A change of scenery in the Valais

DAY ONE

Saint-Maurice Abbey Barely 30 minutes! That’s how long it takes to get from Vevey to Saint-Maurice. In this town at the foot of the cliffs, the day gets off to a gentle start in front of the abbey’s magnificent Romanesque bell tower. Although the basilica dates from the 17th century, the oldest remains on the site date back to 515. This archaeological site is an invitation to step back in time and walk through 1,500 years of history. Once you’ve traversed the catacombs, the abbey treasury is revealed to visitors. A magical experience!

Visit Saint-Maurice Abbey

Auberge de Morcles The day continues in the direction of culinary seventh heaven via the spectacular Route de Morcles. Driving on this former military road requires a certain dexterity at the wheel to master the 29 hairpin bends. On the way, stop off to admire the Morcles waterfalls, the most impressive of which cascades over 100m down the rock. And to round off this off-the-beaten-track excursion, we’ll recharge our batteries at the Auberge de Morcles, which combines excellent traditional cuisine with a warm welcome. Rustic, friendly, simply fantastic!

Les Bains de Val-d’Illiez If it’s time to head back down the 29 bends of the Route de Morcles, the rest of the day promises to keep you at the pinnacle of well-being. The program includes a dip in the thermal waters of the Bains de Val-d’Illiez. Forget your watch, recharge your batteries and decompress for as long as you need in these waters rich in sulphur, calcium and magnesium, with their recognized benefits for the body. For those aiming for nirvana, massages and other relaxing treatments are available in the wellness area. In the evening, you can extend the relaxation effect by spending the night in the spa residence.

Visit the Bains de Val-d’Illiez website

DAY TWO

Fondation Pierre Gianadda Unmissable, indispensable… You can’t cross the Rhône Valley without taking the time to visit the Fondation Pierre Gianadda. Stroll through its gardens, dotted with monumental sculptures, dream of speed at the Musée de l’Automobile, go back in time at the Musée gallo-romain. And, above all, admire the works of the greatest artists on temporary display at the museum. Paul Cézanne’s Impressionism and Cartier Bresson’s photography until November 19, then, from December 1, the graphic works of Toulouse-Lautrec.

Visit the Fondation Gianadda website

La Vache qui vole If the culture bath has whetted your appetite, head for Martigny in one of the oldest buildings on the historic town square. Original decor, a relaxed atmosphere and market-fresh cuisine blending classicism and Mediterranean flavours are the charms of this trendy urban spot, under the sign of a monumental cow suspended several metres above the ground.

Visit the Vache qui vole website

Chapelle de Notre-Dame du Scex After a short detour to the Pissevache, a 116-metre-high waterfall, the journey ends where it began, in Saint-Maurice, at the Chapelle de Notre-Dame du Scex. Set into a cliff face,this sacred site, whose foundations may date back to the late 8th century, overlooks the valley. Rebuilt in the 18th century, the present-day chapel boasts elegant stained-glass windows and a fine collection of votive offerings. We secretly wish to return soon to this place of pilgrimage, which was inhabited by numerous hermits long before we ever set foot on its soil.