History and culture in Monthey

The Château de Monthey is used for exhibitions, concerts and other cultural activities, and houses a museum. The town’s history also includes a castle built on a hill in the centre of the settlement in 950; the first houses in the settlement were grouped around it. The Musée du Vieux-Monthey focuses on the development of the town, its residents and local associations, as well as local crafts and industry. The collection comprises objects and documents donated or loaned by the town, residents, associations and businesses. Another trace of the past is the Pont Couvert: the bridge was built by Napoleon’s troops in 1809.

Monthey’s cultural venues each have their own focus. La Fabrik is a shared arts space with seven associations; cultural events and contemporary art exhibitions are held there from time to time. Le Kremlin, a former cinema dating from the 1950s, hosts films, concerts and creative projects; artist residencies are also occasionally held there. The Théâtre du Crochetan combines a varied programme of dance, music and circus, and has an art gallery on the upper floor. La Gare, arts et jeunesse focuses on performing arts for children, young people and families. Its programme includes theatre, dance, puppetry, music, workshops and participatory formats, as well as performances for schools and preschools.

The routes through the town also offer different ways to explore its history. Monthey has five connected, smartphone-guided walks. Other tours take you to historic fountains and introduce their history and design, including fountains made of precious marble or featuring works by well-known artists. The “Ville insolite” tour takes in distinctive buildings and well-known places. The department responsible for culture, tourism and town twinning offers hikes, walks and free guided tours all year round. Those interested in crafts can find regular courses and internships for amateurs, as well as continuing education courses for professionals, at the École Suisse de Vitrail et Création.

Getting around on foot and by bike

The routes through the Vièze gorges vary considerably in length, difficulty and walking time. The short loop is considered easy, covers 2.2 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The long loop starts and ends at the Vieux-Pont in Monthey. It is moderately difficult, covers 6.2 kilometres and takes about 2 hours; it also includes a dizzying section. The start and finish are at the Vieux-Pont in Monthey. The route through the gorges also includes a 90-metre-long, 60-metre-high suspension bridge. To reach the route to the gorges, take the regional train to Monthey station, then the bus to the Monthey, Place centrale stop. Check the timetable before travelling.

The Chemin de la Croix offers a different theme: this moderately difficult route is five kilometres long, takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and passes 14 crosses. It runs from the Chapelle du Pont Monthey to the Chapelle des Giettes and was established in 1996 by the Catholic parish of Monthey. The Berges du Rhône route connects natural and industrial landscapes along the Vièze and the Rhône. This moderately difficult hike is eleven kilometres long, takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes, and can be walked all year round. Along the way, it passes the Gouille des Mangettes, a peaceful landscape with diverse wildlife.

For a bike ride, there is the Monthey–Les Cerniers route: it is eleven kilometres long, climbs continuously and is rated difficult. From the Vieux-Pont in Monthey, it goes through Choëx to the Les Cerniers car park. The routes therefore differ not only in duration and length, but also in activity and level of difficulty.

Markets, Carnaval and other activities

Demècre à Montà builds on a Wednesday market tradition that dates back to 1352. The market takes place at Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, where traders, producers and second-hand dealers gather. The Carnaval de Monthey brings a different rhythm to the town: this annual tradition takes place in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday. From Thursday to Tuesday, masks, parade floats, Guggenmusik and other events fill the town centre. The Sunday parade features current local, regional and international topics and draws a large crowd every year. Since its date is based on Ash Wednesday, it’s worth checking the event dates for the relevant year.

Monthey is in the heart of the Portes du Soleil–Chablais destination, at the foot of the Dents-du-Midi range and halfway between the mountains and the lake. Leisure activities also come with different conditions: the paved pump track is 278 metres long and covers a total area of 1,642 square metres. It is open free of charge all year round, although access is weather-dependent, and is intended for mountain bikes, BMX bikes and scooters. The Piscine de Monthey is open seasonally; its facilities include a heated 50-metre outdoor pool at 25°C, a diving area, a paddling pool, slides and a current channel with a jacuzzi. At Xstream Park, WaveSurf, bodyboarding and trampolining are available indoors; these activities are offered all year round and in all weather conditions.

Discover more destinations: Champéry, Morgins, Saint-Gingolph, Torgon, Troistorrents, Val-D'illiez, Monthey, Vionnaz, Port-Valais, Vouvry.

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