Valais is Switzerland’s third largest region, a diverse area occupying the valley of the River Rhône, from its source in the glaciers of the central Alps all the way to its inflow to Lake Geneva. Twenty percent of the region is covered by glaciers, and yet the region has the driest climate, with the lowest rainfall and the most sunshine in the whole of Switzerland.
For the Swiss, the Valais somehow represents a piece of common heritage, you will find restaurants set in traditional Valaisian-style dark wood chalets, complete with window boxes full of geraniums and rustic farm tools all over the walls. These restaurants serve up amazing food together with some of the finest wine in Switzerland, from the local vines of course.
Valais is still a wild and little-known place outside of the famous ski resorts of Zermatt, Verbier and Crans-Montana up in the mountains. Few tourists ever bother to penetrate the deep rural side valleys either side of the single road and rail line that run along the main valley; those who do make the effort find will plenty of long-distance hiking and adventure with sports of all kinds.
The only town of any size is the capital, Sion with a low-key, easygoing atmosphere and a handful of sights. In the northernmost extremities of the region, an area of Vaud known as Haut-Léman occupies the east bank of the Rhône just before it flows into Lake Geneva and shares the mountainous scenery of Valais Romand.
If you are searching for holiday rental accommodation in Valais, relax. Valais is well developed for tourism and there is an extensive choice of holiday rental accommodation including ski chalets, studios, apartments, villas, duplexes, townhouses, farmhouses and even mansions, to provide you with perfect holiday accommodation facilities. Find a suitable holiday home in Valais and book direct with the owner. If you prefer self catering accommodation there are plenty of choices, otherwise you can choose from Swiss bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation. |
