The District of Conthey is an administrative region of Switzerland. Winemaking, historic buildings and trails through natural and mountain landscapes offer a variety of experiences.
Winemaking and Tastings
A wine trail leads from Ardon to Conthey through 716 hectares of terraced vineyards and past the Amigne vineyards above VĂ©troz. The trail highlights both the extensive vineyard landscape and a particular grape variety. In VĂ©troz, Amigne accounts for eight percent of the 180 hectares of vineyard area; local winemakers trace their winemaking tradition back two thousand years.
Cave Jean-René Germanier in Vétroz runs an estate of almost 60 hectares and produces around 700,000 bottles a year. Its offerings include wine tastings and tastings of Williams pear brandy, which the winery has produced since 1945. Check current visiting options before your trip.
Chamoson also offers a variety of ways to explore winemaking. There, 39 grape varieties are grown; among the white varieties, Sylvaner, known locally as Johannisberg, is the most prominent. Caveau de Chamoson offers 150 wines from 21 wineries. If you would like to combine a meal with a wine experience, the Forfait valaisan pairs a regional menu at the Caveau with a visit to a wine cellar and tastings of three wines. The offer is seasonal; check availability before your trip.
Another way to discover the vineyards is the Sentier du Cep Ă la Cime in Chamoson, offered as a circular hike of around three hours. Here too, confirm seasonal availability before your trip.
History and Cultural Sites
The historic trail begins at Tour Lombarde in the medieval Bourg de Conthey. An educational trail was established there in summer 2022. In the 13th century, under Count Peter II of Savoy, the tower formed the northwestern corner of the fortifications. Today, it also houses a Caveau promoting local wines and regional products; ask locally about opening arrangements.
At Saint-Séverin Church, the walls and bell tower preserve visible parts of a 12th-century Romanesque church. They help explain the history of the building, which was extended in 1844. Chapelle Sainte-Pétronille is considered Conthey’s oldest chapel and is one of the few surviving Baroque gems in French-speaking Valais. At Musée de la Forge, you can see the former forge of Prosper Zambaz, his work, and objects he made or repaired. Check locally about access to the museum.
In Nendaz, Chapelle St-Michel is Baroque in its present form and probably dates from the 18th century. Its interior decoration is the work of the painter Charles Frédéric Brun. Chapelle St-Barthélémy is associated with important processions. At the annual mass on 24 August, cheeses from the region’s alpine pastures are blessed.
The Gallo-Roman remains of Ardon offer another historical point of interest: Roman coins found there date the site to the 1st to 3rd centuries AD. Visits are possible only with advance reservations; confirm the visiting arrangements beforehand.
Nature, Trails and Seasons
The Biotope des Epines in Conthey is a 14-hectare natural area with an observation post and several information panels. It is accessed via the RhĂ´ne embankment. The combination of the observation post and panels offers a practical way to explore the area and learn more about it.
A different landscape awaits at Jardin japonais in Nendaz, where a stream winds between rocks and alpine flowers. For longer hikes, the Bisse de Chervé may be of interest. The entire route can be walked on a well-maintained hiking trail. As conditions at high altitude can play a role, check them before setting out.
For winter sports, the 4 Vallées ski area near Nendaz has 410 kilometres of pistes, including 220 kilometres in the Printse sector. The season is listed as running from November to May; conditions and piste availability vary. If you are planning your trip around it, check what is currently available for your planned dates.
Getting There and Planning Your Visit
Chamoson-St-Pierre-de-Clages station is a stop on the Simplon line and is served exclusively by regional trains. It is therefore worth checking the connection for your travel date. When visiting Chapelle de Planchouet in Nendaz, there are also two seasonal or time-specific details to bear in mind: it is accessible by public transport, and masses are held there in summer. Check the current service schedule if you would like to plan your visit around one.
Discover more destinations: VĂ©troz, Conthey, Nendaz, Chamoson, Ardon Vs, Monthey, Saint-Maurice, Leuk
Return to the main travel overview: Valais.
