Attractions and Places To See around Sion - Top 20

Sion is rich in history. You can explore the medieval Sion Old Town with its historic buildings and cobbled streets. Don't miss the Basilica of Valère, a fortified church complex housing one of the world's oldest playable organs, and the ruins of Tourbillon Castle, both offering panoramic views. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Sion is another significant historical and architectural site.

Yes, Sion is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You can visit Lac de Sanetsch, a beautiful lake with a circular hiking path through mountain landscapes. The Bisses, ancient irrigation channels, now serve as picturesque hiking trails, with the Bisse de Savièse Torrent-Neuf being particularly notable for its hanging bridges. The Underground Lake of St-Léonard offers a unique boat trip experience, and the Lac de Mont d'Orge provides lovely views over the city.

Sion offers several family-friendly options. The Sion Old Town and Cathedral of Our Lady of Sion are suitable for all ages. For outdoor fun, the Domaine des Îles features a lake and an adventure park. The Valais Nature Museum, with its extensive collection of local wildlife, is also a great educational visit for families.

For breathtaking views, head to the Basilica of Valère and Tourbillon Castle, both perched on hills overlooking the Rhône Valley. The Cabane de Prarochet, located below the Zanfleuron glacier, offers spectacular views of the Alps, including Mont Blanc and Cervin (Matterhorn). Lac de Sanetsch and Lac de Tseuzier also provide stunning mountain vistas.

Absolutely. Many attractions are integrated with hiking trails. The Bisse de Savièse Torrent-Neuf is a spectacular trail featuring hanging bridges. You can also enjoy a circular hike around Lac de Sanetsch. For more options, explore the waterfall hikes around Sion, which include routes like the Geltenbach Waterfall loop.

Sion boasts several cultural institutions. The Valais Art Museum and Valais History Museum, located at the foot of the castle hills, showcase regional art and the rich history of Valais. The Fellini Foundation for Cinema, housed in the Maison du Diable, is dedicated to the work of Federico Fellini and explores various artistic connections. The Maison Supersaxo is another Renaissance-style building functioning as a cultural center.

Yes, the region around Sion offers diverse cycling routes. You can find various options, from moderate to difficult, including the 'Sion Vineyards Loop' or the 'Circuit du Sanetsch et du lac de Sénin'. For more detailed routes, check out the road cycling routes around Sion or MTB trails around Sion.

Many outdoor attractions in Sion are best enjoyed from spring to autumn. For instance, Tourbillon Castle is typically open from mid-March to mid-November. Trails like the Bisse de Savièse Torrent-Neuf may be impassable due to snow and ice until late April, so it's advisable to check conditions beforehand, especially for higher altitude routes.

Yes, there are mountain huts available. The Cabane de Prarochet is a well-located hut below the Zanfleuron glacier, offering food and drinks. The Prabé Mountain Hut is a basic, unguarded refuge on the Prabé Ridge, where you need to bring your own supplies for an overnight stay.

The Rhône Valley, where Sion is situated, is renowned for its scenic beauty, vineyards, and the Rhône River itself. It offers opportunities for relaxation along the riverbanks and provides breathtaking views, especially from higher vantage points like the bisses. The valley's fertile lands contribute to the region's wine production, making it a significant agricultural area.

You can easily reach Lac de Sanetsch by cable car from Gsteig. Parking is available in Gsteig, or you can take a bus to Gsteig to access the cable car. The cable car ride itself offers scenic views on the way to the lake.