharing, of convivial gatherings around a bottle of wine or some Valais delicacies. Visitors and locals alike can take advantage of the mild sunshine thanks to a wide choice of open-air activities throughout the diverse landscapes of Valais. To make the most of this delightful season, we have chosen 7 top tips for enjoying our autumn to the full.
Admire autumn colours on a walk
The “Tour du Lac de Tseuzier” is an example of an easy walk that families will love. The route starts at the Tseuzier dam and loops around the reservoir, leading between lake, forest and alpine pastures. Valais enjoys more sunshine and milder temperatures than other regions of Switzerland, so conditions are ideal in autumn for exploring nature at its most colourful.
Taste the different Valais grape varieties thanks to the Valais Wine Pass
Autumn is the ideal season for visiting the vineyards of Valais and exploring the different grape varieties and the wines they produce. The Valais Wine Pass allows you to taste 10 different wines at a selection of cellars, wineries and wine bars: ideal for experiencing the exceptional wealth and diversity of the Valais winemaking scene.
Gather the first chestnuts and enjoy a delicious “brisolée"
Stroll through the beautiful forests of sweet chestnut trees in Fully or Mörel, and gather ripe chestnuts freshly fallen from the branches. And visit one of the many restaurants that offer “brisolée”, a delicious local dish of roast chestnuts served with a variety of cheeses, dried meats and autumnal fruit.
Discover our top wine tourism experiences
Valais is winemaking country: more than 50 different varieties of grape are cultivated here. Visit one of the canton’s many cellars to meet the winemakers and learn from their expertise, or discover the world of wine on hikes, gourmet excursions, tours, cruises and other viticultural experiences.
Cycle the Vineyard Trail
Explore the delightful landscapes of the Rhône valley as you cycle the 26 kilometres from Martigny to Saillon, passing through sunny vineyards and pretty winemaking villages. Along the way, stop to taste delicious local specialities at a range of producers. At the end, sooth your muscles in the blissfully relaxing thermal pools at Saillon’s spa, Les Bains de Saillon.
Book an autumn break
Make the most of the warm autumnal weather and enjoy an unforgettable stay in Valais.
Tackle the top mountain bike trails
The “Breithorn Bike” trail is a scenic route in the wild Lötschental valley, suitable for beginners as well as confirmed riders thanks to its gently descending profile. Along the way it offers superb views of the Breithorn, from which it takes its name: one of several magnificent summits that frame the valley. After crossing the village of Weissenried, the trail follows the Lonza river as far as Wiler.
