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Are you looking for an excursion near Zermatt? Consider visiting Sion, a town about two hours away, boasting breathtaking scenery.
Sion is home to the medieval Valère Basilica and Château de Tourbillon, as well as various art museums.
This blog will give you a glimpse of what to expect when visiting there.
Visiting Sion: Essential Information
My husband and I hadn’t originally planned to visit Sion. We intended to trek in the Sunnegga area of Zermatt and then move on to our next destination.
However, we learned that trekking in May was not possible due to lingering snow. So, we quickly decided on Sion as an alternative destination.
We also considered Montreux, known for its Freddie Mercury statue, but its distance made it less feasible. Thus, we settled on Sion for our impromptu adventure.
The Journey to there
The trip from Zermatt to Sion takes about two hours, requiring a train transfer at Visp.
Although we had limited information about Sion, we were determined to see the Valère Basilica and Château de Tourbillon.
When purchasing our Swiss Travel Pass, we debated between first-class and second-class tickets. While first-class tickets were pricier, we found them to be worth it.
The second-class seats were quite crowded, but the first-class seats offered a more comfortable experience.
After transferring at Visp, we finally arrived at Sion.
From the station, we had to decide whether to walk or take a bus to Château de Tourbillon.
We opted to walk for about 30 minutes, enjoying the leisurely pace and the surroundings.
Exploring Sion
As we walked, we noticed the scent of acacia flowers, which brought back childhood memories.
The shaded path, lined with trees, provided a refreshing walk. We soon began to see buildings that felt reminiscent of Italy, adding to the charm of our journey.
Climbing the seemingly endless hill, we finally spotted a sign pointing us to the Valère Basilica. Encouraged, we continued our ascent. The stone steps leading up the hill were manageable, especially since we wore trekking shoes.
The Valère Basilica: Sion’s Landmark
The final stretch to the Valère Basilica involved climbing a series of stone steps.
Though tiring, the view of the snow-capped mountains was a delightful distraction. The unique architecture of Sion, contrasting with that of Zermatt, kept us engaged and excited.
From the hill, we had a clear view of Château de Tourbillon and the entire town of Sion. After a brief rest and some photos, we continued our climb to the Valère Basilica.
The basilica, dating back to the medieval era, stands atop a high hill, originally built to ward off invaders. Its ancient architecture and the effort required to reach it made the experience even more rewarding.
Inside, the basilica retained its historical essence, with minimal restoration or decoration, offering an authentic glimpse into the past.
Outside, a garden with lush green grass provided a peaceful spot to rest. After soaking in the serene atmosphere, we prepared to return to Zermatt.
Sion: A Delightful Side Trip from Zermatt
Sion was a delightful and manageable side trip from Zermatt. If you have the time, spending a full day here would be worthwhile.
Though our visit was brief due to our tight schedule, we thoroughly enjoyed it. If Montreux feels too far from Zermatt, consider planning a trip to Sion instead.