Surrounding Villages – A brief overview of Nax Perched 1,300 metres high above Sion, lies the village of Nax in the Val d’Hérens. This village has adopted the subtitle “Le Balcon du Ciel”, meaning “Balcony of the Sky” as it has the feeling of hovering half way between the plain and the peaks with sky above and below. Near […]
Sion and its Shops – Part 2
Sion and its Shops – Part 2 Sion has hundreds of shops – both modern and traditional, and the tagline for its retail services is “Le Plus Grand Centre Commercial du Valais”. There is even a fun little video that has been produced by the town’s commercial service website which demonstrates all the shopping possibilities. […]
Winter Traditions Near Sion – Masked Men and Straw Men parades
Winter traditions to see near Sion The Valais is rich in traditions and customs which are celebrated in villages and towns across the canton all year round. In winter “Straw Men” and “Peluches” (stuffed animals) walk through the village of Evolène during the Carnival period, whilst in the Lötschental the Tschäggättä (masked men) can be found in […]
Sion Carnival – Party time in the Town
Carnival in Sion is a big affair. The main procession through the old town is a delight to watch. Locals enter into the carnival spirit and dress up in costume, Guggenmusik bands play, confetti is thrown and shot into the air by giant cannons and there is a party atmosphere in the town. Carnival events […]
Shopping in Sion. Part 1 – The Friday Market
The Friday market – A lively atmosphere in the centre of town. The Friday Market in Sion takes place in the “Vieille Ville” (in the old part of town). Between 08:00 and 14:00 in the summer (09:00 – 14:00 in the winter) the central streets are lined with a variety of stands with market traders selling everything […]